Starling: Porcelain + LED

Task: Group design assignment at Lund University
Team: Martyna Konopka (Porcelain, Metal bending, Finishing, Design), Elena Biondi (Metal lathing, Porcelain, Design), Jacob Strand (Electronics, 3D printing, Design)
Brief: Design a luminaire combining LED light and porcelain











“Combine the traditional medium of porcelain with LED technology to create a luminaire”

Starling lets light follow you wherever you may be – indoors or outdoors, reading a book or cooking with friends. LED light is directed upwards from the base, and reflected down and around by the porcelain hood.






Practical form with a soft finish

Created to be a portable and friendly lighting solution, we designed the luminaire to look light and airy while remaining practical. The metal frame creates the overall shape as well as protects the elements within, particularly the fragile porcelain piece.

Porcelain dome shaped to reflect light

An important part of prototyping was finding a suitable shape for the porcelain dome which afforded the reflection of LED light cast upwards from the base. We experimented with transparent glaze, only to settle for a raw, unglazed finish which not only reflects light downwards but also gives off a soft glow.