Designer Peter Bristol mocks the American Standard - with the American Standard Lamp.
The American Standard Lamp designed by Seattle-based designer Peter Bristol is meant to be a critique of the American standard dimensions, materials and methods in architectural and design.
Since construction materials within the United States are homogenized - from the 2”×4” wall studs to the cheap light switches – designers have no choice but to deal with these standards as parameters when designing a project.
For the design of his American Standard Lamp Peter Bristol exaggerated the impact that US standard materials have on US design: The rectangular lamp is made out of an American standard light switch and power outlet and cord – all attached to a light box.
Even though the standard materials on the exterior of the lamp appear to be decorative only, they are actually functional: To turn the lamp on, simply flip the switch and a diffused light is produced. In addition, while the light is switched on, the power outlet on the side of the lamp opposite to the switch can be used.
For people living among the American standards the use of this lamp is very intuitive.
Via designboom
