On one level, this sculptural hanging lamp designed by Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt appeals to the inner child in us, with its bright primary coloured circles and build-it-yourself challenge. On another, however, it leaves us wondering why our inner child should be having all the fun and why can't more things in our supposedly grown up lives be a little more like Bau - described by its makers, Normann Copenhagen, as "a hanging lamp with attitude".
Not entirely as easy as it looks to make, Bau comes with a lovely set of instructions but still requires some concentration to fit the interlocking geometric circles into place. Sticking out in all directions. Bau's pattern is broken up by the discs' colours, sizes and off-centre linkages, becoming a veritable party on the ceiling when it's done. Available in two sizes, they also look amazing when hung together.
Vibeke Fonnesberg Schmidt, based in Copenhagen, is launching the lamp at this year's Salone del Mobile in Milan next month. Her designs are often based on geometric shapes, and she's also been working on a series of one-off coffee tables, made from wood off-cuts.
"Decoration does not need to be restricted to objects you hang on the wall," she says. "It can also form an integral part of more functional objects, such as a table or a lamp. This creates new and exciting opportunities in furnishing."
