Plenty of Bright Ideas as Students Complete Light Fixture Projects

After studying diffusion of light and learning the fundamentals of AutoCAD by designing a screen, students in Matt Martino’s 2-Dimensional Design course were tasked with designing and producing their own custom light fixture using the laser cutter and 2-dimensional fabrication techniques. 

The students began by researching and analyzing light fixtures by notable industrial designers and architects before sketching and building rough cardboard prototypes. In the next phase, students translated their rough prototypes into accurate AutoCAD drawings to create a kit of parts to be laser-cut and assembled.  

In the final phase of design, students moved back and forth between prototyping, assembling and problem-solving to build a unique yet functional and structurally stable pendant or free standing light fixture.

In their final presentations on Friday, January 21, students shared their journey and reflected on challenges, discoveries and further improvements to be made.