DESIGN NAME: Orbita
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Luminaire
INSPIRATION: Inspired by celestial cycles, orbital movements, and the sun's circadian rhythm. An opportunity to enhance the user's quality of life was identified by allowing them to customize their lighting according to different times of the day and specific uses. The high-tech material, with its unique technical properties, presented both a challenge and a strong source of inspiration. The pursuit of highlighting the material's attributes became an intrinsic part of the design process.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Orbita merges a patented ultra-matte material with infinite rotation. It redefines light through minimalism, tactile interaction, and personalization: orbiting innovation and timeless design. The core of the project was to allow the user to be part of the transformation of light. Incorporating an innovative infinite rotation system that allows for light customization at different times of the day and across various usage scenarios. Argentine design, with materials and machinery made in Italy.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The object is designed for manual adjustment, allowing the user to interact with and direct the light as desired. One hand grips the central ring to stabilize the fixture, while the other adjusts the shade, creating rotation. The primary lighting effect is indirect illumination.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project began in December 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and was completed in February 2025 in the same city, prior to being exhibited at SaloneSatellite, Salone del Mobile Milano, and various locations during Milan Design Week.
FITS BEST INTO CATEGORY: Lighting Products and Fixtures Design
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: CNC machining using made-in-Italy equipment for the central ring and screen contour. The central pieces are made entirely from production leftovers of kitchen countertops. The indirect light screen undergoes steam bending and a pressure system utilizing a specially developed mold for this product. Laser cutting is used for the aluminum infinite rail, along with a rotating contact piece that moves along it. Laser cutting is also applied to opal acrylic for the anti-glare diffuser. Both the screen bending and the assembly process are done manually, ensuring perfect material integration and optimal connectivity between parts. More than 25 distinct components, specifically designed and manufactured for this lamp, are used in its construction.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: Each component is designed and manufactured in Argentina using 95% patented Italian anti-glare material, featuring heat-activated scratch self-regeneration, fingerprint resistance, and an ultra-soft touch. This material is composed of 70% paper, advanced acrylic resins, and proprietary technologies, treated with electron beam curing for enhanced color stability and durability.
Dimensions
Diameter: 250 mm
Length: 1250 mm
Screen thickness: 1.8 mm
Central ring thickness: 20 mm
TAGS: Orbita, industrial design, lighting, timeless, Ignacio Noel, circadian lighting, minimalism, tactile interaction, innovation, Ignacio Martinez Todeschini, Argentine manufacturing, international market.
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: For Orbita's development, exploratory research was conducted, analyzing astronomy, orbital movements, and light-form interaction. Advanced materials were studied, focusing on ultra-matte surfaces and circadian lighting technologies.
Through descriptive research, material properties and manufacturing processes were assessed, determining that CNC machining and steam bending would ensure precision and fluidity. This approach allowed integrating technological innovation with a minimalist and tactile aesthetic.
CHALLENGE: Achieving Orbita in Argentina was the most challenging part of this design project. FENIX, a material very new in the country, has few suppliers with the expertise to work with it. Additionally, the national market is not inclined to invest in high-end products, making Orbita a strong commitment to the international market. Adapting this innovative material, primarily developed for other applications, to a lighting product was a huge but exciting challenge.
ADDED DATE: 2025-03-04 15:05:21
TEAM MEMBERS (2) : Ignacio Martinez Todeschini and Ignacio Noel
IMAGE CREDITS: Photographer: Anabella Castro
Illustrations: Ignacio Martinez Todeschini
Video rendering: Federico Chama
Video: Anabella Castro
Industrial designer: Ignacio Martinez Todeschini
Design director: Ignacio Noel
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Trademark No. 4455247. INPI. 2025. Argentina. Ignacio Martin Noel 100%
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