How to Make a Lamp Using Joint

Joint is a modular junction system designed to connect different types of elements—linear, planar, and more—into functional assemblies. It does not define a single product. Instead, it enables a wide range of outcomes depending on how it is used.

This project explores a more open approach to making, where one component can support multiple configurations across materials and contexts. The examples shown here are not final products to replicate, but demonstrations of what the system can do. They represent only a few possibilities, not its limits.

Joint has no fixed purpose on its own. Its value emerges through use—through what you choose to build with it. Whether you follow these examples or create something entirely different, the system is meant to support exploration and adaptation.

If this leads you to build, modify, or experiment further, the intent of the project is fulfilled.

1. 2 mm metal sheet (for fabricating the Joint)
2. Planar material (wood, plywood, acrylic, etc.) — as per required dimensions
3. Linear material (pipes, rods, or profiles) — as per required dimensions
4. Required number of Joint units (based on your assembly)

Note: The materials I've used in this project are the once that were easily accessible to me, and you need not use the same. This lamp is totally made from material that were found lying in the workshop, you can replace material and can remix it. For the circular tubes for the frame I used 12mm aluminum pipes, these can be replaced with dowels, PVC pipes, or anything that fits the diameter requirement. If you have something that does not go with this, you can always alter the laser cut file accordingly.

This sequence begins after the junction components have been fabricated through laser cutting.

If the components are sourced directly, the fabrication-related steps may be omitted, and assembly can proceed from the point where finished parts are introduced.

The following instructions outline the process of bringing together planar elements to form the junction. While the sequence describes a typical method, it is not prescriptive—order may vary based on tools, scale, and handling.

Accuracy in alignment is recommended to ensure structural stability, though minor variations may be accommodated within the system.

Making the joint

1. Ensure all holes are precisely aligned, as the system depends on their positional accuracy. One piece is constructed first; the second is its mirrored counterpart, achieved through interchange of identical elements.
2. Follow the marked guide lines to establish correct orientation and reference positions during assembly.
3. Insert components to verify fit. Ensure that intersecting edges (refer to the circle in the above diagram) align within the same plane for structural continuity and stability.
4. Tack welding at these points is advised if the structure will be taking load or if the linear members used are rods that pass through the big holes.
5. If assembled correctly, the junction would look something like this.

And one if free to put finishes on this – paints, powder coatings etc.

Note. Verify dimensions before downloading fabrication files. The junction is available in two scales—furniture and small-object (organizers, lamps). Geometry and assembly remain consistent; only size varies. Assembly for both is same. All dimensions are in mm.

This particular instructables uses the smaller scale of the junction to construct the lamp. You have the freedom to use whichever you like according the scale of the object that you are building.

There is no particular order in which Step 1 and 2 should be done, it would be easier to mount the light on the frame later if this is followed (I assembled the structure first then mounted the lights on the plate).

Step 1 – Mount the Light

1. Align the light fixture with the mounting plate and secure it using screws through the provided holes.
2. Attach tension members (e.g., elastic) to all four corners of the mounting plate.

Step 2 – Assemble the structure

1. Arrange 4 junctions to form a square, with chamfered edges facing inward. Ensure that opposite holes align at the same height. Repeat to create two identical frames.
2. Insert horizontal members (rods/pipes) through the aligned holes to form a planar lattice.
3. Insert vertical members through the junctions. Position the second lattice above and lower it onto the verticals, allowing them to pass through and complete the volume.
4. Fix the diffuser panels onto the faces as shown by passing screws through the junction holes so that they intersect and anchor into the members. Leave one face open for light installation.
5. Anchor the other ends of the tension members to the medium-sized holes on the open face of the structure, suspending the light within the volume. Once secured, close the final face with a diffuser.
6. If you did all this correctly, you now might have a lamp that can emit and diffuse the light at the same time. Attached are a few images of how my lamp looks like.

Now by the time I feel you might have gotten a gist of how the structure and the junction work in tandem with each other – here are some other structures/objects that were built using the same junction as a primary artifact.

Note. These are not all the possible outcomes but the ones that came to my mind and I made them. If you guys end up making something new or even these, it would be cool to see the outcomes. Please feel free to edit and remix the files, the dimensions, the materials etc to suit your needs.

Thank you and have fun while making.

For future references the project can be accessed at – draft.is-cool.dev/joint