Salone del Mobile 2025: Designers Impress With Dynamic Sculptural Lighting Fixtures

The importance of a well-conceived lighting plan in home design is often underestimated, frequently being an afterthought rather than an integral part of the initial concept. Good lighting significantly contributes to an inhabitant's well-being, optimizes functionality, and elevates the overall aesthetic of a room, transforming an ordinary space into something remarkable through strategic fixture selection and placement. This principle was vividly demonstrated at the recent WOW!house design exhibit held at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour in London, England. The exhibition featured 22 unique rooms, each crafted by leading interior designers, where lighting often took center stage. The WOW!house exhibition, open to the public for a month in June to support the United in Design charity, was not a traditional house but an innovative installation. It comprised a series of exterior and interior spaces within the atrium of the Design Centre. These spaces were diverse, ranging from entries, kitchens, dens, bars, and dining areas to libraries, bathrooms, bedrooms, and outdoor courtyards, all brimming with originality and creative design solutions. Across most of these spectacular settings, lighting played a prominent role in defining the ambiance and functionality. One of the most striking examples was the grand entry of the installation, which featured an dramatic leaf chandelier by Cox London. Victoria Davar, founder of Maison Artefact, specifically requested a five-meter ceiling height to ensure the fixture was not only accommodated but also given pride of place, asserting its visual dominance upon entry. Davar emphasized that this height aligns with classical design principles. Her design philosophy for the entry embraced a blend of classical and modern elements, where the chandelier was framed against a traditional-surround fireplace. This approach allowed each element to balance the other, creating a dialogue between the old and the new. Davar intentionally utilized negative space, leaving the wall above the fireplace blank, to allow the chandelier to stand out as a sculptural piece without visual interruption, fostering a sense of airiness. Another innovative approach was seen in the courtyard room designed by Emma Sims-Hilditch. This multi-functional space, envisioned to support various aspects of country living such as a boot room, dog wash station, and gardening area, integrated classical elements of heritage country homes with modern touches. Sims-Hilditch positioned an oversized Charles Edwards lantern as a focal point above an island, drawing inspiration from classical English country house lanterns. The lantern received a contemporary update through its coloration, painted in Farrow & Ball's Lulworth Blue. Wall lights, inspired by carriage lanterns, and pendant lights with fabric shades in corner spaces were strategically placed to layer the lighting, ensuring both functionality and comfort. Sims-Hilditch underscored the importance of soft lighting and avoiding bare bulbs, opting for a layered system that included John Cullen Lighting for downlights and Soane Britain for wall lights. The bathroom designed by 1508 London exemplified how lighting can transform a functional space into a luxurious retreat. The design studio incorporated an advanced lighting system by John Cullen Lighting and Lutron, offering three distinct illumination programs: Ritual, Revitalizing, and Revery. Paris Albert, an associate at 1508 London, explained that “Ritual” supports daily cleansing routines, “Revitalizing” enhances vanities and showers for rejuvenation, and “Revery” creates a dreamlike state for relaxation. These options, accessible at the touch of a button, elevated the bathroom experience from mere utility to a restorative escape. Interior decorator and antiques dealer Daniel Slowik presented his morning room design, emphasizing subtle, layered lighting rather than bright, centralized fixtures or intrusive task lighting. He advocated for side lights, often converting decorative vases or antique items like Arts & Crafts candlesticks into lamps, to create ambient illumination. Slowik aimed for a subdued, not overlit, atmosphere, focusing on objects that also serve as beautiful design elements. While generally disliking overt task lighting, he integrated a brass floor lamp discreetly next to a reading chair, chosen for its distressed appearance that conveyed a sense of history and permanence. The unifying theme across all these designs is the necessity for lighting to be an intrinsic component of the overall design strategy. A thoughtful approach to illumination enhances comfort and functionality, highlights the aesthetic, and can dramatically transform a room into a unique and spectacular environment. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #LightingSolutions #WOWHouse #DesignExhibition #ArchitecturalLighting #DecorativeLighting #SmartLighting

Designer Lee Broom launched his new 'Optical' lighting collection by transforming his studio's delivery van into a mobile exhibition space. This innovative concept, named 'Salone del Automobile,' involved meticulously designing the van's interior to resemble a traditional Italian palazzo. The transformation included painting the van's interior in Broom's signature grey, and adding ornate Corinthian columns, architraves, and stuccoed details, complemented by an illuminated floor. This elaborately decorated van served as a dramatic backdrop for the new monochromatic lighting fixtures. The 'Salone del Automobile' embarked on a journey from Broom's London headquarters to Milan, where it was showcased at various prominent locations during Salone del Mobile, including Brera Design District, Spazio Rossana Orlandi, ZonaTortona, San Gregorio Docet, and Ventura Lambrate. This unconventional exhibition strategy allowed the collection to reach a wider audience and provided a unique viewing experience, highlighting the pieces within an unexpected, yet grand, setting. The 'Optical' lighting collection itself features illuminated globes adorned with graphic, linear patterns. These designs are asymmetrical, creating a dynamic visual effect where their appearance shifts depending on the viewer's angle. Broom drew inspiration for this collection from his own experiences in the early 1990s, specifically recalling his use of monochrome graphics when decorating his bedroom. This personal connection to the design imbues the collection with a sense of nostalgia while maintaining a contemporary aesthetic. The collection is characterized by its stark black and white palette, which further emphasizes the graphic quality of the patterns. Each piece is designed to create an interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the 'optical' illusion and making the fixtures captivating from all perspectives. The installation within the van was carefully orchestrated to maximize this effect, presenting the lights as functional art pieces within a curated, mobile environment. This method of presentation not only served as a launch for the 'Optical' collection but also demonstrated a creative approach to exhibition design in the competitive world of furniture and lighting. By bringing the showroom directly to the audience in an artistic and memorable way, Lee Broom successfully generated significant attention and discussion around his new works, solidifying his reputation for innovative design and marketing. #LeeBroom #LightingDesign #SaloneDelMobile #ProductLaunch #ExhibitionDesign #OpticalLighting #MilanDesignWeek #InteriorDesign

This article showcases a curated selection of innovative lighting designs, originally featured in the October 2023 issue of Wallpaper* magazine, derived from highlights of Euroluce at Milan's Salone del Mobile 2023. The featured products span offerings from established brands like Lasvit, Cassina, and Flos, as well as independent studios such as Pelle and Ross Gardam. The presentation of these designs emphasizes a unique photographic approach, employing both digital and film techniques, with a particular focus on film photography to create optical contrasts and surface textures, exploring the interplay of light and shadow. Among the showcased designs is the 'Polaris' floor lamp by David Rockwell for Lasvit, part of the Constellation collection. Inspired by the celestial mural at Grand Central Terminal, this hand-crafted metal and glass lamp functions as both a dazzling focal point and a unifying element within any setting. Laurids Gallée's 'Pool 02' lamp, a limited-edition polymer resin light, explores the incorporation of traditional elements with experimental materials. This ice-blue lamp, which emits a warm yellow glow when illuminated, features a fluid shape and soft ridges that evoke the dynamic reflections of light on water. Herzog & de Meuron's 'Dreispitz' lamp, produced for Artemide, is a graphically appealing pendant available in black, silver, and a vibrant green. Originally conceived for the architects' Dreispitz project in Helsinki, this lamp can accommodate three distinct light sources that integrate into its triangular base, forming a clover-like profile. It offers various lengths and lighting options, designed for environmental sustainability through its high efficiency, optimized industrial processes, and the use of partially recycled and recyclable materials. Dirk Winkel's 'W225 Ion' lamp for Wästberg represents a deceptively simple design, the culmination of extensive research focused on creating well-being through optimal lighting. Its core innovation is a sophisticated miniature friction joint with a cordless power connection, enabling 360-degree rotation. The lamp's versatility is enhanced by a choice of arm lengths, mounting options, and two optical systems, providing illumination for wide-angle workspaces or focused reading. The 'Vestige' table lamp by Ross Gardam and Peter Kovacsy aims to evoke a sense of wonder. This brutalist-inspired sculptural form features a solid parabolic cone of cast crystal glass, created by Peter Kovacsy, emerging from a rectangular base. The design celebrates the allure and texture of glass, with bubbles within the glass creating a speckled pattern when illuminated, and is paired with a raw aluminum base and a machined conical dimmer. Bocci's '44T' table lamp distinguishes itself with its unique, irregular aluminum canopy, formed through various processes like blowing, pouring, carving, and polishing. Each lamp is individual, reflecting Bocci’s research into dendrite-like shapes. A notable feature is the use of spherical light bulbs that glow without visible electrical cables, as low-voltage electricity passes directly through the cast metal structure. The 'Channel' lamp by Pelle, known for its 'Bubble' chandelier, addresses the practical need for illuminating large table surfaces while brightening the overall room. This ceiling fixture comprises a sleek horizontal body in waxed brushed aluminum, housing four lighting components—two upward-facing and two downward-facing beams—with thin steel cables serving as power conduits. Michele Groppi’s 'Vis à Vis' table lamp for Davide Groppi is designed to seamlessly integrate into any environment. Made entirely of transparent glass, from its thin cylindrical stem to its circular canopy, it appears to float lightly and is rechargeable, allowing for mobility without visible electric cables. Finally, Philippe Malouin’s 'Bilboquet' table lamps for Flos, his first design for the brand, are based on experiments with magnetic elements. Named after a 16th-century French game, the lamp consists of two colored cylinders connected by a magnetic sphere, allowing for flexible orientation and acting as a decorative element, designed to adapt to changing lighting needs throughout the day. Jordi Canudas' 'Dipping' pendant for Marset, inspired by an experiment of dipping a switched-on light-bulb in paint, features a brilliant white hand-blown glass globe, hand-dipped multiple times to create concentric rings of color in various hues, with different layers of paint moderating light intensity. The 'Bijou' pendants by Antoni Arola for Santa & Cole and the 'Eitie' table lamp and pendant by Tobia Scarpa for Cassina offer further examples of innovative design, with 'Bijou' providing exceptional lighting and reflections, and 'Eitie' offering reconfigurable luminous strokes through unique black metal circular connectors. #LightingDesign #InteriorDesign #Euroluce #SaloneDelMobile #ProductDesign #ArchitecturalLighting #ContemporaryDesign #SustainableDesign #ArtisanCraft

Milan Design Week transforms the city into a global design hub, attracting attendees to both Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone. This year's event showcases a diverse range of installations, highlighting innovative approaches to design, lighting, and materiality. Atelier Biagetti, a recurring favorite at Fuorisalone, presents "The King," an exploration of obsessions inspired by Elvis Presley. Their installation reimagines a fantastical living room featuring "The King Sofa," a modular piece accompanied by guitar cases cleverly reinterpreted as tables with intricate Ravenna mosaics. This piece exemplifies their propensity for the impossible and their unique artistic vision. Ross Gardam, an Australian lighting designer, offers "Transcendence," an exhibit focused on the allure of illuminated glass. Gardam, known for creating meditative moods with his fixtures, demonstrates his broad talents and deep fascination with glass's ability to transcend physical boundaries. The installation promises a dynamic curation of luminaires, showcasing the material's unparalleled qualities. Giopato & Coombes, Treviso-based lighting masters, unveil "18 Pockets" after six years of dedicated research. This exhibit provides a glimpse into their creative process, highlighting the magical qualities of the immaterial. Their previous fixtures are transformed into 18 unique luminaires through a complex system of weight and balance, creating charming and poetic combinations. Galerie Philia's "Desacralized" exhibition takes place in a deconsecrated 11th-century Milanese church, fittingly exploring the theme of desacralization. Over 20 artists from the gallery's roster contribute to this unique setting. Notable pieces include Studiopepe's octagonal marble side table, inspired by Italian baptisteries, Kar Studio’s chair, drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese Shang Dynasty script, and a monumental chandelier by Morghen Studio, designed to offer a transformative experience of light within the historic space. SolidNature returns with "Beyond the Surface," an OMA-designed installation that metaphorically connects quarrying stone with the act of dreaming across seven distinct rooms. A highlight is Sabine Marcelis’s lustrous table, an ombré glass coffee table anchored by impressive stone blocks, demonstrating her experimental approach to materials. Objects of Common Interest, composed of Eleni Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis, presents "Poikilos." Inspired by ancient Greek references to iridescence and insights from Romanian artisan Ovidiu Colea, their ethereal objects and tables with opalescent finishes and sinuous curves inject energy into the Nilufar Depot. Loewe Chairs, under Jonathan Anderson's direction, reinterprets chairs into distinctive totems through an emphasis on texture, personality, color, and weaving. The display integrates materials close to Loewe’s brand identity, such as leather and raffia, with unexpected techniques like incorporating thermal blankets, elevating the humble stick chair into a canvas for elaborate woven decoration. Suchi Reddy, founder of Reddymade Architecture and Design, collaborates with Lexus on "Shaped by Air," an installation focused on carbon neutrality. Visitors navigate a forest of Matisse-like forms to discover a life-sized interpretation of the Lexus Electrified Sport, designed to evoke the sensation of being shaped by air. Lastly, "Bar Flora" is a collaboration between Sophie Lou Jacobsen, Nick Ozemba, and Felicia Hung of In Common With. Building on their Flora Collection, which employs Venetian glassmaking techniques to mimic natural forms, this installation transforms Palinurobar into a floral oasis. It introduces two new additions, including a sandblasted amber colorway, further enhancing their partnership. Byredo, known for its unconventional approach to fragrance, showcases "Bal D’Afrique by Dozie Kanu." Founder Ben Gorham teamed with Portugal-based artist Dozie Kanu to capture the essence of the beloved fragrance through a showcase that merges Kanu's unique objects with photographic negatives from Adjoa Armah’s _saman archive_, creating a multi-sensory experience that extends beyond traditional perfumery. #MilanDesignWeek #DesignInstallations #Fuorisalone #LightingDesign #FurnitureDesign #MaterialInnovation #CollectibleDesign #ArtAndDesign

Salone del Mobile 2024, held from April 16-21, alongside Milan Design Week, presented an extensive program of events, installations, and new product launches across various venues in Milan. This year's Salone del Mobile introduced an experimental approach, including a new cultural program and the biannual Eurocucina and International Bathroom Exhibition. A notable highlight was the involvement of filmmaker David Lynch, who contributed “Interiors by David Lynch. A Thinking Room,” an immersive installation designed to be a meditative space. The fair also featured 'Under the Surface,' an installation reflecting on water's role in bathroom design, created by Accurat, Design Group Italia, and Salotto NY. This submerged island installation encouraged contemplation on daily water consumption habits and how modern bathroom design can influence them. Additionally, the Design Kiosk, designed by DWA Design Studio and curated by Corraini, was set up in Piazza della Scala, offering art and design publications and serving as a platform for creative discussions. Fuorisalone 2024, the city-wide counterpart to Salone del Mobile, transformed Milan into a vibrant design hub. Key locations included Triennale Milano, which hosted the Wallpaper* Class of '24 exhibition showcasing emerging global talent. Other exhibitions at Triennale included Inga Sempé’s ‘La casa imperfetta,’ displaying her recent work within a domestic setting, and ‘Emeco to Emeco,’ an exhibition designed by Jasper Morrison celebrating 80 years of the American brand. Rossana Orlandi's ‘Design Walk in Budapest’ featured Hungarian designers, and Keiji Takeuchi curated ‘Walking Sticks & Canes,’ an interpretation of the walking stick by various designers. ‘Universo satellite’ marked 25 years of Salone Satellite, supporting emerging designers, and ‘Io sono un drago - The true story of Alessandro Mendini’ honoured the late designer’s legacy. Capsule Plaza, returning at Spazio Maiocchi and 10 Corso Como, curated by Alessio Ascari and Paul Cournet, presented contemporary brands and creatives pushing design boundaries. Collaborations included Ecco Leather with At.Kollektive, Harry Nuryev with Poltronova, Alaska Alaska with Nike, and Muller Van Severen with BD Barcelona. An immersive Panton lounge celebrated Verner Panton’s work, featuring reissued pieces and new collaborations. Rimowa partnered with La Marzocco for a grooved aluminium-clad coffee machine, showcased in a Milanese café installation. Marimekko’s pop-up Unikko cafe brought its iconic print to life. Alcova 2024 utilized two historical villas, Villa Borsani and Villa Bagatti Valsecchi, to host a multilayered presentation including furniture by Junya Ishigami, collaborations by Objects of Common Interest, Kiki Goti, cc-tapis, and Calico Wallpaper with Colin King. Dropcity, located in the arches around Stazione Centrale, hosted ‘We Mediterranean,’ a collaborative project on home design, and ‘Elements: Unique Details of 20th Century Architecture and Interior,’ a photographic exhibition. Caffè Populaire, a pop-up by Lambert and Fils and DWA, featured Sophie Lou Jacobsen and Ananas Ananas, displaying new lighting and a collection of vessels made from recycled materials. Bagni Misteriosi, a Rationalist public pool, hosted Azimut’s ‘Mooring by the Moon’ installation by Michele de Lucchi and AMDL Circle, culminating in the unveiling of the new Seadeck 6 yacht. Milanese Palazzos, such as Palazzo Visconti, Palazzo del Senato, Palazzo Isimbardi, Palazzo Cusani, and Palazzo Litta, opened their doors for exquisite installations. Flos presented new projects at Palazzo Visconti, Kohler unveiled ‘Formation 02’ toilet design at Palazzo del Senato, and Lasvit showcased ‘Porta’ at Palazzo Isimbardi. Atelier Biagetti collaborated with MCM at Palazzo Cusani, and Palazzo Litta featured material-based displays, Gufram’s iconic Bocca sofa, and Nifemi Marcus Bello’s poignant Omi Iyọ. Alessi presented ‘Myth Makes Belief’ at Palazzo Borromeo D’Adda, and Loewe Lamps celebrated design and craft through light at Palazzo Citterio. Brera’s picturesque streets hosted Design Space AlUlA with works by Saudi and international designers, Loro Piana's 'A Tribute to Cini Boeri,' and new collections from Lodes and Flexform. Via Solferino featured Boffi, Salvatori, Dimoregallery, Muuto, Ceramica Flaminia, and Missoni Home with Roda. Hermès staged an exquisite exhibition at La Pelota, while Blond Laboratory presented new designs for offline living. Unno Gallery displayed 'The Origen' with works by Mark Grattan and others, and ECAL showcased student work and research projects. Grau presented a bonfire light sculpture installation, and Moroso unveiled new designs. Mutina showcased a special release by Ronan Bouroullec, and UniFor unveiled ‘Andromeda.’ Interni Venosta, a new furniture brand, debuted at Gipsoteca Fumagalli e Dossi. The Quadrilatero della Moda featured Italian furniture showrooms like B&B Italia, Edra, Natuzzi, and Cassina, which reissued Eames lighting. Technogym celebrated 40 years with an exhibition, and Kaldewei previewed a collaboration with E15. Lighting brands Artemide, Danese, Flos, Nemo, and Occhio were present on Corso Monforte, alongside Kvadrat’s #coloureffect installation and Living Divani Gallery. Porro unveiled new pieces, and fashion brands like Armani Casa, Meridiani, Visionnaire, Poliform, and Baxter showcased their latest collections. Gaggenau launched new products at Villa Necchi Campiglio, while Bottega Veneta partnered with Cassina and Fondation Le Corbusier for ‘On the Rocks.’ The Prada Frames symposium, led by Formafantasma, returned to Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, and JW Anderson made his Milan Design Week debut. Gucci Design Ancora reimagined design icons, and Herno presented ‘With Love, Herno Blooms.’ Faye Toogood staged her Rude Arts Club, and Aesop opened a new store with an installation by Nicolas Schuybroek. 5Vie, a historical district, focused on 'Unlimited Design Orchestra,' featuring Gunjan Gupta’s ‘Indian Tiny Megastore’ and Rooms Studio’s ‘Bedrooms’ display. Gaetano Pesce’s exhibition ‘Nice to See You’ and ‘L’Uomo Stanco’ installation were also featured. South Milan’s Zona Tortona and Navigli district hosted Ikea’s exhibition, Zaha Hadid Design with Karimoku, Atelier Biagetti’s ‘Love Boat,’ and Formafantasma’s ‘La Casa Dentro’ exhibition at ICA. Milan’s design galleries, including Nilufar, Nilufar Depot, Rossana Orlandi, Dimorecentrale, and Oxilia Gallery, showcased commissioned projects and works by emerging talent. #SaloneDelMobile2024 #MilanDesignWeek #Fuorisalone #DesignInstallations #FurnitureDesign #ItalianDesign #EmergingDesigners #LuxuryInteriors #ArtAndCulture

The article discusses the collaboration between fashion label COS and American light-based artist Phillip K Smith III for an installation titled 'Open Sky' at Milan's Salone del Mobile. This project, featured in the 2018 edition of the design fair, marks a significant departure for both parties: Smith's first brand collaboration and his initial foray into a dense urban setting, moving away from his usual desert landscapes. COS, known for its annual design collaborations since 2012 with talents like Sou Fujimoto and Studio Swine, aimed to create an experience that transcends traditional art and design boundaries. Karin Gustafsson, COS' creative director, emphasizes that the brand's collaborations are driven by passion for the artists' work rather than a desire for increased presence. She highlights that COS provides a broad brief, focusing on brand values but allowing artists creative freedom. The choice of Phillip K Smith III was influenced by the shared values of tactility, modernity, and functionality, as well as Smith's meticulous attention to detail and the timeless quality of his work, which resonated with COS' aesthetic. 'Open Sky' is strategically placed within the 16th-century Palazzo Isimbardi, an exhibition venue previously unused. Smith's sculpture, a circular mirrored structure angled at 43 degrees, reflects the sky and surrounding Italian Renaissance architecture, drawing fragmented views into the courtyard. This design aims to create a unique and personal experience for each visitor, influenced by the time of day and atmospheric conditions. The installation encourages contemplation, offering a quiet respite from the bustling Salone del Mobile. The ambitious structure, an 11ft-tall concrete form with 34 chemically polished stainless steel panels, was fabricated by UAP, an international studio specializing in public art projects. The components were manufactured at UAP's Long Island City facility, then shipped to Milan for on-site assembly. The installation's journey begins with visitors encountering the imposing concrete form, which contrasts sharply with the classical palazzo. A single opening guides them along its circumference, eventually revealing the mirrored inner surface that reflects the Renaissance architecture and the sky. Additionally, smaller freestanding sculptures by Smith are installed in the palazzo's outdoor gardens, further exploring the distillation of his larger concepts into abstract, smaller-scale works. Smith notes that COS's support was instrumental in realizing his vision, allowing the concept to remain remarkably true to his original proposal. He describes the collaboration as akin to a museum offering space and budget, indicating COS's commitment to supporting artistic ideas. With degrees in both architecture and fine art from the Rhode Island School of Design, Smith effectively merges these disciplines in his practice, creating art at an architectural scale. His architectural training informs his approach to context and detailing, ensuring the concept and experience are pure. 'Open Sky' represents a significant development in Smith's practice, allowing him to explore his ideas on an architectural scale within an urban environment, an opportunity that he suggests would have been much smaller without COS's involvement. #SaloneDelMobile #COS #PhillipKSmithIII #ArtInstallation #MilanDesignWeek #ArchitecturalDesign #ReflectiveArt #ContemporaryArt #DesignCollaboration

Jason Krugman, a New York-based artist, creates captivating light sculptures using wire mesh forms embedded with thousands of hand-soldered LED bulbs. His journey into art began after a career in investment banking, leading him to study technology and art at NYU's Interactive Telecommunications Program (ITP). There, he learned about microcontrollers, soldering, digital fabrication, and new materials, which became foundational to his artistic practice. In 2009, Krugman established his studio in Brooklyn, focusing on the intersection of physical computing and fine art, transforming electricity into remarkable sculptures. Krugman's work is characterized by its fluid appearance, despite being constructed from static materials, often mimicking natural phenomena or intricate systems like swarms of mini-drones. He has developed several proprietary technologies, including a hand-soldered LED mesh, various cable systems, and custom printed circuit boards for LED artworks, holding two US patents. His designs are unique in that they often use the physical structure of the sculpture to conduct electricity to the light sources, eliminating the need for insulated wiring. This innovation allows thousands of LEDs to appear to float weightlessly within minimal wire forms, creating a soft, ethereal glow. His recent recognition includes a LIT Lighting Design Award for 'Capella Basket,' a large-scale installation described as a rectangular sheet of 2,000 LED bulbs rolled into a cannoli-like shape and seamed. This particular piece represents a decade of development, inspired by the challenge of shaping mesh material into complex forms. The 'Capella Basket' itself was a monumental undertaking, involving over 10,000 circuit boards, extensive prototyping in collaboration with Arup engineers, and fabrication with the support of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and other local businesses. Krugman views his work as a three-dimensional puzzle, where aesthetic form is deeply intertwined with functional utility. He believes that the beauty of his art is enhanced by its ability to perform, allowing viewers to engage with it intellectually and emotionally. The sculptures are shaped by their inherent capacity to efficiently distribute electricity. The artist's approach combines craft with technology, a process he manages by always building smaller versions and mockup sections, regardless of the project's scale or edition count. Feedback on Krugman's installations frequently highlights their resemblance to scientific structures and natural forms, fostering a sense of connection and collaboration with his audience. Looking ahead, Krugman aims to create even more complex forms while maintaining structural clarity. He also plans to explore folding and stretching techniques with different materials to delve deeper into surface creation, moving beyond his current focus on points and lines. He is also beginning to offer smaller sculptures for sale on his Instagram and website, providing more accessible ways for the public to engage with his art. #LightingDesign #ArtDesign #LightSculptures #LEDArt #InteractiveArt #PhysicalComputing #ContemporaryArt #Innovation #DesignProcess

Czech glassmaker Lasvit showcased a series of new lighting designs at Euroluce 2025, taking inspiration from various natural elements and textures to create pieces that explore the relationship between light, material, and well-being. The exhibition, titled 'Soaked in Light,' featured several highly textured designs that blended innovative glassmaking techniques with natural aesthetics. One of the standout creations was 'Vera,' a sculptural glass pendant designed by renowned French designer Patrick Jouin. The concept for 'Vera' originated from Jouin's observation of a twig, leading to experiments with torn paper and eventually a glass piece that mimics the appearance of bark. This design incorporates two types of handmade glass: delicate borosilicate for the light source and fused glass, where molten glass is poured over raw wood to capture its intricate grain and texture. This process allows the glass to take shape influenced by gravity and nature, resulting in a unique interplay of surface, shadow, and light that evokes a primal connection to forests and trees. Another highlight was 'Splash,' an extravagant glass installation by Lasvit designer Martin Gallo. This piece was designed to emulate the calming effect of water, featuring fused glass forms suspended in a dramatic arrangement. Visitors could walk among these forms, which resembled water in motion, reflecting light like ripples and creating an immersive experience that promotes tranquility and well-being. At the entrance of the exhibition, Lasvit artistic director Maxim Velčovský introduced 'Loomo,' a new lighting system inspired by woven textiles. Despite its smooth-to-the-touch surface, the glass in 'Loomo' is imprinted with a structured weave, effectively capturing the softness of fabric within a rigid form. Designed for compact spaces like corridors or bedside areas, 'Loomo' is available in two wall sconce sizes, both finished in a warm, golden hue that enhances their sculptural glow. Velčovský emphasized the playful approach to light in its development, aiming to optimize every centimeter to transform the atmosphere of a space. Rounding out the showcase was 'Niveo,' a collection by Czech designer Jan Plecháč. Named after the Italian word for 'snow-white,' 'Niveo' captures the fleeting beauty of hailstones in hand-blown glass. The collection includes linear pendants, clusters, and an inverted spherical table lamp, all featuring an irregular texture that produces an alluring, soft glow. Additionally, the exhibition featured the 'Herbarium Radiant,' an immersive, color-shifting lighting installation that incorporates a new type of glass made from repurposed waste. This piece, first launched at Design Miami 2024, allows users to adjust the light color for a dynamic and mesmerizing visual experience. Lasvit's installation at Euroluce 2025 served as a contemplative contrast to the bustling Milan Design Week. It offered a moment for visitors to pause and appreciate the subtleties of design, emphasizing nature-inspired aesthetics and innovative glass craftsmanship in lighting. #Lasvit #Euroluce2025 #LightingDesign #GlassArt #MilanDesignWeek #NatureInspiredDesign #InteriorLighting #CzechDesign #DesignInnovation

Lodes, an Italian lighting pioneer, in collaboration with German design studio GECKELER MICHELS, is set to launch MAP, an innovative ceiling and wall lighting system during Milan Design Week 2025. MAP represents a new approach to lighting design, emphasizing creative freedom and emotional connection through light. The system's core innovation is a highly decorative conductive tape that simultaneously powers the entire system and facilitates limitless design configurations. This tape not only directs light but also evokes the imagery of celestial constellations, placing a romantic and visually engaging theme at the heart of the lighting concept. Founded in 1950, Lodes has a long-standing commitment to mastering light, a passion that is evident in MAP. The system reflects Lodes' evolution, embodying a refreshed brand identity that embraces change while retaining its fundamental values. MAP's design allows for significant adaptability, catering to various environments from residential to commercial spaces. Its conductive tape enables the free arrangement of luminous points and lines on ceilings and walls from a single power source, offering architects, interior designers, and lighting professionals unprecedented design flexibility. This adaptability facilitates the creation of dynamic compositions that both illuminate and aesthetically enhance a space. MAP is available in three matte finishes: black, champagne, and natural brown, which can be applied to both the modules and the tape for a cohesive and integrated appearance. The system's circular starting module houses an LED board with tunable white technology, allowing users to select the optimal color temperature during installation. The lighting modules, serving as fixed anchoring points, feature fabric bands that wrap around them, creating a minimalist yet fluid aesthetic. The fabric tape runs through each module, distributing power seamlessly from the primary module while concealing the power source. The tape comes in an 8-meter reel, 5 cm wide, equipped with specialized conductors, ensuring even power distribution even in the absence of additional ceiling or wall power sources. Each MAP module measures 130 mm in diameter and 63 mm in height and is fitted with a PMMA lens available in different variants to meet diverse lighting needs, from focused directional light to diffused ambient effects. The lens is magnetically sealed within the module, ensuring a harmonious fit. Customization is further possible with an optional honeycomb filter that can be applied to the lens to improve lighting comfort and reduce glare. The system's scalability varies by version: the TRIAC version supports up to five elements, while the DALI version accommodates up to eight. Beyond these, MAP is infinitely extendable by connecting a non-conductive tape to a starting module powered by a separate circuit, allowing for an unlimited number of light points. MAP addresses common design challenges, such as low ceilings or insufficient ceiling lighting points, by enabling the connection of a dedicated starting point to the wall. This non-illuminated module, equipped with a cover and an angular mounting bracket, blends seamlessly with the other components. The system also supports an indirect wall lighting application, where a screen directs and diffuses light onto the wall, creating a visual effect similar to the ceiling-mounted version. GECKELER MICHELS, the design studio behind MAP, known for its functionalist approach and focus on human behavior and storytelling, contributed to the system's innovative and emotionally resonant design. The studio, founded by David Geckeler and Frank Michels in 2013, draws inspiration from design history, contemporary technologies, and digital design techniques. MAP is scheduled to debut at Lodes’ exhibition at Euroluce 2025 during Milan Design Week, where Lodes will also showcase other innovative products, including its Standard Bespoke and Out of Scale solutions, and a new outdoor collection. #LightingDesign #MilanDesignWeek #InteriorDesign #ModularLighting #InnovativeMaterials #GECKELERMICHELS #Lodes #DesignInnovation #CustomizableLighting

Milan Design Week, also known as Salone del Mobile, traditionally serves as a pivotal event for design enthusiasts and a leading international exhibition for furniture and interior design. In recent years, the event has expanded its scope, attracting significant participation from the fashion industry. Brands such as Gucci and Loro Piana are increasingly featured alongside established home brands, presenting events and new product launches that blur the lines between fashion and home design. Among the highlights of Milan Design Week 2025 is Miu Miu's Literary Club, which dedicates two days to exploring the works of French philosopher and writer Simone de Beauvoir. Concurrently, Prada Frames will host a symposium centered on the multifaceted concept of transportation. Louis Vuitton is set to introduce a new home collection, further solidifying the convergence of high fashion and interior aesthetics. La DoubleJ will host tarot card readings at its new headquarters, adding a unique experiential element to the design week offerings. Loewe, marking its ninth appearance at Salone, has collaborated with 25 artists, designers, and architects to create a collection of teapots. These pieces, crafted by figures such as Edmund de Waal, Walter Prince, and David Chipperfield, explore the cultural significance and conventions surrounding tea, ranging from highly literal to abstract interpretations. Loewe is also offering a Salone homewares collection, which includes coasters and leather charms. Prada Frames, the annual symposium organized by Prada, focuses this year on “In Transit,” investigating the infrastructures that facilitate the movement of both people and ideas. Discussions are held in unique historical settings, including the recently restored 1950s train, Arlecchino, designed by Gio Ponti and Giulio Minoletti, and the ornate Padiglione Reale, a former royal waiting area at Milan’s Central Station. Louis Vuitton is launching its inaugural home collection, showcased at Milan’s Palazzo Serbelloni. This new line encompasses furniture, lighting, tableware, textiles, and games, with a pinball machine reportedly inspired by Pharrell. The collection complements the brand’s existing Objets Nomades, a series of limited-edition pieces created by notable designers like India Mahdavi and the Campana brothers, which will also be on display. La DoubleJ is celebrating its 10-year anniversary by unveiling its new five-story headquarters, dubbed the “LDJ Starquarters,” in Milan’s Navigli district. This new space is designed to foster positive energy and will host a week of events, including tarot card readings and sound healing sessions in the newly opened Gong Temple on its rooftop. The brand is also releasing new versions of its Napoli Rosa homeware collection. Miu Miu's Literary Club returns for its second chapter, “A Woman’s Education,” building on last year's “Writing Life.” This year’s program explores themes of girlhood and love through the works of Simone de Beauvoir and Japanese author Fumiko Enchi, featuring performances and talks by authors such as Lauren Elkin, Geetanjali Shree, and Naoise Dolan. Gucci presents “Bamboo Encounters,” an exhibition at the 16th-century Milan monastery Chiostri di San Simpliciano. Curated by architect Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli, the exhibit highlights bamboo’s historical significance to the house through multidisciplinary works, including sculptures, bamboo baskets, and kites. Kartell is commemorating 25 years of its lighting line with an exhibition at its Milan flagship store, featuring iconic lamps and lighting pieces. The Kartell Museum, also celebrating its 25th anniversary, will host a retrospective on Italian industrial designer Joe Colombo. New products and re-editions, including a reissue of Colombo’s 1964 KD28 lamp, will also be released. Finally, Loro Piana has partnered with Dimoremilano to create “La Prima Notte di Quiete,” an installation transforming the courtyard of Loro Piana’s headquarters into a 1970s-style home. The space features furniture by Dimorestudio for Loro Piana Interiors, Dimorestudio pieces with Loro Piana fabrics, items from Loro Piana’s The Art of Good Living collection, and artworks from Milanese galleries. #MilanDesignWeek #FashionHomeCrossover #LuxuryInteriors #ArtAndDesign #PradaFrames #LouisVuittonHome #LaDoubleJ #MiuMiuLiteraryClub #GucciBamboo #KartellLighting #LoroPianaDimoremilano

Milan Design Week and Salone del Mobile 2024 provided a prominent platform for Japanese design, showcasing a diverse range of innovative creations from various brands. The event highlighted traditional craftsmanship integrated with modern aesthetics, spanning furniture, lighting, textiles, and art installations. Several key brands presented new collections and exhibitions across Milan, emphasizing unique materials and design philosophies. Karimoku Case, known for its woodworking and manufacturing precision, exhibited at Salone del Mobile with a theme of 'Natural Contrasts.' The exhibition, curated by architect Keiji Ashizawa, created a serene atmosphere with spaces designed to connect indoor and outdoor elements. A notable feature was the reintroduction of _keyaki_ (zelkova) wood, traditionally used in temples and shrines, into contemporary furniture, aiming to revive its popularity. Designs by Ashizawa, Norm Architects, and Norman Foster were prominently displayed, reflecting a holistic approach to furniture within specific project settings. Three other Karimoku brands also held separate exhibitions. Seyun, a collaboration fusing Zaha Hadid's futuristic designs with Karimoku's wood craftsmanship, unveiled a new side table, tray, and lounge chair, all crafted from single pieces of wood. Mas, creatively directed by Wataru Kumano, debuted in Milan with 'Project Hinoki,' an exploration of Japanese cypress wood, featuring minimal lights by Daniel Rybakken and low triangular tables by Ville Kokkonen. Karimoku New Standard, with David Glättli as creative director, presented its first solo show in five years, showcasing pieces like the Polar sofa by Moritz Schlatter and textiles from a collaboration with Reiko Sudo's nuno, all in an atmospheric artist's studio setting. The textile industry was represented by Hosoo, a centuries-old Kyoto maker, in collaboration with Michele de Lucchi. Their 'Mind Landscape Collection' explored forest aesthetics through four new textiles (Cedar, Red Elm, Red Oak, Afzelia) with motifs derived from macro photographs of wood fibers and satellite imagery, blurring the lines between wood and fabric. Issey Miyake's 'Fold and Crease' installation, created by Dutch collective We Make Carpets, featured 60,000 hand-dyed bamboo skewers forming an undulating abstraction, evoking an underwater landscape within the brand's flagship store. Sugiyama Furniture, specializing in solid iron craftsmanship, presented 'The Beauty of Lines,' showcasing the versatility of iron in minimalist interior products. Collaborations with Japanese creatives yielded pieces like Kazuteru Murasawa's Felice chairs, combining lightweight iron with organic leather details, and Fumie Shibata's Wall Deco series. Ambientec, a Japanese lighting brand, introduced Fotika, a hybrid portable and desk lamp designed by Kensaku Oshiro, inspired by the light filtering through ocean waters and crafted from a single piece of aluminum. Majotae, a Japanese hemp brand, presented Majotae 9490, a new line of bedding made from _tamai-fu_, a super-fine traditional hemp, with textiles displayed in natural dyes. The exhibition also showcased historical hemp artifacts and a live demonstration of traditional weaving. Stellar Works, a Japanese furniture brand based in Shanghai, returned with an expansive showcase inspired by Marco Zanuso, featuring new Neri & Hu products like the Qi collection sofas and the Taiko terrazzo table by Studio Stefan Scholten. Finally, Nagano Interior, making its Salone del Mobile debut, presented solid wood furniture crafted from materials like red oak and Japanese ash, embodying the concept of 'wa' or harmony, with pieces like the DT614 table and Corona chair. Ritzwell, another Fukuoka-based furniture maker, blended Japanese craftsmanship with functional design, showcasing the Constantino Armchair by Shinsaku Miyamoto and the MT Coffee Table, alongside new wood color shades Sohbobku and Gen. #MilanDesignWeek #SaloneDelMobile #JapaneseDesign #FurnitureDesign #TextileInnovation #LightingDesign #Craftsmanship #SustainableMaterials #InteriorDesign

The year 2025 has seen a significant shift in lighting design, characterized by an innovative "material remix" that redefines conventional notions of lamps and fixtures. The Domino Good Design Awards for the Lighting category highlight this trend, showcasing products that challenge the status quo through unexpected material combinations, unique finishes, and unprecedented glasswork. These winning designs emphasize a departure from traditional aesthetics, embracing creativity and pushing the boundaries of functional art. The Banda Flush Mount by Ward + Gray was recognized as the Best Flush Mount. This striking, stripe-y glass fixture draws inspiration from the gondoliers of Venice and was meticulously crafted in the historic Italian city. Its design offers a compelling argument for integrating prominent, aesthetically driven overhead lighting, transforming a utilitarian object into a central decorative element within a space. The Best Pendant award went to Huey's Artist’s Edition Maeve Pendant. This piece innovatively translates the Dutch tradition of Delft tile into lighting, featuring intricate hand-painted designs. While Delft tile has recently gained popularity in kitchen aesthetics, its application in lighting is novel, making this pendant a distinctive and charming addition to any interior. The collection also includes two equally appealing sconces. Ford Bostwick's Mira Sconce earned the title of Best Sconce. This color-blocked light fixture transcends its primary function, serving as a piece of wall art even when unilluminated. Its abstract steel components create a sculptural presence, offering both practical illumination and a sophisticated decorative accent that can enhance a room's artistic appeal. For Best Table Lamp, the Gio Table Lamp by SIN was selected. This lamp demonstrates the artistic potential of stoneware, featuring a woven ceramic base coated in an inky-black, iridescent glaze. The finish evokes imagery of the cosmos, bringing a sense of depth and allure to the piece. Virginia Sin successfully elevates a humble material to a luxurious and visually captivating design element. Lee Broom's Chant Portable Lamp was honored as the Best Portable lighting solution. In a market often dominated by metal and plastic in rechargeable, weather-resistant lamps, this design stands out with its handblown glass shade. Coupled with four dimmer settings, the Chant Portable Lamp offers versatility, easily creating a desirable ambiance both indoors and outdoors, emphasizing craftsmanship and material quality in portable lighting solutions. #LightingDesign #HomeDecor #DesignAwards #FlushMount #PendantLight #Sconce #TableLamp #PortableLamp #InteriorDesign

The article details the 'Destinations' exhibition, a key component of Dubai Design Week, which brought together six international design weeks to showcase emerging brands with a focus on lighting. The event served as a global platform, highlighting diverse design approaches from cities including Mexico City, Beijing, Helsinki, Istanbul, Melbourne, and San Francisco. Each participating design week presented three emerging brands, demonstrating a variety of innovative lighting solutions. From Melbourne International Design Week, Lab De Stu, founded by Andre Hnatojko, featured highly modern and oversized Popper lamps. Ben Tovim contributed pieces that explore geometric structures and material values, while Christopher Boots presented graphical works that combine traditional and contemporary techniques. San Francisco Design Week showcased Lumio lamps, which are designed to open like a book, creating a unique illumination experience. Beijing Design Week's contribution included Eoq lamps, known for their Moiré effect, adding a distinctive visual element to lighting design. Helsinki Design Week featured Saas Instruments, which innovated with Alexander Lervik's crystal glass Sparkle pendant and Sense Light Swing lamps, offering both aesthetic beauty and functional versatility. Mexico City's Abierto Mexicano De Diseño highlighted craft-led and pattern-projected lighting solutions from Ediciones Jalapas, alongside Tributo's materially rich and formally sound designs. The exhibition emphasized how specific materials are utilized to reflect the distinct regional contexts in which these light sources are produced. The 'Destinations' exhibition underscored the global nature of design, where creativity converges from various corners of the world. The diverse range of styles and applications presented at Downtown Design Dubai demonstrated that despite geographical and cultural differences, the sublime qualities of light possess the potential to unify and connect communities worldwide. The showcase allowed for the appreciation of different interpretations of lighting, from clean geometry and ingenious references to intricate weaving techniques and crystal refraction, all contributing to the transformation of an essential resource into an art form. #DowntownDesignDubai #LightingDesign #DubaiDesignWeek #InternationalDesign #EmergingBrands #DesignInnovation #GlobalDesign #ArchitecturalLighting #HomeDecor

Allied Maker, a New York-based design and manufacturing studio founded in 2012, recently introduced four new lighting fixtures at the Architectural Digest Design Show. The studio is known for its minimalist designs that emphasize the inherent beauty of materials such as brass, glass, and hardwoods. The newly unveiled collection continues this aesthetic, incorporating both angular, structural lines, specifically triangles, and soft, curving circular forms into their latest creations. One of the new additions is the Tri Cone Pendant, a fixture that features a cone-shaped shade designed to direct a focused beam of light. This focused illumination is achieved with a glass disc, all contained within a tetrahedron-inspired structural frame. The design seamlessly blends geometric precision with functional lighting, creating a visually compelling piece that is both modern and elegant. Another significant launch is the Grand Aperture 4, an expanded version of Allied Maker's existing Aperture 4 chandelier. This larger chandelier is specifically engineered to make a substantial visual impact in spacious environments. It comprises four glass domes strategically placed to encircle four distinct light sources. This arrangement ensures a broad and even diffusion of light, making it suitable for grand living areas or commercial spaces where significant ambient lighting is desired, all while maintaining a sophisticated aesthetic. The collection also includes the Contour Wall Lamp 22”. This wall-mounted fixture is characterized by its graceful, hand-bent arc, which extends to connect with a glass sphere. The design's functionality is enhanced by its ability to swivel against the wall, allowing for adjustable lighting direction and adaptability to various room configurations. The elegant curve and spherical element offer a blend of art and utility, providing both illumination and a sculptural presence. Completing the quartet of new fixtures is the Concentric 15”, a versatile piece designed for either wall or ceiling installation. This fixture stands out due to its handcrafted wooden dome, which features a series of concentric circles. These circles create a topographic effect, giving the fixture a unique textural and visual depth. The pleasing arrangement of the concentric rings adds a subtle yet striking decorative element to any space, reinforcing Allied Maker's commitment to thoughtful design and meticulous craftsmanship. These new offerings from Allied Maker reinforce their dedication to creating lighting solutions that are not only functional but also serve as artistic statements within a space. The combination of high-quality materials, expert craftsmanship, and a keen eye for minimalist design ensures that these fixtures enhance the ambiance and aesthetic of contemporary interiors. #AlliedMaker #LightingFixtures #ArchitecturalDigestDesignShow #MinimalistDesign #BrassLighting #GlassDesign #Chandeliers #WallLamps #HomeFurnishings

The biennial Euroluce lighting exhibition, a central component of Milan design week, showcases the latest innovations and designs in lighting. Dezeen editor-at-large Amy Frearson curated a selection of twelve notable lighting launches from Euroluce and other venues across Milan. The Salone del Mobile, a furniture fair, hosts Euroluce, featuring prominent international lighting companies such as Flos, Foscarini, Artemide, A-N-D, and Lambert & Fils. Among the featured designs, Ronan Bouroullec's Luce Sferica for Flos is a modular suspension lamp described as a blend of softness, magic, and technical sophistication. It consists of mouth-blown glass spheres connected by a polished extruded aluminum body, evoking the delicacy of raindrops or a soap bubble. Michael Anastassiades also contributed to Flos's new collection with the Linked lights, which utilize linear glass links forming illuminated ropes. These glass-encased elements hook over each other, creating vertical lines that can extend from the ceiling to the floor, functioning as both lighting and spatial dividers. Herzog & de Meuron's Trois Rois lamps for Artemide, originally designed for a hotel in Basel, are portable, rechargeable, and dimmable table lamps with a curvy shade and animal-like three-legged base. Available in felt or die-cast aluminum, the design aims for a lightweight, creature-like aesthetic. Patrick Jouin's Vera pendant for Lasvit features a unique texture created by pouring molten glass over a tree trunk, inspired by the natural presence of the forest surrounding Lasvit's production facility. Kwangho Lee collaborated with Lambert & Fils on the Bolda pendant, incorporating copper enamelling on polished aluminum sheets, drawing inspiration from traditional Korean chilbo art. Lukas Peet of A-N-D designed Tier, a multi-level linear light system suitable for various surfaces like kitchen counters or desks, utilizing extruded aluminum elements that can be stacked and feature a scalloped form for even light reflection. Francesca Lanzavecchia's asymmetric Allumette chandelier for Foscarini reinterprets traditional chandelier forms with arms of varying lengths connecting a central body to transparent tubes, aiming to soften its formal rigidity through technological elements and irregular balances. Aqua Creations' Metropolitan Collection, including the Miami wall lights, draws inspiration from art deco, placing lights behind translucent materials like silk, handmade paper, and wood veneer to create functional artworks that resemble paintings. Alessandro Zambelli's Dansì wall lights for Luceplan are a family of four geometric designs made from die-cast aluminum, which can be arranged to create the illusion of a thread weaving through a wall, offering a sculptural presence by day and an unexpected brightness by night. Samuel Wilkinson’s Corka pendants for Zero are conical lamps made from granulated cork pressed into a mold, emphasizing a sustainable, single-material design with minimal electrical components. Mathias Hahn's Gambosa lamp for Marset provides a sculptural take on the classic table lamp, featuring a smoothly curved steel base and a matching shade in various color combinations. Lastly, Form Us With Love developed the modular Catena desk lighting system for Blond, a workplace solution allowing for diverse sizes and configurations. This system, debuted at Stockholm Design Week, uses glass tube lights connected by aluminum frames, which can be exposed or encased in aluminum mesh shades, demonstrating versatility in design and application. These diverse lighting solutions highlight innovative uses of materials, sustainable practices, and creative forms presented at Milan Design Week. #MilanDesignWeek #Euroluce #LightingDesign #RonanBouroullec #MichaelAnastassiades #HerzogDeMeuron #PatrickJouin #KwanghoLee #LukasPeet #FrancescaLanzavecchia #AlessandroZambelli #SamuelWilkinson #MathiasHahn #FormUsWithLove #SustainableDesign #InteriorLighting #ProductDesign #DesignInnovation