Consumers are increasingly conscious about materials and product designers are considering recyclable and upcyclable materials. The WA table lamp repurposes white resin train strap handles from Tokyo's Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line 8500 series, which retired in January 2023, yielding about 1,400 rings. Designers Akasaki & Vanhuyse created a limited edition of 150 lamps using nine stacked rings per lamp with gaps that softly diffuse light. The rings are sandblasted for a durable matte finish while preserving scratches and dents to celebrate their prior use. Stainless-steel mirrored legs provide rust-resistant support, facilitate disassembly, and the lamp emphasizes longevity, local assembly, and sustainability.
The WA table lamp is a striking example of upcycling and timeless design, created by Akasaki & Vanhuyse using rescued train strap handles from Tokyo's iconic Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line 8500 series. These trains rolled through the city for decades before retiring in January 2023, leaving behind a treasure trove of about 1,400 white resin ring handles that once supported countless commuters.
The lamp's design draws inspiration from the original white color and distinctive circular form of the train handles. For each lamp, nine of these reused rings are stacked with small, deliberate gaps that allow light to softly filter through, creating a gentle glow that feels both modern and nostalgic. The rings themselves are carefully sandblasted to clean their surfaces and give them a durable, soft matte finish.
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