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Kooij

Satellite by Dirk van der Kooij

10-16 Weeks

The Satellite was originally designed as a shell to envelope and showcase its humble light source. Three standard-sized fluorescent rings composed the heart of the lamp. Their attraction was simple: in 2013, fluorescent bulbs could be found in a variety of light temperatures, whilst LED bands remained overwhelmingly chilly. When seeking to mix light temperatures in a single vessel, the fluorescent bulbs proved to be the most logical option. The hills and valleys of low-resolution 3D printing serve to distort and blend the individual bands of light.

In early 2020, the design was reconfigured with warm, unfussy LEDs. The shell remains unchanged: whilst the technology has evolved, the sentimental form persists. Two tactile knobs on the side of the vessel control the LEDs. With these, the balance of cool and warm light can be manipulated.

Designed in 2012.

Data Sheet

52x57xH57cm | 6kg
L 20 1⁄2x W 22 1⁄2x H 22 1⁄2in | 13lbs

Recycled plastic, LED lighting

The Netherlands

<80W | 3.800lm

In 2009, Dirk van der Kooij founded this studio in the basement of the Design Academy, Eindhoven. His guiding question was seemingly simple: could plastic be an honest, durable material? Six pizza ovens welded together proved that yes, it could. The resulting Elephant Skin series saw recycled plastic wrinkle and contract as it cooled outside of a mould, conjuring a rich, living tactility. The ultimate imitator had finally found an identity of its own.

A decade since this adventure began, Dirk produces a tightly curated range of forever furniture in his Amsterdam-based factory. Select pieces have joined the permanent collections of the Stedelijk museum, MoMA New York, MoMA San Francisco, Vitra Design Museum, Design Museum London, and the National Museum in Oslo.

Condition: New