Promotion: German designer Stefan Diez has created a customisable lighting system for Barcelona-based lighting brand Vibia featuring a flexible textile track that is fastened like a belt.

Called Plusminus, the system is made from a conductive fabric belt that various light fittings can be clipped onto.

It was designed to give architects and designers full flexibility over lighting schemes. The specially developed textile track, available in four colour finishes, can be hung loosely or pulled in tension to form the system's structure.

A range of six lighting elements can be attached to the fabric belt using a clip-and-connect system of anchors and fixings. The elements, which include a sphere, semisphere, cone, spotlight, linear diffuser and linear low UGR, can be adjusted, attached, or removed as required.

They can be used to create compositions of pendants, chandeliers, wall lights, ceiling track lighting, and space dividers that offer different levels of diffused or focused light.

"Plusminus breaks down the traditional distinction between decorative and architectural lighting by replacing it with a single system that gives design professionals full freedom to sketch with light," said Vibia.

"When loose, the belt traces elegant compositions in space. In tension, the belt acquires an architectural presence that can function as a space divider or artistic installation in vertical configurations," continued the brand.

"Used horizontally the system suggests a suspended ceiling with light sources delimiting the height. Add a wire cable attachment and any number of configurations become possible."

The flexible design allows the system to be used in a range of settings including creating intimate lighting in the home or elaborate light sculptures in public buildings.

Designers and architects can use software provided on Vibia's website to design their own bespoke lighting solutions or choose from a range of pre-set configurations.

"The Plusminus collection is a toolbox which, thanks to the wide range it contains, enables you to find solutions to an incredible number of lighting problems," commented Diez. "I think architects and lighting designers today need investment certainty, and Plusminus offers that."

The Munich-based designer has previously collaborated with Vibia on a series of glass lamps that feature glowing etched patterns and edges.

To view more about Plusminus, visit the brand's website.

Partnership content

This article was written by Dezeen for Vibia as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.