designed by Zaha Hadid and Patrick Schuhmacher * in 2005, manufactured by Zumtobel Lighting, Austria, 2007, fibreglass reinforced polyester, LED modules, integrated light management system for programming an infinite variety of lighting scenes, internal metal frame for statics optimization, height 151 cm, 146 x 167 cm. (DR) No. 6 from the envisaged edition of 25, 13 of which have been realized to date in black or white. Awarded the European Design Prize "Lights of the Future" in 2006. First presented in 2005 by the Italian design company Sawaya & Moroni at the Salone del Mobile Milano. The present VorteXX was exhibited at the FIAC at the Grand Palais in Paris in 2009.

Provenance: Zumtobel, Dornbirn, Austria.

Lit.: Zaha Hadid, Salomon R.Guggenheim Museum, New York 2006, p. 167 - Ch. & P. Fiell, Design Now!, Cologne 2007, p. 231 and cover illustration.

Press release Dornbirn, September 2009

VorteXX chandelier
The passion of light

Zumtobel implemented this unique lighting sculpture following an idea developed jointly by architect Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher. VorteXX is a perfect symbiosis of organic lines and a surprisingly dynamic modulation of light colours. This impressive design is based on the vision of an infinite ribbon of light. Its charismatically curved outlines remind the beholder of a double helix and seem like a continuously flowing form - weightless, impulsive and radiant. The vibrant luminosity of its dynamic lighting enhances this impression even further. The chandelier’s light colour changes continuously and barely perceptibly: from red to yellow to blue - the fascinating interplay of colours creates a three-dimensional field of tension, catching people’s eyes all the time.

The 2 m high and 1.5 m wide luminaire unit consists of more than 60 individually molded components, which combine to form a 12 m long continuous strand. By means of a special suspension assembly, the chandelier can be flush-fitted on the ceiling. A translucent acrylic glass cover has been inserted into its highly specular surface made of fibre glass-reinforced polyester to achieve uniform light distribution and optimum colour mixture. LED modules producing indirect light in a variety of shades allow precise adjustment of colours. In combination with a lighting management system, an infinite variety of lighting scenes can be programmed.

The indirect light consistently follows the spiral design of the chandelier, impressively emphasising its smoothly flowing lines. In addition to coloured indirect light, a white LED light line with a downward beam brings out the organic form of the luminous art object. Thanks to this well-balanced combination of dynamic lines with sensuously coloured and at the same time brilliantly white light, VorteXX communicates harmonious lighting scenes to its environment and has a lasting influence on the emotional well-being of its beholders.

The Vortexx chandelier is manufactured by hand in a limited edition of 25. It is offered for sale through art galleries and auction houses. At an auction in the London auction house of Phillips de Pury, for instance, the chandelier recently fetched a record price of EUR 186,500.- plus auction fee.

Caption
B1+B2_ Organic forms and dynamic modulations of light - that's what makes beholders enthusiastic about this luminous art object. VorteXX is based on designs by famous architect Zaha Hadid and was created in collaboration with Zumtobel. B3_ Zaha Hadid