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Poetics of Light
Pacific Rim 17: Healing Light
Project
Description
DESIGN BRIEF
- In an era marked by heightened stress, how can lighting design contribute to people's well-being? This Study Away program, a collaboration between ArtCenter College of Design and Tama Art University in Tokyo, Japan, focuses on the concept of Healing Light.
- The lighting collection features three emotive products: a pendant lamp, table lamp, and wall lamp. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese crafts and the natural world, this collection seeks to foster a healing moment at home through the delicate interplay of light.
DURATION
4 months
Meet The Team: The DayDreamers
We fantasize poetic stories
Cynthia Qin
ArtCenter College of Design
Graduate Industrial Design
Hibiki Washiyama
Tama Art University
Product Design
Research Trip Inspiration
Tokyo
Exploring the modern design in the city
Nagoya
Learning the traditional Japanese craft methods
Kyoto
Getting closer to nature and Zen philosophy
Naoshima
Relaxing on the art island with ocean breeze
NAGOYA · 名古屋
Learning the Process of Making Washi Paper
Layers upon layers, the pulp began to take shape, revealing its delicate transformation.
In Mino, we immersed ourselves in the art of making washi paper.
The intricate weave of the washi embodies the timeless beauty of tradition.
Design Direction
The interplay of light reveals intricate details of natural forms, captures the beauty of fleeting moments and merges traditional Japanese craft with modern aesthetics.
We want to invite you to see, touch, and feel their presence in your living space.
Merging
Traditional Japanese crafts
Capturing
The fleeting moments
Revealing
Details in nature elements
Creating a Healing Moment at Home
Imagine coming home after a long day—what if there was a space waiting for you, designed specifically to help you unwind and relax?
Concept Ideation
Pendant Lamp
DESIGN INSPIRATION
- Inspired by the raindrops falling down from leaves
- Showcasing the beautiful texture of washi paper
- Aiming to create a mesmerizing water refraction shadow effect and natural swaying movement
Table Lamp
DESIGN INSPIRATION
- Inspired by the water drops
- Involving tactile touching interaction for users to adjust the brightness of the light
- Translucent lamp cover for better light diffusion
Wall Lamp
DESIGN INSPIRATION
- Inspired by the sunset we saw in Naoshima oceanside
- Includes the use of washi paper, aiming to create mesmerizing shadow effect and natural movement
Prototyping Development
Heat Bending
Acrylic
PROTOTYPING GOAL
- Exploring the methods of heat-bending acrylic to create organic forms
- Using Warlon washi acrylic as the final material to showcase the beautiful washi paper texture
Light & Shadow Effect
PROTOTYPING GOAL
- Experimenting different light & shadow effects that mimic the water refraction
- Exploring various materials such as UV gel (resin) and fresnel magnifier lens sheet
Color Changing Effect
PROTOTYPING GOAL
- Using UV print to create colored film & experimenting different color combination under the light
- Exploring color changing methods using analog way
Tactile Touch
Interaction
PROTOTYPING GOAL
- Testing touch sensor for interactive and tactile illumination experience
- Prototyping and testing the best ergonomic and material of the water-drop shape
Final Design
PENDANT LIGHT
Uro · 雨露
SWAYING IN A GRACEFUL, NATURAL RHYTHM
Uro, meaning "rain's falling" in Japanese, evokes the serene beauty of raindrops gently cascading from leaves, with each piece swaying gracefully in the slightest breeze.
TABLE LIGHT
Mizumari · 水鞠
A TACTILE ILLUMINATION EXPERIENCE
Mizumari, meaning "water sphere"in Japanese, is inspired by water droplets, inviting users to interact with its tactile sensor to control its illumination and brightness.
WALL LIGHT
Kasumi · 霞
BLOOMING IN SUNSET
Kasumi, meaning "sunset" in Japanese, captures the passage of time. The colored shadows cast on the wall shift gradually, mirroring the changing hues of the sunset. Its design resembles a blooming flower, with layers of petals unfolding in the warm glow of dusk.
Exhibition at Tama Art University
FINAL EXHIBITION
- The light collection was exhibited at Tama Art University ArtTheque Gallery from 2024.12.04-12.05
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