Somni
3D Printed Lighting
Overview
Somni is a lighting concept focused on simplicity, form, and material-driven light diffusion. The project explores how subtle geometry and viewing angle can influence the perceived quality of light without relying on complex technology.
Tools
Bambu A1 Mini / X1 Carbon
Autodesk Fusion / Rhinoceros 3D
Adobe Photoshop
Environment
Digital Production (Additive Manufacturing)
Date
2025
Unlike many of my other projects, Somni started from not from a sketchbook, but a print bed. The initial stages of the project revolved around printing techniques and methods to spark inspiration. I started in CAD, creating small samples of prints with different thickness, patterns, and infills. These were printed with a variety of filaments and print settings.
After the testing palettes I created concept renders for potential applications. Incorporating the tested patterns and printing methods into different uses and parts of a lamp.
The goal was to produce a mass of ideas to start printing. The hands on approach of jumping straight into the prints with minimal sketch / modeling creates an opporunity to directly learn and design off of the limitations and capabilities of 3D printing.
The next step was to print some prototype models using a variety of PLA / PETG colors. I was initially interested in the concept of the thin printed "fins" along with clean simple forms to create interesting light and shadow effects. I started with clear PETG, creating thick shades and print walls to diffuse the lighting. After some testing, I decided to approach the lamp in the opposite direction, using colored PLA and thinning the walls to allow light to flow through the shade instead of diffusing the brightness.
When considering the final build of the lamp, I wanted to incorporate the "fins" more into the construction. Printing them at an offset to interlock and act as its own connections. Final lamp form and function with created with raw prints and filament colors.
