As the cofounder of design studio
With his first object—OBJ-01 Lamp—Manu investigates the minimality in material usage, assemblage, and aesthetic. Using geometrical forms, the designer applies simple rectangles and circles to be cut from a sheet of raw metal—be it steel, stainless steel, or brass. Two-dimensional shapes are distributed smartly on a single plate and brought together into a three-dimensional object with ease.
This lighting fixture, with a facade of a contemporary sculpture, consists of four elements: an L-shaped joinery acting as the standee, an rotating circular surface to adjust the direction of light, a rectangular plane dictating the formation of OBJ-01, and a cylindrical LED spotlight modestly resides behind said plane. Every figure serves a sole function and their respective function informs the outcome of appearance.
The construction of the design is as direct as its image. Where the rectangular plane rests on the L-shaped joinery, their intersection rigidly gives stance to the object’s entirety. The circular plane is joined with two thick metallic dowels, installed by hand with a rubber hammer. This subtle detail creates a floating illusion where the two planes meet, while exempting the light of any extraneous technical input.
In the language of aesthetic, OBJ-01 holds an abstract altar-like posture. When the warm LED light shines onto the metal plane, the emitting glow gives a soft hue to its surroundings. Yet the focus still concentrates at the central piece, fixing the gazes of spectators; then the design transforms into an iconic statue to be observed.
Manu Bañó only aims for the design to be a “part of an open collection of simple objects based on the purity of raw materials, industrial processes and simple gestures that cause a specific function.” However, the end result is a conceptual reading that goes beyond technicality and operational pursuits.