Apo Lamp
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 PRODUCT DESIGN / Furniture & Lighting
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Athanasius Johnson
Manufacturer Name:Ombré-1 SRL
Distributors Name:Design week Lagos
Project Location:Lagos
Design Status:Prototype
Product Description:
The Apo Lamp is a sculptural lighting object inspired by the structural logic of the architectural arch and the Yoruba philosophy of Ajoṣe, Much like the Yoruba saying that one hand cannot clap alone, the arch stands only when both sides support one another. The form expresses the idea that stability emerges through connection: two grounded points joined by a shared curve that distributes light and weight in balance. Translating this principle into light, the lamp becomes both a functional object and a reflection on interdependence and shared support, hence the Yoruba word Àpò meaning we are many. The arch is formed from moulded paper pulp, a lightweight fibre material shaped through compression moulding to create a strong yet minimal shell. A brass base anchors the form while housing the lighting components, providing both stability and visual contrast. By combining contemporary fibre technology with durable metal components, the design brings together cultural meaning, material efficiency, and a sustainable approach to modern lighting.
The Apo Lamp is a sculptural lighting object inspired by the structural logic of the architectural arch and the Yoruba philosophy of Ajoṣe, Much like the Yoruba saying that one hand cannot clap alone, the arch stands only when both sides support one another. The form expresses the idea that stability emerges through connection: two grounded points joined by a shared curve that distributes light and weight in balance. Translating this principle into light, the lamp becomes both a functional object and a reflection on interdependence and shared support, hence the Yoruba word Àpò meaning we are many. The arch is formed from moulded paper pulp, a lightweight fibre material shaped through compression moulding to create a strong yet minimal shell. A brass base anchors the form while housing the lighting components, providing both stability and visual contrast. By combining contemporary fibre technology with durable metal components, the design brings together cultural meaning, material efficiency, and a sustainable approach to modern lighting.
Product Innovation / Specification:
The Apo Lamp integrates architectural structure with lightweight fibre-based material technology. The primary form is a continuous arch produced from moulded paper pulp, shaped through compression moulding to create a rigid yet lightweight structural shell. The fibrous composition distributes strength across the curved geometry while maintaining minimal material use. A high-density LED strip runs internally along the arch, providing continuous illumination while maintaining low heat output. The lighting system is supported by a brass base that houses the driver and electrical components, while also functioning as a stable structural anchor. The lamp is designed with modular construction, allowing internal lighting components to be serviced or replaced. By combining moulded fibre technology with durable metal components, the design balances lightweight material efficiency, repairability, and long-term structural stability.
The Apo Lamp integrates architectural structure with lightweight fibre-based material technology. The primary form is a continuous arch produced from moulded paper pulp, shaped through compression moulding to create a rigid yet lightweight structural shell. The fibrous composition distributes strength across the curved geometry while maintaining minimal material use. A high-density LED strip runs internally along the arch, providing continuous illumination while maintaining low heat output. The lighting system is supported by a brass base that houses the driver and electrical components, while also functioning as a stable structural anchor. The lamp is designed with modular construction, allowing internal lighting components to be serviced or replaced. By combining moulded fibre technology with durable metal components, the design balances lightweight material efficiency, repairability, and long-term structural stability.
Product Sustainability Approach:
The Apo Lamp is designed with a focus on responsible material use and long product life. The primary structure is formed from moulded paper pulp, a fibre-based material that is produced from recycled paper sources and requires relatively low energy compared to conventional glass or plastic manufacturing processes. The compression moulding process allows the form to be created with minimal material waste. The base is made from brass, a durable metal that can be recycled repeatedly without loss of quality. Together, these materials balance lightweight construction with long-term durability. The lamp uses an energy-efficient LED lighting system with low heat output and minimal power consumption. Its modular construction allows internal components to be serviced or replaced, extending the lifespan of the product and reducing unnecessary waste over time
The Apo Lamp is designed with a focus on responsible material use and long product life. The primary structure is formed from moulded paper pulp, a fibre-based material that is produced from recycled paper sources and requires relatively low energy compared to conventional glass or plastic manufacturing processes. The compression moulding process allows the form to be created with minimal material waste. The base is made from brass, a durable metal that can be recycled repeatedly without loss of quality. Together, these materials balance lightweight construction with long-term durability. The lamp uses an energy-efficient LED lighting system with low heat output and minimal power consumption. Its modular construction allows internal components to be serviced or replaced, extending the lifespan of the product and reducing unnecessary waste over time
Local and Regional Impacts of the Product:
The Apo Lamp connects contemporary product design with local cultural philosophy and material practices. Its development encourages collaboration with regional fabricators and craftspeople, supporting skills in metalwork, mould forming, and product assembly while demonstrating how locally informed design can contribute to global design discourse. The project also draws from Yoruba philosophy, particularly the idea that collective strength emerges through cooperation. By translating this principle into form, the lamp becomes a quiet symbol of interdependence and shared responsibility. In regions where social divisions and conflict have shaped everyday life, the object serves as a subtle reminder that stability, like the arch itself, is only possible when different sides support one another
The Apo Lamp connects contemporary product design with local cultural philosophy and material practices. Its development encourages collaboration with regional fabricators and craftspeople, supporting skills in metalwork, mould forming, and product assembly while demonstrating how locally informed design can contribute to global design discourse. The project also draws from Yoruba philosophy, particularly the idea that collective strength emerges through cooperation. By translating this principle into form, the lamp becomes a quiet symbol of interdependence and shared responsibility. In regions where social divisions and conflict have shaped everyday life, the object serves as a subtle reminder that stability, like the arch itself, is only possible when different sides support one another
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Athanasius Johnson
