Mushroom lamp
Overview
A small-area ambient lamp designed with 3D-printed PLA components inspired by mushroom forms (“cap,” “gills,” and “base”).
Context: Form 3100 — Spring 2024
Final Project
A study in organic forms using additive manufacturing.
Goal: Create a table lamp at least 8 inches tall using primarily PLA/3D-printed materials that provides soft ambient lighting.
Tools used: 3D printer (PLA), bulb + socket hardware, measuring tools, sketching materials, SketchUp, heat shrink, soldering materials
Timeline: 2½ weeks (April 23–30, 2024)
Process
1. Sketching & References
Sketches developed a mushroom-inspired silhouette consisting of:
A domed cap
Ribbed gills beneath
A stabilizing cylindrical base
2. 3D Modeling
Modeled the lamp in Fusion 360, focusing on organic curvature and layered construction.
Documented views included:
Front, back, side
Isometric
Top + bottom
3. Functional Components
Central support connector joining cap and gills
Cord hole integrated into base
Internal cavity designed for wiring
4. Fabrication
Each component 3D printed in PLA
Light sanding for fit
Assembly of connector, cap, and gills
Light installed through cord opening
Outcome
A 175mm wide 3D-printed ambient lamp with a soft, natural shape and consistent PLA surface finish.
What I Learned
How to design structurally with thin materials
How fabric and wire interact under tension
How to use lace as a light diffuser
Translating organic themes into 3D structure
Reflection
This project challenged me to balance fragility and support, learning how soft materials can create expressive, functional lighting.
Personal Insight
Working with lace as a form-defining element revealed how softness can create strong emotional presence in a space.
