Student-made lamps shine bright

A class of innovative Year 12 students have showcased their creativity and craftsmanship by building desk lamps out of recycled wood.

Carine Senior High School Design and Technology students were set the task to design and build a unique lamp that could illuminate a small space using an LED strip or single globe. It had to be freestanding and be made completely out of reused wood.

Design and Technology teacher Haldane Schmiedte assisted the students throughout the project and said they developed practical skills with the tools, materials and equipment. 

“To create the designs they have envisioned, students have had to critically assess and creatively problem solve throughout the project in order to achieve their desired outcomes,” Mr Schmiedte said. 

“We want students to make challenging projects that they are proud of creating.” 

The class has a focus on reusing materials to create environmentally conscious projects. For the lamps, students sourced the timber from demolition work, old pergolas, floorboards, pallets, and the like. 

Over one and a half terms, students followed a design process to draft working drawings, select and prepare materials, and then develop the necessary skills to complete their lamps. 

Year 12 student Olivia Taylor, said it was very exciting to see the lamp once it was finally completed. Her parents liked it too.

Her lamp mainly used branches from Shea Oak and Gum trees, along with circular rechargeable LED lights, and she worked almost entirely independently on the whole process. 

“I spent approximately four weeks on the design and then six weeks to make it,” Olivia said. 

“My process of drafting the lamp was hand drawn sketches and then two of the full design with sketches of angles and aspects. 

“My inspiration was seeing a lot of natural furniture and then I saw a photo of a cake stand that someone had used to make a piece of furniture. 

“I have done Woodwork since Year 8 and I am in the works of designing my final piece which is a table to play boardgames on.” 

Mr Schmiedte said projects that put an emphasis on student design and using more sustainable materials are essential in developing creative thinking. 

“In an increasingly instantaneous, reactionary world I believe it is important to develop creative thought process and encourage sustained focus through student designed projects,” he said.