“It Starts with a Question” — @risd1877 President @crystalannwilliams ’ new video interview series — launched in October 2025 and has quickly become a rich editorial platform for conversations with thought leaders, art and design luminaries, alumni, and “friends of RISD” about issues surrounding contemporary art-making.
In the latest installment, Williams sits down with award-winning designer and RISD alum David Weeks (@shinerbot@davidweeksstudio ), widely considered the founding father of North American lighting design. Inspired by his Cubebot toy robot created 25 years ago, Weeks also recently returned to RISD’s industrial design department (@risdid ) to teach a Wintersession toy design course.
The episode’s varied discussion explores the potential of a studio critique, and the benefit of being able to give and receive constructive criticism for iterative projects in art, design, and scholarship. Watch the full episode on RISD’s YouTube channel!
Reel courtesy of RISD.
Suspended in a dance of precision and poise, the Sarus Mobile stands as a definitive exploration of kinetic minimalism.
Inspired by the elegant proportions of the Sarus Crane, this piece isn’t just a light fixture—it’s a living sculpture. Its long, tapered arms reach through space, pivoting to create a constantly evolving silhouette. | first photo by Chuck Choi
#DavidWeeksStudio #MobileLight #ModernLighting #InteriorDesign #SculpturalLighting
As you know, Areaware is closing soon—but for Cubebot fans, there's a silver lining. We're thrilled to share that Cubebot is returning to its original home at @davidweeksstudio ! The foldable, fidget fun is far from over. To stay in the loop on Cubebot's next chapter, sign up at the link in bio. The David Weeks Studio team will be in touch soon.
Long Live Cubebot. 🫡
| A clip from Episode 47 | Form & Functionality: with Designer | David Weeks @shinerbot@davidweeksstudio
Tap the link in our bio to listen & watch the full episode. For a more comprehensive look at David’s work visit our website & Substack.
| A clip from Episode 47 | Form & Functionality: with Designer | David Weeks @shinerbot@davidweeksstudio
Tap the link in our bio to listen & watch the full episode. For a more comprehensive look at David’s work visit our website & Substack.
I designed Cubebot 20 years ago. Since then, this little wooden robot has stolen the hearts of little and big kids everywhere.
Follow along on @cubebot to hear where we are headed next and all things cubebot.
#cubebot #woodentoys #davidweeksstudio #toys
| Episode 47 | Form & Functionality: with Designer | David Weeks @shinerbot@davidweeksstudio
Tap the link in our bio to listen & watch the full episode. For a more comprehensive look at David’s work visit our website & Substack.
With a jewelry-level finish, this Aluminum Bullet transcends traditional form. It is a calculated fusion of elegant proportions, meticulously polished to embody the studio’s distinct signature style.
#DavidWeeksStudio #IndustrialDesign #ModernLighting #SculpturalLighting #Process
Kinetic sculpture at its finest. There’s something so grounding about the silhouette of the Bottle Tiered Mobile—the ultimate lesson in equilibrium.
#DavidWeeksStudio #InteriorDesign #KineticArt #ModernLighting #designinspiration
Precision meets movement. The Treble Mobile is a study in equilibrium, featuring hand-bent frames and the signature Treble shades. Drawing inspiration from the fluidity of musical notation, this kinetic fixture transforms a room through its shifting silhouette and balanced proportions. First image credits to @tashatylee & interiors by @wearetriibe
#DavidWeeksStudio #LightingDesign #KineticSculpture #InteriorArchitecture #modernlighting
Looking back at these limited edition portable lamps, it’s clear why they remain icons of modern lighting.
From the signature frames to the sculptural shades, these pieces aren’t just about illuminating a room—they’re about defining the space they inhabit.
#davidweeksstudio #davidweeks #interiordesign #modernlighting #sculpturallighting
