Tangent is an Interactive Lamp That Redefines Our Relationship with Light - Yanko Design

"Lighting design has evolved far beyond simple switches and dimmers, yet most lamps still operate on the same basic premise: flip a switch, get light. This predictable relationship between user and object leaves little room for discovery, play, or the kind of tactile engagement that makes everyday interactions memorable and meaningful. What makes the Tangent lamp by Ana Relvão and Gerhardt Kellermann particularly compelling is how it transforms the simple act of turning on a light into something far more engaging."

"The interaction feels almost magical in its simplicity. When the magnetic sphere touches the oxidized steel block, the circuit completes and the filament lights up. But the real beauty lies in how your hand determines everything that happens next. You can position the sphere anywhere along the steel surface, creating different shapes, angles, and lighting moods with each movement. The lamp's visual language speaks to material honesty and minimalist principles."

"You get a piece that feels both architectural and intimate, changing its character completely based on how you choose to interact with it. Of course, this kind of experimental thinking doesn't happen by accident. Tangent emerges from RK Lab, Relvãokellermann's dedicated space for questioning established typologies and exploring new forms of perception. The lamp embodies their philosophy that everyday objects can become sites of discovery when we challenge their conventional purposes and interactions."

The Tangent lamp reduces lighting to three essential elements: a magnetic sphere, an oxidized steel block, and an exposed filament that only illuminates when contact completes the circuit. The magnetic sphere can be positioned anywhere along the steel surface, enabling variable shapes, angles, and lighting moods determined by hand movement. The oxidized steel’s sharp geometry and raw industrial finish contrast with the filament’s soft glow, producing an architectural yet intimate presence. Originating from RK Lab, the design embodies a philosophy of challenging conventional typologies to turn everyday objects into sites of tactile discovery.

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