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Multifunctional lamp for a shared room
Echo is a table lamp, reimaging the classic PH5 lamp with features designed to meet the need in a shared room.
Keywords: Modular, Multifunctional, Adaptive
The needs in a shared room
Echo is designed for teenagers aged 16–19 who share a room with their siblings or friends, with a focus on minimizing light disturbance to their roommate. Its dual-layer shell system helps control light direction and intensity. The outer shell is wide, directing light forward, while the inner shell is divided into a matte and a transparent half. When light passes through the matte side, it diffuses softly over a broader area. In contrast, the transparent side concentrates the light into a smaller, more focused beam—ideal for limiting disruption in a shared space where one user may prefer darkness.
Another key feature of Echo is its detachable “bulb,” which can be removed from the lamp body and used as a small torch. This was developed in response to user research, which revealed that turning on a room light during late-night movements—such as getting up or leaving the room—often disturbs the other person. With the detachable bulb, users can carry a light source with them, reducing disruption and maintaining a more considerate shared environment.
Unlike a phone flashlight, Echo’s detachable bulb switches automatically to a dim torch mode when removed, providing soft, low light that’s less likely to disturb a roommate. It also avoids the bright screen glow and notifications that can be distracting for the teens.
Reimagining Classic
As a study project, Echo reimagines the iconic PH5 lamp by Danish designer Poul Henningsen. We extracted its essence into four key qualities: minimal, geometric, clean, and expressive. Echo takes inspiration from PH5’s form, reinterpreting the discs as a light shield and filter to control the light. The color palette is also calm and quite, featuring cream white as the base and anaccent colour on the back of the shell.
Sketches
Team project
In collaboration with:
Antonella Belletti, Paola Bianchi, Thomas Jensen