The Noda Light is an exploration of how a small lamp can move with its user between rooms, moments and atmospheres, while remaining durable, quiet in character and easy to maintain. The project began by having a look at existing portable lamps on the market, looking at how they are handled, charged and used throughout the day.
This research shaped a set of simple priorities: long autonomy, intuitive controls, a comfortable light quality, and a charging approach suited to hospitality environments where many units must be recharged at once.
Two lines of reference guided the formal direction. Noguchi’s Akari lamps informed the search for a soft, diffused presence, while the precise geometries of Kuroda Tatsuaki influenced the exploration of folded surfaces and compact silhouettes. Early studies tested the idea of a silicone lampshade shaped through dipping and creasing, alongside SubD models that examined how a volume might feel both sturdy and gentle in the hand.
The design pairs a cast aluminium base, chosen for its stability and thermal qualities, with a flexible silicone shade that filters the light into a warm, even glow. The internal structure houses a COB LED, battery pack and control electronics, all operated through a single encoder with light indicators. Magnetic Qi2 charging was explored as a way to simplify alignment, improving IP ratings and make large-scale charging more efficient for hospitality settings.
The resulting object is a small, adaptable lamp that can be placed, carried or hung, offering a soft light and a clear construction logic. It is designed to be practical, durable and calm in expression : an everyday light with a quiet presence.