Tom Schoonhoven
Tube Lamp of Rammed Earth
For the Roots Exhibition in Milano, designer Tom Schoonhoven presents a special edition of his Tube Lamp, a sculptural lighting piece crafted using the rammed earth technique. This ancient method compresses layers of soil into a solid, stone-like structure, preserving the raw essence of the earth. Formed within a meticulously hand-carved wooden mold, the lamp’s smooth, organic silhouette stands in striking contrast to its rugged, textural materiality. This duality reflects Schoonhoven’s deep exploration of materiality—honouring tradition while pushing its application in innovative ways.
Shaped by the Land
The Tube Lamp finds a conceptual kinship with the work of Dutch artist herman de vries, whose lifelong practice revolves around the philosophy that earth itself is art. de vries has meticulously collected and exhibited soil samples from around the world, revealing the extraordinary diversity of colors, textures, and compositions found beneath our feet. In a similar spirit, Schoonhoven’s lamp embodies the idea that soil is more than just material—it is a repository of history, geography, and culture.
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More Than a Lamp—A Connection to the Earth
The Tube Lamp, made from compressed earth, serves as a bridge between collected soils and their transformation into a functional, sculptural object. The presence of bold markings on the lamp ensures its traceability, reinforcing its connection to the land from which it originates.
The lamp is more than just a lighting fixture; it is a statement on sustainability, material innovation, and craftsmanship. By working with earth as a primary medium, Schoonhoven highlights the potential of natural materials in contemporary design. This lamp is a reflection of our fundamental connection to the ground we walk on—offering not just illumination, but a tangible piece of the earth’s memory. As light glows from within its compressed layers, the Tube Lamp invites us to reconsider the beauty and richness of the soil beneath us, honoring both nature’s artistry and human ingenuity.
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