Ross Lovegrove and Italian lighting manufacturer, Artemide have joined forces with a new collection, Cosmic. Cosmic Leaf, Cosmic Angel and Cosmic Ocean “relate to a very new alien species…an other worldliness…in terms of the complex mix of botanical surfaces and interactive skins.”

“Cosmic itself relates to entities which capture light in the darkness of space…my designs do not emit light…they capture projected light like a sun onto a distant planet,” says Lovegrove about the collection. See below for a peek into Lovegrove’s studio space while working on Cosmic along with more insights into the project and collaboration with Artemide from the designer.

Artemide: Cosmic Leaf

Artemide: Cosmic Ocean

On the design process:
The form, material, process and function make a holistic trinity and the design is embedded in the concept — not applied superficially. It’s a single skin single technology process. I work with conversation, botanical references and advanced digital programs to achieve such results. The designs were tested through 3D printed models made at my studio.

We went through multiple prototypes to test scale, surface light capturing properties, mold release issues and so on. Going through this process of generation and research, it became evident that the simplicity and lightness of Thermo Formed leaves was by far the most relevant process. This material was proven to be the most economic and versatile of technologies to create a broad scope of product.

On Cosmic:
The designs are intended as accent pieces and are deeply atmospheric and moody. They seem to be coming out of darkness like objects in space but strangely referencing oceanic or botanical forms and feelings. Contemporary digitally generated architectonic elements that are suspended lightly in space. A new nature.

On collaboration with Artemide:
My studio delivers high definition design. We supply precise date so there is no ambiguity. This is the starting point and my role was also to advance and progress the development process at Artemide working closely with assigned engineers. The generated data is as valuable as the final pieces, it cultivates a type of art form, a self referencing, self stimulating sequence of discovery within the team.

[images by Pierre Jusselme]

by Jean Lin