Munich-based designer Stefan Diez draws inspiration from the simple strap that holds luggage in place on a car roof rack or a bicycle carrier to create Plusminus for Barcelona lighting brand Vibia. The new lightingcollection utilizes the properties of a textile strap in combination with the various light shades of the collection to generate different lighting models and moods.
From taught to slack the strap which is both the support system and the electrical conduit traces different configurations in the air that together with the shades generate bespoke sculptural lighting installations.
To achieve the successful technical resolution of the system Diez worked with a Berlin-based institute in order to come up with a textile strap that would allow the conduit of an electrical current through its entire length. This strap is then used in different ways to attach the various light sources of the collection to bring light wherever it is required
“With such an electric conductive strip we can do a lot of nice things,” says Diez. Plusminus is defined by its formal variety that combines textiles and hard elements with a versatile result. “You can do it along the wall, you can do it hanging down,” providing a lighting system based on elements that can be easily added to or removed from the strap at will.
The collection includes four light sources that can be attached to the strap to generate different lighting effects; a soft rounded lampshade that provides a downlight effect. The classic glass globe version that glows which is available in two different sizes. A linear model that consists of a thin meter long light strip that can be attached to the strap. And a highly flexible spotlight version that is also attached to the strap and can be angled as required.
The strap itself can be cut to length using a simple scissors and adapted to any décor using different colour threads and patterns woven into its width while the shades are manufactured using glass as well as aluminium which are available in several powder coated shades of earthy and metallic tones.
A range of accessories including an anchor clamp that holds the strap in place, suitable for floors, walls or ceilings, is the key to the collections noteworthy versatility. The defining element, the strap, is both an attractive feature and the way in which the lights are connected to the current and one another.
