For most of us, a thesis project involved a big, long paper and lots of sleepless nights.  For some, though — for instance, graduates of the College of Design at the University of Gothenburg — it involves the creation of a true work of art, with a bit of electronic function thrown in for kicks.  That’s a perfect explanation of the origins of Markus Johansson’s octopus lamp series, formally named “Cirrata.”  Made of corian, a primary motivator behind the series’ creation was the challenge of going beyond the parameters that most might think the material is limited by.  Barely touching the ground with the tips of their tentacles, so to speak, the forms are incredibly lightweight, which is surprising given their source material.  In the end, Johansson seems to have accomplished what he set out to do: take a building material normally used for a specific function (namely, countertops) and give it an entirely new way of being, illuminating interior spaces and sparking lively conversation along the way.  Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or simply tend to enjoy a whimsical bit of rule-bending from time to time, a lighting series like this one might be just the thing when you’re in the market for something to spruce up your home.

Photo credits: Markus Johansson