The Hedron Pendant is a 3D-printed chandelier by Mickus Projects that uses hexagonal geometry and bioplastic material that is precisely sculpted to generate distinctive, glare-free illumination. It was inspired by both nature and extraterrestrial life.
The goal of this project was to design a multipurpose centerpiece chandelier that could be installed both indoors and outdoors and was appropriate for use in commercial, residential, and hospitality settings. The objective of the design was to produce a single, unbroken element devoid of several parts and attachments, together with an intricate and captivating visual experience that leaves the observer perplexed as to how the captivating lighting effect is produced.
The polyhedron, whose faceted logic naturally wraps and bends around a curved surface, is the basic structure seen in honeycomb, turtle shells, and bug eyes. This form served as the inspiration for the design of the light fixture. The following stage involved simultaneously drawing the geometry inward from all edges for a volumetric representation intended to receive reflected light at a range of surface angles.
The result of this method is an array of tapered cell walls with a parametric design that is perfectly slanted to bounce light twice, from the internal LED source to the noticeable light coming out of the fixture. The subtle striated texture of the 3D-printed surfaces produces a unique light gradient across all visible surfaces and gives a gentle ambient glow surrounding the fixture. The LED bulb is hidden from direct view from all sides, yet it is possible to see into and through the fixture with a slight geometric maneuver.
Influence and Legacy of Poul Henningsen
The renowned Danish designer Poul Henningsen, whose classic light fixture designs were the consequence of meticulous examination of reflection patterns to produce gentle illumination without glare, had an influence on the Hedron Pendant. A large portion of the research that went into reinterpreting this fixture using parametric design, CNC-based fabrication techniques, and sustainable materials was influenced by his work.
A number of 3D printing media were evaluated for opacity, surface texture, durability, and environmental effect when illuminated from the front and back using 3D printing technology and a collaborative process with a worldwide network of fabricators that specialize in large-scale 3D printing. All of these requirements are satisfied by PLA (Polylactic Acid), a renewable bioplastic substance that is easily accessible everywhere.
The chandelier’s 3D-printed shade is expertly wrapped around and sustained by an LED source mounted on a central stem. The shade’s natural translucent white tone gives it an airy appearance throughout the day and a very cozy glow at night. The fixture’s light quality becomes more dramatic when the optional white ceramic coating is applied, resulting in pronounced light-to-dark gradients throughout its textured surfaces. The stem is constructed using common lamp parts, and the 3D-printed shade is supported from within by a specially CNC-cut bracket that has no fasteners or moving parts.
Project Info
Project Name: Hedron Pendant
Project Location: Alameda, USA
Architecture Firm: Mickus Projects
Photographer: Ryan Gobuty
