Perforated Metal Spinning Lamp

The Perforated Metal Spinning Lamp by Muneji Toh Architects is shaped by a small but consequential decision: to spin a sheet of metal after it has already been perforated. Metal spinning is normally associated with smooth, controlled surfaces. In this case, the regular grid of openings is subjected to the same forming process as the metal itself. As the sheet is drawn into a three-dimensional shape, the perforations stretch with it, changing proportion according to their position on the curve. What begins as an industrially ordered surface becomes progressively less uniform as the form develops. That change gives the lamp much of its character. The pattern isn't merely decorative surface ornament; it is the visible consequence of fabrication. The finished surface records how the material has moved, with the original perforation grid still legible beneath the distortions created by spinning. When illuminated, those deformations become spatial. Light passes through openings of different shapes and projects an uneven field onto surrounding walls, making the effect of the process visible beyond the object itself. The shade therefore operates at two scales: as a compact pendant and as a source of changing light and shadow within the room. There is also something useful in the tension between repetition and variation. The starting material is systematic, while the forming process introduces differences. Neither condition disappears completely. The lamp retains the discipline of an industrial product while allowing the behaviour of the material and the skill of the maker to remain visible. For Muneji Toh Architects, the significance resides in this precise interplay between technique and form. Unburdened by extraneous motifs, the object relies entirely on its constituent act of making unifying structure, perforation, and illumination into a direct expression of industrial craft.

This piece effectively combines industrial processes with striking visual results. By using the metal spinning technique on perforated metal, the design transforms a standard grid into a dynamic, three-dimensional tapestry. This approach provides a genuine narrative of its creation, as the deformation of the perforations showcases the artisan's skill. The pendant serves a dual purpose: it functions as a primary task light while also casting an ambient, patterned projection in its surroundings. It exemplifies how precise manipulation of raw materials can result in functional art.

Muneji Toh Architects transforms a standard industrial element into a stunning piece of lighting. The most compelling designs often embrace simplicity and clarity, and this lamp is a perfect example of that restraint. Through the simple act of spinning, the designers have given a flat, rigid material a sense of fluid, organic grace. It is a rare delight to encounter a product that so honestly reflects its creation; the stretched geometry of the metal speaks a language of its own. This design exemplifies a successful integration of technical precision and poetic form, offering a fresh perspective on the potential hidden within familiar materials.

**IMAGE 01 — Family of Spun Forms** This image showcases six pendant variations that illustrate how different factors such as perforation size, density, orientation, and shade profile can change the character of a single design concept. Five of the pendants are made from single hemispherical shells, while one features a layered composition that explores a more complex assembly. **IMAGE 02 — From Sheet to Shade** In this image, a flat perforated sheet is shown next to the completed dome. This comparison highlights the forming process: regular circular openings become progressively elongated as the metal is shaped into three dimensions. **IMAGE 03 — Pendant in Natural Light** Here, a single shade hangs against a light-colored wall. The soft daylight reveals the metallic surface, highlighting the concentric traces of spinning and the gradual change in the shape of the apertures across the dome. **IMAGE 04 — Illuminated Pendant** The lamp is captured against a dark background, where light shines through the perforations. The glowing openings create an animated effect on the shell while providing a strong pool of downward illumination. **IMAGE 05 — Spatial Projection** This wide-angle view displays the pendant casting a large field of patterned light onto the rear wall. The projected pattern enhances the visual presence of the lamp, extending it well beyond its modest physical diameter. **IMAGE 06 — Perforation Detail** This close-up image focuses on the illuminated dome. The circular openings near the top transition into longer, irregular slots lower down, showcasing the varying degrees of material stretch. **IMAGE 07 — Light Through the Formed Surface** The shade fills the frame against a black background. Variations in the brightness and shape of each aperture reveal subtle irregularities in the spun metal, giving the surface a tactile, handmade quality. **IMAGE 08 — Shade and Shadow from Above** Viewed from above, the metal dome is positioned alongside its enlarged shadow. This image effectively connects the physical perforation pattern to the optical effects produced when light passes through it.

No technical drawings, sections or dimensioned product sheets were included in the accessible submission folder. The visual record nevertheless establishes the transformation sequence from flat perforated sheet to a spun hemispherical shade, together with several related shade variants. The lighting effect is influenced by four key factors: the original perforation pattern, the degree of deformation created during spinning, the position of the light source, and the distance between the pendant and surrounding surfaces. The submitted photographs illustrate a focused pool of direct light accompanied by a broader projection through the metal shell. Before final publication, it is important to verify all dimensions, material specifications, lamp holder details, and installation drawings as confirmed by the designer.

We created a lamp using metal spinning. Metal spinning is a processing technique that uses a special machine to transform a sheet of metal into a 3 dimensional shape. We applied this metal spinning technology to the lighting fixtures. Normally, metal plates are used, but the highly skilled craftsmen add a spinning process to perforated metal plates. The spinning process stretches the perforated metal, changing the regular perforation pattern to create special patterns of light and shadow. Prepared for Merci Magazine × Sky Design Awards 2026