Inspired by the experimental nature of Harvey Nichols latest pop up space 'Taste Lab', multidisciplinary London design practice in square lab intricately crafted a fluid wavelike chandelier using more than 540 chemistry laboratory test tubes.

Test Tube Chandelier - Harvey Nichols, image courtesy in square lab

'Taste Lab' is an initiative of Global Food Consulting to introduce the latest food news and trends from around the world to London/ UK.  Located on level 5 of Harvey Nichols food market, in square lab was commissioned to create an architectural intervention that offers visitors a sense of expectation and arrival.

Test Tube Chandelier - Harvey Nichols, image courtesy in square lab

With limited budget and a tight programme of three weeks from inception to completion, in square lab's approach was to move away from designing a single object and towards creating a system made up of modular elements. 21 bespoke lightweight timber frames were constructed to suspend 546 test tubes at various heights. The frames were subsequently choreographed to form a fluid surface; generating numerous crests and troughs that reflects and celebrates the activities of 'Taste Lab'.

The inherent material properties of the test tubes were maximised through the use of dimmable energy saving halogen bulbs, allowing Test Tube Chandelier to throw light in an unexpected ways – synthesising its form with its function.

Test Tube Chandelier - Harvey Nichols, image courtesy in square lab

Further research is currently underway to provide intelligence to the Test Tube Chandelier. The team aims to enhance the modularity nature of the project through integrating lighting and kinetic mechanisms; giving Test Tube Chandelier the possibility to react cybernetically with activities of 'Taste Lab' in real time.

+ Project credits / data

Project: Test Tube Chandelier – Harvey Nichols, London  2011
Area: 30sqm (8.5 m long x 3.5 m wide)
Materials: 546 test tubes, 12 energy saving halogen bulbs, Bespoke lightweight timber structure

Concept + Design: in square lab | http://www.insquarelab.co.uk/isl/index.php?controller=projects&action=page&id=66
Contractor: Ken Nishio & Associates
Client: Global Food Consulting

Special Thanks to: Adrian Hill, Ina Schultz, May Tang

+ All images and drawings courtesy in square lab

Award-winning London based designer Timothy Schreiber launched his latest design called "Trace table" during London's Clerkenwell design festival earlier this month.

The table is made from a series of 12 slightly different bent metal tubes which are attached around a central spine and form a tree like table base. Round clear and back painted glass tops in matching colours and varying sizes complete the design. When disassembled the individual parts can be nearly flat packed which allows for maximum transport convenience of this playful sculptural piece.

+Designer: Timothy Schreiber | http://www.timothy-schreiber.com/

Trace Table, image courtesy Timothy Schreiber

Trace Table, image courtesy Timothy Schreiber