Atmospheric candle light reflected in metal lanterns inspired us to build our EmpTin chandelier, in collaboration with a local artisans company.
The chandelier is made from recycled tins — a familiar domestic scrap material –, and its characteristic design radiates a sense of poetry — with a humorous touch. Delicate arms emerge from a central ceiling socket (which contains the power supply for the LEDs) and span wide into all directions in pleasant curves. These arms, made of wire and leads, run through transparent plastic tubes and end in distinctive lamp bodies: These are made from still identifiable recycled tins — complete with their lids, bent half-open. These familiar objects are neither air-tight containers anymore, nor have they become useless junk. Rather, they are assigned a new role, as appealing lamp housings, widely radiating light and reflecting it in their lids. They spread light around the room in an almost ceremonial fashion, and can be positioned individually on their flexible arms. In this way, the lighting can be accurately adjusted to any room.
This recycling chandelier can be built from any number of tins: The general construction remains the same and it can easily be assembled, e.g. in cooperation with sheltered workshops.
Simple as its construction may be, this lamp still leaves a profound impression: EmpTin is not just another decorative and functional lamp — rather, it expresses an attitude and encourages thinking about the true value and manifold uses of materials. This chandelier is a role model for the inspiring possibilities offered by recycling and environment-friendly design.
