The Eddy Current Lamp was inspired by the phenomenon of eddy-current braking, in which a magnet descends slowly through an aluminum tube rather than falling freely. The controlled motion creates a distinctive sense of resistance—smooth, quiet, and almost suspended in time.

I wanted to combine this physical quality with the visual impression of an object floating upward toward the surface of water. To bring these two sensations together, I designed a counterweight mechanism that creates an apparent anti-gravity effect. When the user rotates the lamp, the illuminated inner core slowly rises through the body instead of dropping downward.

Because the lamp must operate while being rotated, it cannot rely on an external power cable. The battery is therefore integrated into the balancing mass near the system’s center of gravity, allowing it to function as both the power source and part of the counterweight mechanism. A voltage-conversion module and internal wiring connect the battery to the light source.

The enclosure is 3D printed with carefully controlled geometry and wall thickness. As the illuminated core moves through the body, variations in material thickness and form filter the light differently, gradually changing its brightness and visual texture.

The final assembly uses heat-set threaded inserts, slender guide rods, and cord linkages to connect and align the internal components. Together, these elements transform a simple act of rotation into a slow and atmospheric interaction between gravity, motion, material, and light.

Eddy-current lamp with rising core