LZF launched a competition in 2012 to create a cordless and rechargeable lamp while making use of the design studio’s signature wood veneers. The Piknik lamp won the competition and has since become a multi-award winning product. Eager to engage with Spanish designers and explore new creative visions, LZF established the competition in collaboration with Surtido, a platform for young designers. Belén Moratalla, Cristina Planells and Inelén Ortín (then of former design studio Macalula) designed the winning lamp; a useful, aesthetic and modest light that meets contemporary lighting needs. “The main objective of any design should be to resolve a problem or a necessity with attention to beauty, sympathy and charm. The capacity to surprise, harmonise and create good balance between functionality and aesthetics is crucial,” the designers explained. Piknik is a portable and versatile lamp that can be used both indoors and outdoors and is ideal for residential and hospitality projects. It brings atmosphere, intimacy and convenience to al-fresco settings. The lamp has a cylindrical wood veneer shade that conceals the LED light source; a rechargeable battery powering the lamp for up to eight hours; touch sensor dimming; and a USB connector for charging smartphones. The handle at the top can be used to carry or hang the lamp, also allowing movement or wind to rock it gently creating a flickering candle-like effect. Piknik’s wood veneer shade is available in 10 colours, with the metallic base and carry handle available in four different finishes (black lacquered, satin gold, natural metal and black nickel). Piknik received German Design Council’s Special Mention for Excellent Product Design 2016 and an iF Design Award in 2016. For more information about LZF’s Piknik lamp, drop by the KE-ZU showroom at Alexandria or view the product online here.