French designer Philippe Tabet has reimagined the classic industrial bulkhead lamp, creating a striking contemporary lighting fixture called QB1 for Galleria Luisa delle Piane. The innovative design maintains the essential characteristics of traditional bulkhead lamps while transforming them into a modern artistic statement that evokes facial features through its unique composition.
The QB1 fixture preserves the fundamental elements that define industrial bulkhead lighting, including the protective metal grid and compact, functional form that have made these lamps a staple in industrial and outdoor environments for decades. However, Tabet's reinterpretation elevates the utilitarian object into a sophisticated piece that bridges the gap between functional lighting and contemporary art.
The lamp's construction centers on a carefully crafted interplay between structure and illumination, which forms the core of Tabet's design philosophy. The fixture consists of an aluminum cage paired with a frosted glass diffuser, creating a deliberate tension between the protective metalwork and the soft, diffused light it contains. This structural relationship is enhanced by a custom LED plate positioned strategically behind the glass to ensure even and controlled illumination throughout the fixture.
Tabet's design approach reflects his ongoing fascination with the relationship between object, form, and expression, themes that have been central to his creative work. The QB1 particularly draws inspiration from his previous explorations of masks and facial typologies, evident in how the protective grid and glowing diffuser combine to create an almost face-like appearance that gives the fixture its distinctive character.
The transformation of this industrial staple into a contemporary lighting solution demonstrates Tabet's skill in finding beauty and artistic potential in everyday utilitarian objects. By maintaining the protective metal grids that are characteristic of classic bulkhead lamps while reimagining their presentation and context, the designer has created a piece that honors its industrial heritage while making a bold statement in modern interior design.
