The minimalist ideal of clean, simple designs can result in products that are initially overlooked. What draws our attention first is the wierd. But we rarely specify the wierd and, if we do, the client may get bored with it.
So the strength of a minimalist design is revealed over time, as one looks at it in detail, and as one uses it. This is perfectly demonstrated by Fa from the new Catalan brand, GOFI.
It exemplifies Saint-Exupéry's declaration that "a designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."
(That's Fa as in the fourth note of the tonic sol-fa—or, for Sound of Music fans, "a long, long way to run".)
It is just a solid steel base, a thin rod, a spot light, a magnet, an o-ring and a cable.No superfluous decoration and—another minimalist ideal—it is obvious what it is for, how it does it, and how to use it. Form follows function.
It was originally designed to light a temporary exhibition of paintings at the Barcelona Opera House. It was not possible to attach anything to the walls or ceiling, so GOFI designed the unobtrusive freestanding Fa. We would recommend this light wherever you have a similar situation.
Because the light body is attached to the rod by a magnet, you can put it anywhere on the rod, and point it in any direction:
Hence the very wide range of uses. For reading…:
…or as a bedside light (on the bedside table or floor-standing):
You can use Fa to spotlight objects wherever they are, even at skirting board level:
Fa from GOFI can also be a source of ambient light, as here, where it is pointing up towards the wall and/or the ceiling:
The small diameter of the base means that Fa can get close to a sofa (even between the sofa and a wall directly behind it), and it works particularly well as a desk light, where you don't want the base to be taking up too much real estate.
Where does Fa come from? Well, from our point of view, the best possible types of source. Literally, it comes from Barcelona, which is the most important source (with Venice) of decorative lighting, because of all the local craft workshops. The design is by a bright, young design studio, Goula/Figuera, also in Barcelona. We met them at Maison et Objet and really liked them. They don't only do lights! The first GOFI collection also includes distinctive chairs, tables, candle sticks, shelving units and prints. Do check them out! Click here for the GOFI web site and here to download the full catalogue.
Finally, Fa is dimmable, portable and well-priced. Lead times are short and customization is possible. I’m adding some data below but, as always, do get in touch if you want to know more, e.g. prices.
GOFI do Fa in black, yellow, red or chromed.
The lamp (supplied) is a dimmable LED GU10 5.5W 500lm 2800K .
The floor version is H125cm and the table version (the Fa Mini) is H60cm. The bases are Ø7.5cm and Ø6cm.
