project—Monterrey, N.L., México | 13.05.26

LIGHT THAT REVEALS HIDDEN URBAN TENSIONS

kexel

A LAMP THAT TRANSLATES GENTRIFICATION INTO LIGHT AND FORM
EXPOSING URBAN IMBALANCE AND ITS SOCIAL IMPACT

The table lamp represents the phenomenon of gentrification in Mexico City through a composition of vertical volumes that function as a three-dimensional graphic. The rectangular prisms symbolize the foreign population, critiquing their dominant presence and poor adaptation to the local context, while the cylinders represent the Mexican population.

The differences in height highlight the unbalanced growth and displacement of local residents. The cylinders have a rotating mechanism to regulate the light intensity, symbolizing how Mexicans themselves adjust prices and living conditions, generating an impact that ultimately affects their own community.

The lamp uses light as a metaphor for visibility, power, and control within the urban space. It seeks not only to illuminate but also to materialize data, social tensions, and human decisions through form, scale, and interaction.

the piece

After finalizing the exterior design of the light fixture, the dimmer mechanism was developed using 3D printing tests modeled in Fusion 360 and Rhino 8. A mold was also printed to create the Newspaperwood cylinders, and subsequently, the material was manufactured.

The base and the mechanism were printed, and after finishing all the pieces, they were assembled using screws and the electrical connections were made internally.

process

The luminaire consists of three cylinders and two rectangular prisms made of newspaperwood, of varying heights, the tallest being 435 mm and the shortest 150 mm. These are mounted on a circular base 250 mm in diameter.

Each cylinder contains a 24V LED light strip, which is exposed through a translucent polypropylene window. The three cylinders also have a dimmer mechanism operated by rotating the top of each cylinder.