Talbot & Yoon explain why Doko Lamp is more than just an object for illumination

Lamp sketches and sculpture by Talbot & Yoon.

We want all of the designs in our collection for Areaware to connect with its customers emotionally. We always ask ourselves if objects can create an empathetic connection, tell a story or convey an idea simply by their presence. The Doko Lamp is the latest in a series of objects that try to get at these questions.

Enzo Mari’s Dumbell Light

Most of the lamps that we encounter fulfill their functions very effectively. A cafe lamp, which is minimal, compact, and short, lights the food while gently illuminating a friend's face. A desk lamp will focus light with an articulated arm positioned for your solitary task. A bedside lamp will provide general illumination for late night reading while not overwhelming a partner. Lamps rarely made to provide companionship on their own.

Cina Boeri’s ‘602’ Table Lamp

When we first began this project, we made a list of lamps that reach beyond function to provide companionship. The two that stood out most to us were Enzo Mari’s Dumbbell Light and Cina Boeri’s "602" table lamp, both from the 1960s. Both shared the following characteristics that we have identified over the course of our work on empathetic objects that we sought to bring to the Doko Lamp:

–Talbot & Yoon

In keeping with Talbot & Yoon’s design practice, the Doko Lamp uses soft geometry to elicit feelings of empathy and playfulness. It has an anthropomorphic form that looks as though the lamp is carefully carrying its bulb on its shoulders.