Designed by Luca Nichetto, the Upglas lamp from Astep is as innovative as it is beautiful. A result of material exploration and experimentation, the stately design is a true expression of ingenuity and appreciation for both traditional craft and modern technology.
When devising the Upglas lamp for Astep, the Italian designer pushed the boundaries of sculptural illumination and materiality, transforming fragments of Murano glass into a stunning structure that creates a “new poetic dialogue of creativity and regeneration.”
Astep founder Alessandro Sarfatti asked Nichetto to work with recycled glass, which led the designer to a small start-up on the island of Murano that 3D prints the region’s centuries-old glasswork. This working relationship led to the development of a new production method that involves mouth-blown glass remnants that is reconstituted through a technique similar to making dough.
To make the aptly named Upglas lamp from Astep, leftover colourful glass pieces are first sorted and then grinded to a powder-like compound. A special biodegradable resin is added to the fine material, which creates a paste that has a similar consistency and flexibility as clay.
That “clay” is then rolled out much like dough and shaped into a mould; the cast is then heated at 400 degrees Celsius (considerably lower than the 1,200 degrees typically used for glass production). The hand-crafted process of creating the Upglas lamp from Astep means each has its own chromatic pattern and tactile presence – a smooth, delicate and marbled glass surface that evokes honed stone. The table lamp sits on a discreet stainless steel base.
When switched off, the archetypal form of the Upglas lamp has a quite yet striking presence. Then, when turned on, illumination emanates through the shade with an atmospheric glow. For its debut, the lamp is offered in two shapes and four carefully curated duo-toned colour versions: black on white, white on light grey, green on light grey and red on light grey.
Sculptural and captivating, the Upglas lamp from Astep is suitable for use in private residences as well as boutique hotels, restaurants and other hospitality settings.
