Akasaki & Vanhuyse Crafts the WA Table Lamp From Upcycled Train Straps
Sourced from now-retired Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line 8500 trains.
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
WA is a limited-edition table lamp by London-based studio Akasaki & Vanhuyse, created for Tokyu Corporation’s sustainability initiative. It repurposes roughly 1,400 resin strap handles from the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line 8500 series – withdrawn from service in January 2023 – into just 150 hand-assembled lighting fixtures. By transforming these discarded train components into a functional object, WA embodies a design-led approach to upcycling that highlights material provenance and waste reduction.
The lamp’s sculptural shade is built from nine sandblasted rings stacked with precise, narrow gaps to diffuse light softly. Surface marks – scratches, dents and patina – are intentionally preserved, creating a crackle-glaze effect that celebrates each ring’s history. Curved stainless-steel legs echo the straps’ original contours and, together with custom laser-cut mirrored bolts, lend the piece a refined Art-Deco edge while ensuring robust assembly and lasting craftsmanship.
Sustainability underpins every stage of WA’s production. Each ring is individually cleaned, graded for imperfections, and distributed evenly across the edition to balance character and quality. All metal components are stainless steel for corrosion resistance, and the design accommodates straightforward disassembly at end of life. Tokyo-based artisans oversee collection, grading, assembly, and packaging—printed on recyclable, vapor-coated paper—minimizing transport and waste. Compact yet versatile enough for offices, station desks, or homes, WA proves that upcycled design can achieve both commercial viability and enduring aesthetic appeal. Inquiries about WA are welcome through Akasaki & Vanhuyse’s official website.
