item: zip tie light kit
designer: steven haulenbeek, chicago
photos via: inhabitat
comments: this light fixture is sold not as the final product but as instructions only. the end user buys the zip ties, fluorescent tube and cord, follows the instructions and creates the light fixture themselves. steven had previously worked at a high end furniture/lighting store where he sold beautiful and expensive pieces. his intent with this project was to design something beautiful but inexpensive. his decision was then to sell the instructions only and to design it with inexpensive, utilitarian materials. the end result is a beautiful piece that the end user has the satisfaction of making themselves. i love this!