In his prior artistic endeavor, "Beauty of Time Passing (2023)," the designer undertook the ambitious task of introducing luminosity into interior spaces through the integration of data-driven meteorological landscapes and the strategic manipulation of light dispersion. The intentional use of glass bricks, with their capacity for reflective interplay, served as a conduit for cultivating a symbiotic relationship between the designed environment and the natural world, resulting in a nuanced nature-inspired ambiance within the domestic realm.In his current project, aptly titled "Ambience of Light," the artist remains dedicated to the same overarching goal while adopting a distinct modus operandi. Here, a profound exploration of the materiality intrinsic to wood and glass bricks takes precedence, as the designer endeavors to distill his vision into a more refined yet robust formal language. This deliberate departure from the previous methodology reflects a commitment to simplicity, underscoring a conscientious effort to attain a heightened aesthetic resonance through a judicious consideration of materials and their inherent expressive potential.
This project was presented at OBJECT Rotterdam 2024 (Feb 2 - 4, 2024, HAKA-gebouw, Vierhavensstraat 40, 3029 BE Rotterdam).
The designer astutely recognized a resonance between the ethereal light reflections cast by European glass bricks in architectural contexts and the delicate luminosity emanating from Japanese-style lampstands adorned with candlelight, known as Andon (行燈). Both elements share a common purpose in introducing illumination to interior spaces, effecting a transformative ambiance characterized by soft warmth and aesthetic grace. This mutual endeavor contributes to the creation of a nuanced, comfortable atmosphere within the living space.
Diverging from the inherent characteristics of the Andon, however, the integration of glass bricks demands a nuanced approach to seamlessly harmonize with a given space and establish a uniform light ambiance. In response to this challenge, the designer found inspiration in Jun'ichirō Tanizaki's seminal work, "In Praise of Shadows" (陰翳礼讃), a 1933 essay delving into the intricacies of Japanese aesthetics. As a result, the glass brick products underwent a deliberate transformation, being coated in dark colors to dissolve the perceptual boundaries between the object and the surrounding darkness within a space. To further refine this interplay of light and shadow, the designer strategically concealed the light source behind a wooden frame, casting illumination in an indirect manner. This subtle design choice enhances the overall aesthetic by imparting a sense of sophistication and evoking a visual depth that aligns with Tanizaki's contemplative exploration of shadows.
Moreover, the incorporation of a dimmable feature for the light source speaks to the designer's commitment to user-centric adaptability. This attribute allows users to tailor the brightness according to diverse spatial atmospheres, underscoring the design's versatility and adaptability to varied settings. In essence, this design narrative encapsulates a thoughtful synthesis of global influences, harmonizing European and Japanese elements while simultaneously embodying a contemporary and refined approach to spatial illumination.
