Inhabitat

Woven Palm Leaf Vava Lamp from IKEA

Ikea showcased its brand new PS Collection at this weekend’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair, and one of our favorite designs on display was this beautiful pendant lamp made from carefully folded palm leaves. Designed by Wiebke Braasch, the Vava lamp is inspired by an image from her childhood of dried sea urchins. Braasch wanted the spiky weave of the palm leaves to create a contrast to the soft discus shape of the shade.

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We always commend major manufacturers like IKEA when they experiment with natural materials and infuse traditional production techniques with a sense of hand craft. In addition to the natural woven shade, the ceiling canopy of the light is also sustainably manufactured. The steel cup is powder-coated, and all of the overspray colored powder can be reused and does not contain any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Braasch trained in carpentry before studying graphic and industrial design at the Muthesius Academy of Fine Arts and Design. The German designer has been a part of IKEA’s Sweden-based design team since 2004. She says her designs are motivated by trying to solve the problems of domestic life in way that is practical, convenient, and fun. Her true challenge, especially with products for IKEA, is to develop quality design at a low price – she says that “Simple designs, appealing shapes, and clever solutions are only half the battle.”

The new IKEA PS products won’t hit US stores until August, but you can get a sneak peek of the collection in our ICFF photo gallery. Make sure to also check out all of our ICFF coverage.

+ IKEA

+ ICFF 2009

sustainable design, green design, ikea ps collection, ikea vava lamp, icff, international contemporary furniture fair, sustainable materials, palm leaf lamp