The mobile lifestyle called urban nomadism inspired designer Tim Rundle to create the TR Bulb collection, featuring a LED-bulb surrounded by a round opal glass. The slender and atmospheric light adapts to new surroundings, literally, in a flash.
EFFORTLESS MOBILITY AND wireless technology predominate modern life, so why would they not also belong to the basic elements of modern lighting? The TR Bulb, designed by Tim Rundle for Danish Menu, answers this question in a simple but ingenious way.
“TR Bulb received its inspiration from the modern nomadic lifestyle; we move frequently, sometimes several times a year. I wanted to create a high-quality, technically sophisticated lamp, which was essentially a bulb,” Rundle says.
The central element of the TR Bulb Collection is, indeed, an E27 base, dimmable LED-bulb, which is built into a round opal glass lamp shade. The fixed combination can be attached to any standard E27 base, for example, a pendant light hung from the ceiling or a desk lamp.
“I wanted to create a high-quality, technically sophisticated lamp, which was essentially a bulb.”
In addition to its flexibility and multi-functionality, Rundle also designed the TR Bulb to stand the test of time. The low-energy LED light bulb lasts for years in normal use, and despite being light, the structure of the lamp has been designed to be sturdy.
TR Bulb is the first joint project of Menu and Tim Rundle. Rundle, originally from New Zealand, but who now calls London home, aims to create objects that interact with the surrounding space in subtle, even imperceptible ways.
Tim Rundle also designed the TR Bulb to stand the test of time. The low-energy LED light bulb lasts for years in normal use.
“A good product should look as good and function as well in the real world, as it does in product photography. It should accentuate the atmosphere of the space in a positive way, but quietly, without crying for attention,” Rundle says of his starting points.
Rundle describes his own work as the “improvement of the built environment with elegant, technically subtle ways,” and TR Bulb is an excellent example of this. The functionally stylish light fits easily into Menu’s Scandinavian design philosophy—its central features are timeless, yet modern, items that help to simplify and beautify spaces.
Who: Tim Rundle
• From New Zealand, living in London since 2008
• Studied industrial design at Victoria University of Wellington
• Worked, among others, as lead designer of the Tom Dixon furniture and lighting design team, design consultancy of Priestmangoode, as well as design director of Conran and Partners
• Opened Tim Rundle Studio in London in 2015, which is focused on industrial design consultation, furniture and lamp design, interior design, as well as installations
• Teaches at London’s Royal College of Art in the master's degree program of product design
• Has designed products, among others, for Menu, Resident, Joseph Joseph, and SP01
See also:
• Products designed by Tim Rundle >
• Menu's products >
Text: Nora Uotila Photos: Menu