TURN+ (Ambientec) by Nao Tamura — IDREIT®

New York-based designer Nao Tamura has designed a portable lamp TURN+ for Japanese lighting brand Ambientec. TURN+ is a sister model of TURN, released in 2019, a cordless task lamp also designed by Nao Tamura. Both models share the same cylindrical base and power unit, but TURN+ has been developed based on a new concept, with a newly developed LED light source.

TURN, on the left, was developed as a task light, TURN+ is a lantern-shaped light created as ambient light. photography: danielkaihirao

When we asked Tamura about her design approach, she replied, “For TURN, which is used as a task light, I designed the minimal shape to make it less visible on the table while featuring the materiality of solid metal. Whereas for the new TURN+, I was asked to create an ambient light that would enhance the atmosphere of the space, so I tried to design a portable light that has a little more presence than TURN, although it still brings out the characteristics of the material. I also aimed to create a sense of affinity, something that users would want to cuddle up to, whatever their mood. When I design, I usually start from a story rather than from a form, and I took the same approach with this product. Two ideas inspired the product: to utilise Ambientech's unique LED technology and expertise, and my personal doubts about mass-produced products, from these ideas the shape was derived spontaneously.”

The designer, Tamura, said that she also got inspiration from the manufacturing process of carving metal.

As with the TURN, the body is available in stainless steel, brass or blackened aluminium, and the light-diffusing shade is made of crystal glass. Another feature is its water resistance, allowing it to be used outdoors and in the bathroom.

Regarding the design of the delicate zinc die-cast cage that protects the glass, Tamura said, “Since the development of TURN, the first generation of the series, the machined edges were a key element in the design. In the second generation TURN+, maintaining the sensitivity of the material, we have fine-tuned the shape and thickness of the edges to achieve both an industrial feel and an elegant look.”

Sketch of the cage with a cross-shaped detailes.

The light can be switched on and off and dimmed on four different levels by touching the touch sensor under the glass. Ambientec has developed and installed a new LED unit in this fixture, which varies in colour temperature from 1900K, like a candle, to 2400K, like a warm light bulb.

Yoshinori Kuno, CEO of Ambientec, explained the development process, “We have developed an LED source named 'sunny side up', which consists of two coloured LED elements in one unit, to provide the ideal light from a small central area under the crystal glass. If we used regular LEDs, which cannot change their colour temperature, we would not express the pleasant light of a sunset or a candle flame in nature. As for the range of colour temperatures, there was no appropriate light source that covered the range from warmer bulb to candlelight, so we had to develop our own.”

TURN+ was born as a result of the designer's desire to create a product that can be used for a long time as a companion even in a mass consumption society, and the manufacturer's philosophy to produce a long-life product using authentic materials and a design that allows the replacement of parts.