It’s actually not called City of Light (instead it’s the Book of Light), but hey, the title works. City of Light is the work of writer Lauren Belfer. Seen below is the hardcover volume of hers that was gutted to make a nice reading lamp. Believe us, it’s totally gutted. But alas, genius can never be achieved without a requisite amount of chaos and destruction.
Okay, that was overreacting a bit. What designer Steve Hoefer did was to remove (more like tear out the book’s innards and create a frame inside to fit a lamp). The result is a wonderful accessory for the bedside that, to be honest, probably won’t make a nice reading lamp.
There’s an instructional vid available for a quick perusal. Don’t worry, it isn’t painful to watch a book get stripped of its contents. One more thing: The resulting lamp isn’t battery powered.
The Creative Process Behind the Book Lamp
Steve Hoefer’s creative process involved a meticulous and somewhat brutal transformation of a beloved hardcover book into a functional piece of art. The first step was to carefully remove the pages, which, while it may sound simple, requires precision to avoid damaging the book’s cover. Once the book was hollowed out, Hoefer constructed a sturdy frame inside to support the lamp components. This frame ensures that the book maintains its shape and can safely house the electrical parts.
The lamp itself is wired to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet, which means it doesn’t rely on batteries. This design choice not only makes the lamp more reliable but also ensures a steady light source. The final product is a unique blend of literature and lighting, perfect for book lovers who appreciate a touch of whimsy in their home decor.
Implications and Inspirations
While the idea of turning a book into a lamp might seem sacrilegious to some bibliophiles, it opens up a broader discussion about the repurposing of old items. In an age where sustainability and recycling are increasingly important, projects like this encourage us to think creatively about how we can give new life to objects that might otherwise be discarded.
Moreover, this project can inspire other DIY enthusiasts to explore similar ventures. Imagine transforming an old, unused book into a clock, a picture frame, or even a secret storage box. The possibilities are endless, and each project can be a unique expression of personal style and creativity.
However, it’s essential to approach such projects with a sense of responsibility. Not every book should be gutted for the sake of art. Rare, antique, or valuable books should be preserved for their historical and cultural significance. Instead, consider using books that are damaged, outdated, or otherwise unlikely to be read again.
Hopefully, this project doesn’t inspire copycats to do violence on old hardbound tomes. Oh, the humanity!
Anyway, just for kicks, name one hardbound book you’d want to make into a lamp. Perhaps an old dictionary or an outdated encyclopedia? The choice is yours, and the potential for creativity is boundless.
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