No buttons, no switches. Just a cylinder and the perfect amount of light based on the number of light sticks.

Designed by
Theodore H. Waddell, Architect

A perfect lighting object, the C5 gives the appropriate amount of light. It stems from the desire to “throw a handful of light”–a simple, instinctive, almost primal act. Theodore Waddell overturns the convention of the mechanical switch, placing light back into the user’s hands.

The lamp consists of a cylinder of glass and independent light sticks. To turn it on, no button is pressed: the sticks are gathered by hand and placed randomly into the cylinder. The contact generates the light restoring a human, intuitive and participatory dimensions to the object.

Not all lighting takes its inspiration from pop art, as Theodore Waddell’s technically innovative designs prove. He has fashioned a glittering, elegant glass cylinder filled with light sticks.

Brought back by Participation Designs, the C5 has been technically updated to meet current safety standards without altering its original spirit. It allows users to choose between 4, 8, or 12 light sticks, enabling free modulation of intensity. In every configuration, light is never imposed – it is constructed by the user.

Technicals
Structure
A glass cylinder with an electrified chrome rim and base plate.

Operation
Activation via physical contact of the light sticks. No mechanical switches.

Safety
Integrated transformer reducing current to low voltage for completely safe interaction.

Configuration
Modulate atmosphere by using 4, 8, or 12 light sticks.

Finishes
Glass, Chrome, and Luminous elements.

Backstory

The C5 is a precise balance between beauty, technology, and function. While the gesture seems random, the construction is rigorous: the base contains a transformer that keeps the interaction safe. The bottom plate features a subtle groove to hold the stick ends, while the cylinder of glass allows the sticks to rest without shorting the circuit.

The light stick contains all of the technology in the light and it’s chrome ends that connect to the chrome sticks on either end. Technology remains invisible; what emerges is the the experience, not the device.