It starts with a simple idea, captured in a few strokes.

The dome takes shape, though at first it was imagined as a spun-aluminum piece.

The idea of a glass dome paired with an aluminum head was taking shape just as we got in touch with a glassblower who would help us bring the design to life.

Cardboard prototypes were used to assess the angle of the dome and its final size.

On our side, the production of the aluminum components and the way the light would be built were coming together...

A first prototype of the light's head let us confirm that the assembly parts were positioned correctly.

The proportions of the stepped pattern have to be tested in a 3D-printed prototype to be properly assessed. The rounded edges will later be reworked and softened to match those of the glass dome.

The head of the light is made of 3 precision-machined aluminum parts. Special care goes into the outer finish of the head, since its surface stays exposed on the natural version of the light.

The glassblowing studio in the Eastern Townships, Quebec.

A wooden mould was made to produce the dome's specific shape.

Colouring blown glass is an art in itself. With so many colours available, choosing becomes a small puzzle that can only be solved through testing.

We fell in love with the amber yellow.

The glass is heated to over 1,000 degrees Celsius in the melting furnace...

The glassblower deftly handles the ball of molten glass at the end of a blowpipe, using a hollow, wet pearwood block to give it a rounded, centred initial shape.

The glassblower and assistants work together to transfer the ball of molten glass into the wooden mould, which has been soaked in water beforehand.

Blowing into the pipe inflates the glass like a balloon until it takes on the shape of the mould. The artisan's breath and carefully measured movements lead to a surprising result.

Once out of the mould, the piece is still very hot and malleable.

Several prototypes were used to test the colours chosen earlier, while letting the glassblower get familiar with the particular quirks of producing the Echo domes.

Each dome is then carefully cut and polished by hand...

Each dome is blown individually, then inspected for visible flaws. The pieces that pass are then cut into domes. The clear glass that is trimmed off can be recycled and reused in other pieces.