Soyida Akhtar lamps combine craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic
Our Next Generation Show 2022 highlights 22 distinguished alumni from around the world in seven creative fields. Here, we profile a Staffordshire University graduate Sweida Akhtar
Model and craftsmanship are at the heart of designer Souida Akhtar’s work. Graduated from a 3D Designer Make course at Staffordshire University focusing on working with ceramics to explore different design ideas, Akhtar’s designs have distinct contemporary aesthetics, yet are rooted in artisanal traditions that push them to experimental extremes.
Her desire to design, implement and hands-on is what led her to her chosen course, and she explains that she explores ideas through different techniques, using a variety within each project through her work. Its current focus is on lighting, producing objects that use a combination of artisanal practices and processes with a strong contemporary aesthetic.
‘Module’ table lamp by Soyida Akhtar
This lighting project started with the observation of the interiors and the use of lighting in the space; I consider color palettes, the role of light in the environment, users’ self-expression, and current modular designs. The resulting ‘Module’ table lamp was created as part of an initiative called ‘Design Creators’ in collaboration with Wedgwood.
For her design, Akhtar researched both the historic design of the Wedgwood teapot and contemporary lighting, at the same time exploring the possibilities of stackable forms. Its resultant work features smooth-edged ceramic units connected to a copper cylinder, and an attached portion with the dual function of masking the wireless LED light source and allowing components to stack vertically. The wireless light can be recharged via the USB port.
Anglepoise lighting project
Another lighting design exercise from Akhtar takes the soft ceramic shapes of “module” lighting and adds the additional functionality of a task lamp. The project, titled “21 Abandon Darkness,” is inspired by “the ability of Anglepoise lamps to illuminate and define boundaries, something we all needed help last year as work, study and leisure merged into one.” With her design, Akhtar reimagined classic British lighting design. With a modern touch.
The design, Akhtar notes, made me think methodically and rationally. It also stimulated my thinking and made the gears spin – I love it when that happens, and I love the practical side. In the past year I have become more appreciative of “thinking through action”.
“As a designer maker, I love designing interior products for the home that add character and personality to a space, while also elevating the user experience with designer items.”
Dream collaborators: Lee Broom, Hay and Doshi Levien. §