Kenneth Cobonpue Lighting
Written by
14 September 2023
•
3 min read
Kenneth Cobonpue (born 1968) is a Filipino industrial designer known for his unique designs integrating natural materials through innovative handmade production processes. He began his design career after his studies in Industrial Design in New York, which led him to apprenticeships and further studies in Italy and Germany.
Cobonpue pioneered the integration of design, manufacturing, and global distribution as well as branding, in Cebu, operating from his headquarters on the island.
Awards to his credit include Hong Kong’s Design for Asia Award, the Japan Good Design Award, the American Society of Interior Designers Selection, the French Coup de Coeur Award, and the first Asian Designer of the Year title given by the Maison et Objet in Paris.
In 2020, the Cultural Center of Philippines awarded him their highest prize for his contribution to Filipino culture and design. Working closely with some of the world’s leading designers, from household names to emerging talents, Kenneth has been pushing the envelope for design in Philippines and sharing his vision to a global audience. Kenneth reveals new work each year in design shows from Milan to New York and he speaks regularly about design all over the world.
The BARNACLE collection takes its form and shape from one of natures most beautiful creations. These translucent lamps made fro rice paper are made by hand and assembled together in a way that makes each form and pattern unique, and allows the light to glow through the material in infinite ways.
The FANDANGO captures the power and expression of a flamenco dancer twirling in space. Petals of cotton fabric shaped to diffuse light and portray the drama of dancing in the wind.
The C U C ME collection plays with random translucent patterns framed within symmetrical and geometrical shapes. Its wire frame is dipped into a vat of Salago fibre, forming interesting textures as it dries.
Let the warm light of the KAI collection lead you home. Buri, woven over a light steel frame in a linear pattern creates a strong contrast against a handmade paper diffuser.
Made from a series of branching bamboo twigs tied to a geometric latticework of steel, KRIS KROS is a play of forms resembling cocoon and organic screens.
The LIMBO captures a spontaneous moment of an aerialist in mid-flight. Made of gossamer wires handwoven in a lattice pattern, this dramatic design is both an art piece and a functional lamp.
Hundreds of individual figurines embody the playful nature of the LITTLE PEOPLE. Salogo fiber is applied by hand to add volume and body to a sculptural composition of steel. The result is both dramatic and meaningful, showing what happens when people unite and work together.