Polygons pendants combine computer modelling with Czech glass cutting
Milan 2015: these crystal-shaped lamps by Prague duo Jan Plecháč and Henry Wielgus were designed with 3D-modelling software but made using traditional Czech glass-cutting techniques.
![Polygons by Lasvit in the Rossana Orlandi Gallery at Milan 2015](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/04/Polygons-by-Lasvit-in-Rossana-Orlandi-Gallery-Milan-2015_dezeen_468_7.jpg)
The glass pendants, which feature a series of hexagonal and triangular facets, form Plecháč and Wielgus' third collection for lighting manufacturer Lasvit.
The shades are hand-blown then hand-cut in the Czech Republic and are available in a palette of pastel shades.
![Polygons by Lasvit in the Rossana Orlandi Gallery at Milan 2015](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/04/Polygons-by-Lasvit-in-Rossana-Orlandi-Gallery-Milan-2015_dezeen_468_6.jpg)
"We have been long fascinated by glass-cutting techniques but we wanted to make a new pattern," Plecháč told Dezeen. "There are just a few patterns which have been used for ages, so we have tried to find a new way of shaping the glass."
"We did a little research and found that it would be very interesting to use a new technique – 3D modelling – and combine it with old cutting," he added. "We tried to place this classic craft technique in a current context."
![Polygons by Lasvit in the Rossana Orlandi Gallery at Milan 2015](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/04/Polygons-by-Lasvit-in-Rossana-Orlandi-Gallery-Milan-2015_dezeen_468_3.jpg)
The shape of the pendants was created using "low-poly objects" – a basic shaping tool in most computer-modelling programs.
"Normally we use a computer for our modelling and rendering, and low-poly objects are part of that," Plecháč explained. "Low-poly objects are just a shortcut for very difficult [in terms of computer memory] high-polygon objects, but they are also very beautiful objects in their own right and, from some points of view, very new."
![Polygons by Lasvit in the Rossana Orlandi Gallery at Milan 2015](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/04/Polygons-by-Lasvit-in-Rossana-Orlandi-Gallery-Milan-2015_dezeen_468_9.jpg)
The pair chose colours rarely used in traditional Czech glass-blowing. The typical amber hue was replaced with a lighter shade the designers have named Champagne.
"We have used unusual intensities or combinations of colours and two are particularly special – the Rose and the Olive," Plecháč said. Other colours include Crystal and Smoke.
![Polygons by Lasvit in the Rossana Orlandi Gallery at Milan 2015](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/04/Polygons-by-Lasvit-in-Rossana-Orlandi-Gallery-Milan-2015_dezeen_468_5.jpg)
Polygons were shown at both Spazio Rossana Orlandi and the Euroluce lighting exhibition at the Salone del Mobile in Milan last week.
![Polygons by Lasvit in the Rossana Orlandi Gallery at Milan 2015](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2015/04/Polygons-by-Lasvit-in-Rossana-Orlandi-Gallery-Milan-2015_dezeen_468_4.jpg)
Lasvit also debuted a series of balloon-shaped lights by Maarten Baas at the event, which concluded on Sunday.