Concrete is a natural product that has been used in Roman architecture since ancient times and was valued for its durability. Today, the mixture of cement, water and aggregate is also increasingly being used in product design: For example, in the production of aesthetic luminaires such as those designed by architect Stefan Gant.
Concrete is actually an architectural material and is often associated with massive constructions. However, the material can also be used for precise detail work. This is precisely what fascinates the trained architect Stefan Gant. Even during his training, he often made models out of concrete. The subject of lamps became his focus when he was looking for lighting for his kitchen. He quickly realizes that making a concrete lamp is not as trivial as it might seem at first glance.
From tinkering project to award-winning design label
He worked night shifts in the cellar for around a year until the lamp met his expectations. After investing so much work in the prototype for his kitchen, he came up with the idea of selling the model in small series via an online platform. The success was so immense that he finally founded the Gantlights label in 2012. The aesthetic pendant lights from Gantlights quickly attracted a great deal of attention, followed by numerous nominations and awards such as the German Design Award Special and the European Product Design Award.
Gantlights luminaires are as diverse as the lighting situations that need to be solved in interior design.
Each design follows an architectural approach
Stefan Gant approaches his designs with the understanding of an architectural concept: in architecture, there is always a problem that needs to be solved. Lighting design is no different. Ultimately, light serves architecture. “The problem is, for example, a long, dark corridor with a suspended ceiling in which I need light. This means that a suitable luminaire should be long, narrow and flat. I then develop the right luminaire for this situation,” explains the 33-year-old product designer.
He draws the first sketch by hand, then makes a 3D design on the computer and finally transfers it into a two-dimensional construction drawing. Prototypes are then made from wood, cardboard or polystyrene to get a feel for the dimensions of the luminaire and make any necessary improvements. Only when everything is right does the model go into production.
Gantlights is networked with various local manufacturers.
Gantlights are handmade in Berlin workshops
The Gantlights luminaires are produced exclusively in Berlin. Stefan Gant relies on a close network of manufacturers and workshops: a joinery from Schönow near Zehlendorf, a steel fabricator from Siemensstadt, a ceramics manufacturer from Wedding and a concrete workshop from Friedrichshain.
“It’s important to me that we produce regionally and don’t have to travel long distances to the workshops,” says Stefan Gant. “I like the fact that I can simply drive there and get feedback on whether an idea is feasible based on the products. I wouldn’t have this direct and quick exchange elsewhere. We also want to strengthen the regional economy.”
Stefan Gant has a professional affinity for concrete and linear structures.
Concrete luminaires want to be experienced haptically
Handmade design objects made of pure concrete are always very individual. As it hardens, coarse pores, air pockets and so-called bleeding often develop, giving each luminaire its very own character. “You can work incredibly finely with concrete and create fascinating structures on the surface,” explains Stefan Gant. “However, the quality of concrete is difficult to depict in pictures; you simply have to experience the material haptically to appreciate its high value.”
Gantlights luminaires can be experienced live in various design stores and interior design stores throughout Germany and internationally. Berliners are of course always welcome to visit the Gantlights studio in the beautiful Richardkiez district at Böhmische Straße 12 in Berlin Neukölln.
As striking design objects, Gantlights luminaires set decorative accents in interiors.
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Light serves architecture: Stefan Gant designs luminaires for minimalists
Concrete is a natural product that has been used in Roman architecture since ancient times and was valued for its durability. Today, the mixture of cement, water and aggregate is also increasingly being used in product design: For example, in the production of aesthetic luminaires such as those designed by architect Stefan Gant.
Concrete is actually an architectural material and is often associated with massive constructions. However, the material can also be used for precise detail work. This is precisely what fascinates the trained architect Stefan Gant. Even during his training, he often made models out of concrete. The subject of lamps became his focus when he was looking for lighting for his kitchen. He quickly realizes that making a concrete lamp is not as trivial as it might seem at first glance.
From tinkering project to award-winning design label
He worked night shifts in the cellar for around a year until the lamp met his expectations. After investing so much work in the prototype for his kitchen, he came up with the idea of selling the model in small series via an online platform. The success was so immense that he finally founded the Gantlights label in 2012. The aesthetic pendant lights from Gantlights quickly attracted a great deal of attention, followed by numerous nominations and awards such as the German Design Award Special and the European Product Design Award.
Gantlights luminaires are as diverse as the lighting situations that need to be solved in interior design.
Each design follows an architectural approach
Stefan Gant approaches his designs with the understanding of an architectural concept: in architecture, there is always a problem that needs to be solved. Lighting design is no different. Ultimately, light serves architecture. “The problem is, for example, a long, dark corridor with a suspended ceiling in which I need light. This means that a suitable luminaire should be long, narrow and flat. I then develop the right luminaire for this situation,” explains the 33-year-old product designer.
He draws the first sketch by hand, then makes a 3D design on the computer and finally transfers it into a two-dimensional construction drawing. Prototypes are then made from wood, cardboard or polystyrene to get a feel for the dimensions of the luminaire and make any necessary improvements. Only when everything is right does the model go into production.
Gantlights is networked with various local manufacturers.
Gantlights are handmade in Berlin workshops
The Gantlights luminaires are produced exclusively in Berlin. Stefan Gant relies on a close network of manufacturers and workshops: a joinery from Schönow near Zehlendorf, a steel fabricator from Siemensstadt, a ceramics manufacturer from Wedding and a concrete workshop from Friedrichshain.
“It’s important to me that we produce regionally and don’t have to travel long distances to the workshops,” says Stefan Gant. “I like the fact that I can simply drive there and get feedback on whether an idea is feasible based on the products. I wouldn’t have this direct and quick exchange elsewhere. We also want to strengthen the regional economy.”
Stefan Gant has a professional affinity for concrete and linear structures.
Concrete luminaires want to be experienced haptically
Handmade design objects made of pure concrete are always very individual. As it hardens, coarse pores, air pockets and so-called bleeding often develop, giving each luminaire its very own character. “You can work incredibly finely with concrete and create fascinating structures on the surface,” explains Stefan Gant. “However, the quality of concrete is difficult to depict in pictures; you simply have to experience the material haptically to appreciate its high value.”
Gantlights luminaires can be experienced live in various design stores and interior design stores throughout Germany and internationally. Berliners are of course always welcome to visit the Gantlights studio in the beautiful Richardkiez district at Böhmische Straße 12 in Berlin Neukölln.
As striking design objects, Gantlights luminaires set decorative accents in interiors.