With her project Conductive Origami, Jerusalem-based industrial designer Yael Akirav designed a series of lamp shades inspired by origami, by 3D printing conductive filament directly onto textile.

During her studies at Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Akirav was exposed to 3D printing technology, which became her passion. For her final project, she combined this technique with another passion of hers, textile. The project explores the boundaries of 3D printing directly onto textiles, inspired by origami folding techniques. Rigid printing on textile allows the creation of complex elements, and the filament acts as a skeleton, allowing the fabric to be held in place.

By using conductive filament, based on conductive silver ink, the lights turn on when they are folded out. The series includes three types, each with two looks: when they are stretched open and lit, and folded in and off. The filament functions as a dimmer switch, turning the light gradually on when folded out and slowly turning off when folded back in.

The lights have two ways of opening, either vertically or round. The first light, a standing lamp, turns on by pulling the fabric downward. The star-shaped wall lamp opens round. Lastly, a table lamp also opens round, but while the fabric appears white when unlit, the light reveals a black and white pattern.

Photos: Yael Akirav