Let There Be Light
When Nicholas DeFaria (EnvDes鈥�19) designed and built three high-end lamps for his 鈥淚ntroduction to Digital Design & Fabrication鈥� course, he already knew where they would hang: In his soon-to be born baby鈥檚 bedroom.
His classmates were planning to auction their lamps at an environmental design department gala in April, to raise money for the program.
The lamps were featured in CU鈥檚 Red Room Gallery throughout November.
Students used tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC milling machines, along with computer software, to design and assemble stylish and functional light fixtures using LED bulbs or strips.
鈥淥ver time this 鈥榙igilamp鈥� assignment has turned into somewhat of a happening,鈥� said Marcel de Lange, who teaches the course.
In truth, he said, it鈥檚 more than a mere introduction to design. It gives students the opportunity to learn by doing, and to follow their vision from concept to design to product.
鈥淭he idea that you can learn how to design a house or a piece of furniture or a lamp from a book or theory alone is somewhat archaic in today鈥檚 world of design-thinking and design-making,鈥� he said.
Photo by Angus MacInnis (Arch'20)
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