Definitions - Lamp Project

The Lamp Project has unique problems to solve, and although it shares some visual and technical similarities to the TGF Project, such as the use of polygons, compasses, cutting tools and the like, it serves a different purpose; to make a visually stunning and useful lamp. The Lamp Project diverges greatly from the TGF Project in that it is about unit repetition, mechanical interconnection and decorative camouflage.

• Basic Polygon - is the underlying unit that makes up the lamp's enclosed basic volume, such as a triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, etc. Extensions are built upon this basic polygon or polygons. There can be one or several different basic polygons in a lamp design.
• Basic Volume - is the underlying enclosed polyhedron that makes up the lamp, such as a tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecaedron, icosahedron, cuboctahedron, icosadodecahedron, etc. It is the naked volume that is obscured by the extensions. This volume is made up of the basic polygons.
• Circumvolution - means that an object curves or is bent in such a way that it doubles-back on itself; circumvolve. In the case of the Lamp Project, this allows for at least these four solutions:
  1. The extension reconnects to itself.
  2. The extension connects to a different extension or a set of extensions.
  3. The extension connects to an underlying polygon that is the base of the module.
  4. The extension connects to an independent new element that bridges between other extensions.
• Diffuse Light - is light that emanates from a large surface area. In general the Lamp Project results in diffuse or diffused light. The light bulb itself may be diffused, which often is called a frosted bulb. The purpose of diffuse light is to reduce contrast and harsh shadows, making task work easier.
• Duralar - is a brand name of translucent film made from polyester. It is tear and heat resistant, and can be used to make lamp modules.
• Dynamic - means that the extension is asymmetrical along its central axis. When taken as a whole, the extensions work in unison to create radial patterns, or chaotic relationships, breaking up or obscuring the polygon's underlying basic polygon and basic volume.
• E26 - is a lamp socket size. It is also known as "medium base", and is the typical household socket size in the USA.
• Eshoji - is a company that sells a variety of shoji materials for shoji screens and windows, lamp shades, window treatments, and lighting fixtures. The laminated shoji seems to be the best fit for the lamp project material. See [Lamp Materials]() page, and [eShoji Paper Comparison Video]() for more information.
• Extension - is the part of the module that extends past the basic polygon, and thus outside of, or away from, the base polyhedron.
• Interlock - is the portion of the module that allows a tab to fit into a slot, thus keying each module to one another. They are located along the base polygon's edges. A good interlock is able to connect solidly to an identical copy of itself.
• Kerf - is the space made between the two halves of a cut. The kerf will be the same as the width of the tool making the cut. For example, a 1/8" thick table saw blade will make a 1/8" kerf in the material.
• LED, or Light Emitting Diode - turns electrons into photons through a process of combining election holes with electrons. Since the holes have less energy than elections, the combination releases energy in the form of a photon. Colors are produced by different materials with properties that release photons of different frequencies, or colors. This is in contrast to incandescent lighting, which produces light through black-body radiation, or heat. In incandescent lighting, cooler temperatures produce a redder color, while hotter temperatures produce a bluer color.
• Lid or Flap - is an element of your design that allows for the basic volume to remain closed while still providing access to the interior for bulb replacement. This can be achieved in a least two ways, by either making a hinged basic polygon or a loosely fitted basic polygon that can be removed. For example, the bottom polygon on a dodecahedron can be cut to remove most of its surface, other than a frame around its edges, and a new flat piece can be inserted, sitting loosely on the frame.
• Light Fall Off - is a property of light emanating from a source, where brightness drops in an inverse square to the distance. For example, the light level at twice the original distance is 1/4th as bright. At four times the distance the light level is 1/16th as bright. This ratio is the same as that of visual perspective and sound reduction over distance.
• Medium Base - (see the definition of "E26").
• Module - is a single unit of a larger structure. In the case of this project, the module is repeated over and over to create the entirety of the design.
• Nesting - is the process of laying out patterns on a sheet in a way that minimizes material use.
• Opening - is a deliberate penetration of the surface material that makes up the extension and/or a basic polygon. This can serve several purposes:
  1. Gain access to the light bulb for replacement purposes by placing an opening on one of the basic polygons.
  2. Enhance visual interest in the extensions.
  3. Allow a greater amount of light to emanate from the lamp, such as directly down or up, without becoming visually distracting or difficult to look at. This may be useful above dining room table for example.
  4. Allow a point light source to project patterns on surroundings, much like a planetarium projector produces stars.
• Pattern - is when an aspect of an object, sound, or image repeats itself in an organized way.
• Point Light - is light that emanates from a very small, concentrated source. This casts sharp, harsh shadows. It is useful when needing to project patterns on the surroundings.
• Prototype - means a first design of a physical object. The prototype is made to solve problems and understand the construction and reality of a concept. Once the prototype is worked out, a clean, final copy can be made with all of the refinements and quality materials applied to the final.
• Relief Cut - is a short perpendicular cut made at the ends of a slit cut to allow the material to part, or flap, more easily. Without a relief cut, it may be difficult to pass another material through the slit cut.
• Repetition - is when a pattern is broken and then reintroduced in some alternate way, or simply shifted as it progresses. Repetition also means that certain aspects of a design are employed elsewhere to connect the overall composition, such as the use of circles throughout the design.
• Rhythm - is when variations in pattern within a composition creates a sense of movement, or a dynamic feel.
• Slit Cut - is when a single cut is made through a material using a knife without removing any material.
• Slot Cut - is when a cut is made through a material while removing the material in its path; making a kerf cut. This can be made with a saw or other tool that shaves material away, or it can be made with a knife when making two parallel cuts and removing the part between the cuts.
• Static - means that the extension's form is bilaterally symmetrical along a central axis radiating perpendicular to the underlying polygon's edge.
• Swag Kit - is a corded socket and plug set which can be hung from the ceiling. "Swag" refers to materials hung in a swooping curve.
• Symmetry - is when lines, planes, or volumes have replication relationships such as reflection, rotation, translation and scaling. See: About Symmetry.
• Synskin - is a specialized material made from unwoven fiberglass mesh infused with clear vinyl to make it stable, yet porous. It is heat resistant, does not maintain a flame, accurately transmits the lightbulb's color temperature, and is workable with common tools. Fine glass fibers are an irritant, so gloves must be worn when handling. This is a material that we have historically used for the project and provided to students as part of their course materials. However, it is no longer available.
• Unity - is the overall feeling that elements in a composition are connected aesthetically, which can be achieved in many ways, such as with the use of color groups, textures that work well together, and placement of elements so they have a dialog with one another. The compositional elements are united.