From retired Tokyo train cars to sculptural lighting, the WA lamp shows how design can turn discarded parts into timeless objects.
Giving Train Straps a Second Life
London-based studio Akasaki and Vanhuyse has crafted WA, a limited-edition table lamp designed for Tokyu Corporation’s sustainability initiative. The project reuses around 1,400 resin strap handles from the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line 8500 trains, which were retired in January 2023. Only 150 lamps were produced, each assembled by hand. By transforming once-functional commuter hardware into lighting, the designers highlight both material provenance and the potential of upcycling in contemporary design.
A Sculptural Shade with History
The lamp’s centerpiece is a striking shade composed of nine sandblasted resin rings stacked in precise layers. Subtle gaps between the rings allow light to diffuse gently across surfaces, while preserved scratches and dents tell the story of their former life. Rather than hiding imperfections, the design celebrates them, creating a unique crackle-glaze effect. Polished stainless-steel legs curve with a nod to the original strap contours, joined by custom mirrored bolts that give the piece an Art-Deco elegance.
Sustainability at Every Stage
Every detail of WA reinforces its sustainable ethos. Each ring was carefully cleaned, graded, and distributed across the edition to balance character with quality. Stainless steel components ensure durability and recyclability, while the lamp’s structure allows for easy disassembly at the end of its life. Local Tokyo artisans oversaw the collection, assembly, and packaging—printed on recyclable, vapor-coated paper—to minimize waste and transport impact. Compact yet versatile, WA works equally well in homes, offices, or station desks, proving that circular design can be both commercially viable and visually compelling.
