History
“Rather than fitting designs to a philosophy, curiosity has driven me to look for what has not yet been done, and also to seek new connections between ordinary things.”
Theodore H. Waddell
Through multiple sketches, Theodore came up with three bases, the cylinder (C5), bowl (B7) and bar (D7). Each of the bases can use the same light stick(s) to create different variations on light. Each base allows a few or many light sticks to give the perfect amount of light for the perfect atmosphere.
In the original designs, each base would be plugged into the wall allowing the light stick to draw the power from the base.
In 1970, the original design patents were acquired and the first lights were manufactured and marketed in the U.S. by Knoll International.
Shortly after the retail launch of the lights, the Museum of Modern Art in New York invited Theodore to submit the light stick and all three of the base designs are a part of the permanent collection and still on display today.
The light sticks and their bases were also displayed in Theodore’s exhibit at the Louvre in 1972. The cylinder light was published in the Playboy Magazine Christmas catalog in 1972. The manufacturing was shelved in 1972 due to the cost of manufacturing.
THE FORM OF A PRODUCT SHOULD ALLOW IT TO LIVE AS LONG AS THE UNDERLYING IDEA IS VALID.
T.H.Waddell Designs
In 2018, THWaddell Designs was created to redevelop the original light with modern technology and functionality.
T.H.Waddell joined with University of Texas, Dallas through a Capstone Engineering student program to update the designs with new technology. The design process took 12 months with a student team.
Paragon Innovations was engaged to manufacture the lights in February 2020 and the first prototypes were delivered in December 2020. The new designs have received and are protected by updated patents and copyright protections in addition to the original patents.
Participation Designs
In 2023 THWaddell Designs was renamed Participation Designs.
In addition to the Light Stick series of lights, Participation Designs has also started working on additional lighting designs and the furniture designs from Theodore’s original copyrights and patents.
The Participation Designs Team looks forward to bringing many of Theodore’s products back to market.