The Gravity Upcycled-Marble Edition table lamp by Space Copenhagen, available exclusively at Finnish Design Shop, showcases sustainability in style. In an interview with Design Stories, the designers share how upcycled marble offcuts were turned into a unique two-tone base, giving the Gravity lamp a fresh story and a delightful twist.
THE STRIKING CONTRAST between the sturdy marble base and the translucent canvas shade is a signature of Space Copenhagen. If there's one thing this Danish design studio, founded by Signe Bindslev Henriksen and Peter Bundgaard Rützou, is known for, it's their designs filled with opposite elements.
This interplay of contrasts is even more pronounced in their new Gravity Upcycled-Marble Edition table lamp for the Danish brand GUBI. The base, now adorned with bold stripes, is crafted from two-tone marble pieces, offering a fresh twist on the original Gravity lamp's single-color design.
The design process for the Gravity Upcycled-Marble lamp began with a commitment to circularity.
“We saw an opportunity to transform marble offcuts – materials typically discarded – into a product that is just as beautiful and functional as the original Gravity lamp design. This approach not only minimized waste but also allowed us to infuse the design with a fresh aesthetic through these reclaimed materials.”
The two-tone base of the new Gravity lamp is crafted from surplus marble pieces, precisely cut, glued together, and polished to perfection. The interplay of darker and lighter stones, each with its unique patterns, creates a striking effect.
Space Copenhagen notes that working with upcycled materials presented its own set of challenges.
“The main challenge was managing the complexity of working with offcuts, which requires meticulous sorting, cutting, and layering to create a cohesive base. Unlike the standard version, which is cut from single marble blocks, this new edition demanded a higher level of craftsmanship and precision.”
As is often the case in the creative process, what first appeared to be challenges ultimately became rewarding opportunities. The differences in the marble pieces evolved into a defining feature of the Gravity Upcycled-Marble lamp's unique charm.
“These technical constraints ultimately enriched the design, adding complexity and depth while staying true to the Gravity Lamp’s original spirit,” Space Copenhagen describes.
“The result is a piece that honors the original while telling a new story through its unique, upcycled form.”
See also:
• GUBI's Gravity Upcycled-Marble Edition table lamp >
• All products by Space Copenhagen >
Text: Susa Pääkkönen Images: GUBI