LODES Unveils Sculptural Lighting System at Euroluce 2025
While visiting Euroluce 2025, I spent time at the LODES booth to see their new MAP product in person. I went to the booth three times over two days and every time it was jam-packed. Josie Anthony, Managing Director of LODES USA, had been telling about their new MAP product and I wanted to see it for myself. At the exhibit, I met with German designers David Geckeler and Frank Michels of Geckeler Michels, the team behind this striking new collection. Their design, originally self-initiated, reimagines decorative lighting as both art and infrastructure.
From Tape to Track: Power with Purpose
The inspiration for the system came from a simple roll of tape. This concept led to a design centered around flowing curves and expressive lines. Instead of concealing electrical cables, David and Frank made them part of the design. “The cable often runs from a ceiling outlet to where you want the light. Instead of hiding it, we made it the core of the design,” David explained.
The result is a lighting system that looks more like an art installation than a track light. LODES paired the flexible form with precise optics, offering beam angles of 26°, 55°, and 80°. These options allow designers to balance ambient and task lighting in a wide range of spaces—from hospitality settings to residential interiors. The system now also mounts to walls, expanding its versatility.
A Marriage of Aesthetics and Performance
As we explored the booth, David and Frank demonstrated how different optics influenced both performance and visual impact. Some lenses created a soft, ambient glow. Others projected more directional beams. “We designed this to function well at night while also appearing refined and sculptural during the day,” David noted.
Frank added, “It’s functional lighting, but it has a softness that makes it easy for interior designers to work with.”
Independent Vision, Strategic Partnership
Unlike many commercial collaborations, this one began as a personal project. David and Frank developed the initial idea themselves. They later brought it to LODES, who embraced the concept enthusiastically. “We were about 89% finished when we showed it to them,” David said. “It still took two more years to bring it to life.”
Frank explained why they approached LODES specifically. “They’re bold when it comes to decorative lighting, but they also build products that architects can trust. That’s what made it a perfect fit.”
Coming Soon to the U.S.
Currently launching in Europe, the MAP system will soon enter the U.S. market. Once it receives UL certification, it will join LODES’ growing U.S. lineup. The fixture blends form, flexibility, and function—qualities that today’s lighting designers increasingly demand. With its sculptural presence and thoughtful engineering, the MAP system offers a glimpse into the future of decorative architectural lighting.
Read more about Euroluce: Salone del Mobile Opens with Reflection on Humanity
