Continuously pushing the boundaries of lighting, FLOS has teamed up with Nendo to introduce Gaku, a modular lamp that acts as a cross between light and accessory.
When he sets out on a project, Nendo’s Oki Sato aims to create what has never been created before. “I wish to design something that I can’t think of,” the principal of Japanese studio Nendo says. “If I can already imagine it, then it is less exciting for me.” In his quest to challenge himself, Sato dreams up innovative products and spaces across sectors that push the boundaries of design. His imaginative approach has led to the creation of FLOS’s latest product: Gaku.
Meant to be used as a multi-functional lamp and piece of furniture, Gaku (which means frame in Japanese) is infinitely customizable, offering a glimpse into the personality of the user.
The either natural ash or black-stain frame hosts and interacts with the lightsource as well as a variety of five matching accessories: a bowl, vase, key bowl, mirror and bookend. Using the power of magnets, the user can arrange their Gaku like a mini room to meet their needs.
Gaku is available in two versions. One offers an adjustable-height pendant light attached to the inside-top of the frame, while the other has a wireless light with up to 48 hours of battery (charged via wireless induction built into the frame – YES that means phones can be charged here too!), allowing the user to position the lamp freely when lighting is needed elsewhere.
With Gaku, Nendo and FLOS strip down the light to its most basic form and build it up again in a creative way. The interactive concept behind Gaku reflects Oki Sato’s (Nendo’s principal) deep curiosity around objects and ability to reimagine everyday experiences. While it is a useful source of indirect lighting, it’s much more than that, too—it’s an art piece, conversation starter, and imaginative tool that can store keys, hold flowers, display books, and more.