Reimagining the Fluorescent Strip

Throughout the history of professional practice, Derek Porter has been enamored with the formal simplicity and pragmatic beauty of the fluorescent strip light. Derek has used many variations of it in his work, at times burying it within architectural coves and at other times expressing it as a celebrated object suspended in space. 

From 2008 to 2010, this fascination evolved into a formal exploration in new product development. The fundamental interest was to examine the intrinsic characteristics of this modest luminaire with the goal of transcending its identity and use from that of sole utility to a dynamic design instrument.  Dozens of design iterations were made that examined ways in which the luminaire attaches to interior surfaces and, thus, resides within the interior domain. Alterations in form were made in support of specific mounting interests and gestural movements – sliding across planer surfaces, dancing through open space, quietly receding into a corner. This combined with variations in material and finish yield chameleon like transformations in luminaire identity. It is at once an architectural luminaire that lights space and a decorative expression of form and material allowing the luminaire to assume chandelier like references, all while maintaining its utilitarian roots. 

This product line is currently being produced by Bartco under the name Studio.

Luminaire Designer: Derek Porter Studio
Manufacturer: Bartco