Akasaki & Vanhuyse Crafts the WA Table Lamp From Upcycled Train Straps

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Summary

  • WA by Akasaki & Vanhuyse repurposes 1,400 resin train straps into 150 lamps
  • Nine sandblasted rings preserve scratches and dents to diffuse light, held by Art-Deco legs
  • The project prioritizes sustainability from material reuse to local assembly

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share the captivating story of WA, a restricted-edition table lamp crafted by the ingenious minds at Akasaki & Vanhuyse, exclusively for Tokyu Corporation’s eco-friendly project. This stunning piece is born from approximately 1,400 resin strap handles rescued from the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line 8500 series, which were retired in January 2023. Incredibly, these railroad relics have been reconceptualized into a mere 150 exquisite, handcrafted lighting fixtures.

By breathing new life into discarded train parts and transforming them into a practical artifact, WA symbolizes an innovative design perspective on upcycling. It underscores the significance of material origins and champions waste reduction, demonstrating an inspiring commitment to sustainability.

The lamp’s decorative shade is constructed from nine sandblasted rings carefully arranged with slim spaces in between for a gentle dispersal of light. The surface imperfections – scratches, dents, and patina – are kept intentionally, resulting in a textured glaze appearance that highlights the history of each ring. The curved stainless-steel legs mimic the initial shape of the straps and, along with custom laser-cut mirrored bolts, give the design an elegant Art Deco aesthetic while ensuring sturdy construction and enduring quality.

Every step in the creation of WA’s products emphasizes sustainability. Each ring is individually inspected for flaws, with imperfections distributed evenly among the collection to ensure consistency in character and quality. All metal components are made from stainless steel for resistance against corrosion, and the design facilitates easy disassembly when the product reaches its end of life.

Tokyo-based craftsmen manage the entire production process, including collection, grading, assembly, and packaging on recyclable, vapor-coated paper. This approach reduces transportation needs and waste. The result is a versatile design that can fit seamlessly into offices, desks at home, or stations-demonstrating that sustainable design can achieve both commercial success and lasting aesthetic charm.

If you’re interested in learning more about WA, please feel free to inquire through the official website of Akasaki & Vanhuyse.

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2025-08-26 06:56