Unbrella

Asked to take inspiration from the Mattress Factory’s annex gallery, we entered the 2nd floor apartment and recalled our first experience seeing Alan Wexler’s Bed Sitting Rooms for an Artist in Residence almost 20 years ago as design students. The multi-functional bed/sofa vibrates between absurdity and brilliance, efficiency and fun. The Unbrella comes from this same place -- a utilitarian knee-slap for the artist in residence who may have arrived in Pittsburgh ill-prepared for the weather. The Unbrella functions indoors as a bright soft light but outdoors as a fully lit umbrella. To use, simply twist the Unbrella into the socket and pull the raindrop to light the room. The room also charges the Unbrella’s battery. Twist out to take to the streets, lighting your way on a dark, rainy day.