Developed in collaboration with designer Matteo Thun, the new Sconfine luminaire range from Zumtobel is expanding the limits of lighting design.
November 21st, 2008
The series of chrome wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted and pendant lumaires, in various forms, provide light that extends spatial limits, creating a sense of visual depth.
The Sconfine range uses light to play with a room’s geometry, dissolving spatial boundaries to create a new visual geometry.
Award-winning architect and designer Matteo Thun explains how Sconfine luminaires came to be –
1. How did your collaboration with Zumtobel come about?
We have worked together with Zumtobel for quite some time, on a variety of projects. We were requested by Zumtobel to develop a new range of decorative luminaires for shops, restaurants and hotels. That is how Sconfine evolved – as a kick-off for a new ’Decorative luminaires’ product range to which new designs are to be added over the next years.
2. What is the design concept behind the Sconfine luminaire range?
During the design stage, our headline was ’No body’ ("NO CARROZERIA!"). We were inspired by Dan Flavin’s work – that is why we adopted the dissolution of boundaries approach and created a light-weight range reduced to what is essential. What was important to me as an architect was that the individual components can be used for a variety of applications, putting the focus on the modular principle.
3. How have the luminaires changed from the design concept to implementation? Do you have a "favourite luminaire", and if so, why?
The initial, very geometric designs barely changed from the first sketch to implementation. Linea – a playful combination of neon tubes – can be used both horizontally and vertically; in the latter case, numerous luminaires are arranged to create an image of luminous clouds that is among my favourites.
The geometrical cubes are extremely flexible – as individual units, as clusters of 9, or as entire walls, RGB control is possible like for Linea, and upon the architect’s request, they can be configured in a variety of ways. The lighting scenes generated in this way have an impact on the setting, provide accents or evoke emotions – whether in shops, restaurants or hotels. All three products in the Sconfine range unfold their special beauty where their components are formed into clusters to create an abundance of lighting scenes.
Matteo Thun & Partners, Milan
Zumtobel
Designer Matteo Thun
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
‘The Elevation of Gravity’ installation was an immersive showcase of innovation that heralded the debut of Gaggenau’s groundbreaking Essential Induction cooktop.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
A star-studded collaboration between Benjamin Hubert and Christopher Raeburn breathes new life in recycled ex-military “drogue” parachutes – transforming them into furniture pieces like you’ve never seen before.
Following his cast iron Brut collection for Magis, this year Konstantin Grcic translates industrial steel cabinet production to new uses. We spoke at the Magis stand at the Salone del Mobile.
Can curiosity encourage movement in the workplace? Wilkhahn’s new Metrik chair plays with the typology of the cantilever to grab attention and invite engagement.
Visit the Digital Lifestyle Show to experience the latest in digital technology, entertainment and lifestyle products. Experience the newest products coming to market and gain a greater understanding of how to get the most out of these exciting and innovative products by meeting the experts and discussing your needs one-to-one.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Fresh from a highly successful showing in the Greater Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards, Alcorn Middleton’s genre-hopping project is worth a closer look.
Useful Objects has just opened its doors and has a notable exhibition, ‘Desire x Design,’ coming as part of Melbourne Design Week.