Founded in 2020 by Roland Ellis and Dev Joshi, the contemporary design studio Relative Distance distinguishes itself through the design of collective design objects and luminous works.
Their creations are inspired by the immensity of the solar system, exploring the relationships of scale and the forces that connect us to the Universe. This project stems from a desire to pay homage to the powerful connections that transcend time and cultures, while integrating their passion for design, physics, and astronomy.
Having worked for over twenty years in renowned art and design studios, Roland and Dev established Relative Distance to realize their creative ambitions. The studio utilizes innovative technologies and materials, playing with a distinctive palette of metals and minerals. The complexity of their works is manifested through refined details, with particular attention paid to surface and finish.
Their expertise translates into creations of lasting elegance, light and delicate. Each piece is designed to facilitate installation and use. Among their creations is the Phase lamp, which tracks the lunar cycles in real time and was unveiled at the London Design Festival.
The Phase lamp aims to reconnect users to the importance of the Moon in their daily lives. Roland Ellis explains: Our connection with the Moon is deeper than we can imagine. Phase allows us to establish a relationship with a fundamental element of our existence, creating a feeling of serenity and connection. »
The design process for this lamp began four years ago. The image of the lunar landscape it displays comes from a mosaic of 15,000 NASA photographs illustrating the near side of the Moon. This image is then applied to smoked glass, mounted on a mineral composite casing. The electronic components are carefully minimized to ensure a slim and elegant design. The lamp offers three lighting modes: synchronized with the Moon, full illumination, and a short lunar animation, all controlled by three buttons integrated into the casing.
Dev Joshi points out: We spent four years working on the materials and lighting to perfect the technology and design, resulting in an incredibly thin object. This is central to our design philosophy: minimize form to maximize impact. It creates a suspension of disbelief in the face of such a realistic representation of the Moon. »
Each element of the Phase lamp is handcrafted in Relative Distance's London studio, and the piece is available in two diameters: 60 centimeters and 120 centimeters. This project testifies not only to the founders' creativity but also to their desire to transform our relationship with art and the Universe.
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