Alba Light Sculpture’s Math-Driven Patterns Spark Playful Lighting Adventures

Lighting has become more than just a way to see in the dark; it sets the mood and brings energy into any space. For DIY enthusiasts and creative makers, the hunt for new ways to manipulate lights never ends. Some people are happy with a bulb that changes color, while others dive into programmable LED strips for a custom look. The Alba Light Sculpture is for those who want something a little more unpredictable.

Rather than offering direct control over every color or pattern, Alba gives you a playground of possibilities driven by mathematics. Each time you interact with the sculpture, you trigger algorithms that generate new combinations of shifting gradients, shapes, and colors. The result? An ever-changing landscape on your wall, desk, or shelf that feels more like an adventure than a lighting project.

Designer: Ishac Bertran

At the heart of the Alba sculpture is a 64×32 LED matrix, run by a Pimoroni Interstate 75 board powered by custom Python code. The setup is elegant and compact, fitting beautifully in a modern workspace or creative studio. The real fun lies in the two physical knobs on the sculpture. One lets you pick from eight different programs, each with its own approach to creating patterns. The other knob tweaks a parameter inside the program, so you might change how fast colors flow, how shapes morph, or how gradients blend.

Some of these programs generate static gradients, offering a wash of color that morphs gently over time. Others are much more lively, with shapes and lights shifting and growing in unexpected ways. Every twist of the knob is a new surprise, inviting you to play and discover what kind of digital artwork you can coax from the sculpture.

Alba is as versatile as it is intriguing. Hang it on the wall to transform your room, stick it to a metal surface with its built-in magnets, or prop it up on a custom stand right on your worktable. The minimal design lets the generative patterns take center stage, making it both a piece of art and a conversation starter for anyone dropping by your creative space.

For makers who love mixing art, code, and a dash of unpredictability, the Alba Light Sculpture is a playful reminder that math can bring beauty into our everyday lives. It’s the perfect blend of tech and art, offering both a hands-on project and an invitation to let go of control and just see where the patterns take you.

The post Alba Light Sculpture’s Math-Driven Patterns Spark Playful Lighting Adventures first appeared on Yanko Design.