I like lava lamp, they look nice as build lights but they are more of a hassle to setup (especially in OZ since all the plugs and sockets you get from the US is different) or they are against workplace health & safety policies.
But more importantly I always thought all we need for build light is just a spare PC and monitor. Check out build-o-matic and team-piazza (thanks to Nat). Pity neither of them works at my current workplace :(