Sail lamp

Drawing inspiration from Kenyan dhow sails, this design examines the materiality of linen, focusing on the interaction between its layered configurations. The raw, untreated fabric emphasizes its inherent purity and texture, creating a deliberate contrast with the structural rigidity of metal. This tension between organic and industrial elements is further accentuated by a dynamic structural system, held in place by a wire that traverses the ceiling and wall, anchored by a winch.

During my time in Lamu, Kenya, I was particularly struck by the use of dhow sails by local fishermen navigating the mangrove channels. These sails operate as vernacular technologies, shaped by generations of embodied knowledge.

The lateen sail, characteristic of these vessels, enables maneuverability in shifting coastal conditions and reflects a broader history of Indian Ocean exchange. In this context, the sail functions not only as a means of transport but as a cultural artifact, one that embodies local relationships to labor, landscape, and time.