These Playful Glass Tables + Lights Look Like Optical Illusions

The art of glassblowing, once considered a craft material, has experienced a resurgence in the design world, captivating a broader audience and establishing itself as a significant frontier in contemporary design. This renewed interest is evident in various high-profile showcases, including Bradley Bowers’s large-scale Fiosa vase at Dolce & Gabbana’s Salone de Mobile exhibit, a new record-setting hand-blown glass bottle at the Museum of American Glass, and the popularity of the Netflix series "Blown Away." This growing fascination highlights a consumer demand for innovative and unique designs. Designers and artisans are pushing the boundaries of traditional glassblowing techniques, creating pieces that are both functional and artistic. This article features six such artists whose work exemplifies this innovative spirit. Ursula Futura, based in Vienna, crafts sculptural Eclipse Vases with elegant carved windows. These mouth-blown vases showcase an interplay of light and varied hues, drawing inspiration from nature, science, and moments of wonder. The studio aims to evoke joy and curiosity through its designs. Another featured collaboration brings together film producer Rebecca Marks and Venetian glass designer Paola Petrobelli, resulting in the Verdi II and Ambra Murano Portable lamps. These miniature, cordless, rechargeable, and water-resistant lamps come in seven colors and feature Murano glass with distinct gems at their core, providing a striking contrast against their colorful outer shades. These portable lights offer both practicality and aesthetic appeal. Seattle-based glass artist John Hogan presents his latest collection, "Menagerie," for the Future Perfect gallery. This collection comprises 105 palm-sized glass objects, emphasizing that impactful design doesn't always require large scale. Hogan's technique involves working with glass in its cold state, resulting in a vibrant and refreshing interpretation of the ancient art form. The Kaanch Glass Series Vessel I is a product of a collaboration between Guatemalan-based Diego Olivero Studio and artisans in New Delhi. The series, whose name "Kaanch" means "glass" in Hindi, includes 11 abstract, colorful vessels and lights. These pieces feature playful shapes welded onto clear borosilicate glass surfaces, known for its resistance to temperature changes, making them both durable and visually appealing. Sticky Glass, a Brooklyn-based design company, showcases its lighting collection, including Bubble Pendants and Mingling Lamps. Each piece is hand-blown, highlighting the fluid nature of glass through its bubble formations, and finished with a custom brass base for a modern touch. The company affectionately calls these "lights that hug," reflecting a current trend toward "blobby" and organic forms in design. Finally, designer Laura Kramer’s Marie vessel, displayed at the Heller Gallery, draws inspiration from natural scenes like barnacles on a boat hull. Her work aims to explore the "hybridity of made and natural materials," questioning traditional classifications and delving into liminal spaces between categories. These pieces exemplify how art can not only mimic nature but also enhance and reinterpret its perceived imperfections. Collectively, these artists demonstrate a commitment to innovation, artistry, and the continuous evolution of glass as a medium in the design world. Their works range from functional lamps to sculptural vases, all united by their exceptional craftsmanship and ability to transform molten glass into captivating objects that resonate with contemporary aesthetic sensibilities. #Glassblowing #HomeAccessories #ContemporaryDesign #ArtisanCraftsmanship #InteriorDecor #MuranoGlass #LightingDesign #SculpturalVases

New York-based design studio Trueing has unveiled its latest lighting collection, Cerine, at this year's NYCxDesign festival. The collection, which includes two pendants, a floor lamp, and a sconce, features bold, hand-formed chain links made from thick borosilicate glass in a variety of vibrant colors. The Brooklyn studio, co-founded by Aiden Bowman and Josh Metersky, aimed to offer an "interesting spin on the familiar" by reinterpreting traditional chain motifs found in jewelry, industrial settings, and architectural ornamentation. The design draws inspiration from diverse sources, such as delicate golden chain necklaces, robust metal chains seen in shipyards, and the decorative elements on Beaux-Arts building facades. Metersky explains that while chain is a common element in traditional lighting design, Trueing sought to create a fresh interpretation, making the chain itself the focal point rather than merely a functional component. Each individual chain link is precisely seven centimeters wide and twelve centimeters tall, and can be customized in seven opaque or transparent color options to suit various bespoke arrangements. Beyond their aesthetic contribution, the glass chains play a crucial role in the structural integrity of the lights, allowing them to be positioned and held in place. The metal finishes accompanying the glass elements are available in brushed brass, satin or polished nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze, providing a range of complementary material options. Metersky highlights the unique character of the hand-made links, noting that their individual imperfections contribute to a cohesive and natural overall appearance. The Cerine series showcases different applications of these distinctive chains to support mouth-blown glass bulbs. One pendant design uses two hooks to suspend the fixture from the ceiling, creating a significant, inverse-arch-like droop. The sconce variant incorporates three glass links that dangle from a metal arm, which in turn holds the light bulb. The floor lamp design features nine stacked pieces of Carrara marble forming its base, with five pastel pink glass links suspended from an arched arm that supports the glass orb. The glass orb itself can be specified in classic white opaline or a selection of custom colors. Trueing launched the Cerine collection through a partnership with Pas De Calais, a Japanese clothing store situated in Manhattan's Soho district. This collaboration was deemed a natural fit due to the shared design sensibilities between Trueing and the fashion label, both prioritizing purity, nostalgia, and a refined, elemental approach to traditional forms. Bowman emphasized that the collection's essence—recalling traditional design pieces rendered in a reductive manner—aligns perfectly with Pas De Calais's ethos and aesthetic. The Cerine exhibition at 482 Broome Street was open until the end of May, coinciding with NYCxDesign 2019, which ran from May 10th to 22nd. This marks Trueing's second collection, following their debut range launched in January at The Future Perfect in Manhattan. The NYCxDesign festival also featured other notable exhibits, including Workstead and Calico Wallpaper's designs showcased at New York's Arcade Bakery, and an immersive lighting installation by Snarkitecture. Photography for the Cerine collection was provided by Lauren Coleman, with additional images by Alan Tansey for the installation at Pas De Calais. #LightingDesign #GlassChains #NYCxDesign #ProductDesign #InteriorDesign #TrueingStudio #HandFormedGlass #DesignExhibition #CerineCollection

The article explores the artistic versatility of mosaic tile in luxury swimming pools, focusing on the creation of sophisticated optical illusions. It highlights the work of Ray Corral from Mosaicist, Inc., a Miami-based firm known for designing stunning mosaic tile pool interiors. Corral's expertise lies in collaborating with high-end builders and designers, such as Brian Van Bower and Ryan Hughes, to craft luxury custom pools that feature transcendent designs. He emphasizes that while the complexity of some designs might not always be fully appreciated, the simpler optical illusions often capture significant attention. The article delves into Corral's approach to designing realistic seascapes, particularly popular in South Florida. He describes how his firm caters to clients who wish to transform their pool interiors into tropical lagoons, complete with intricate waves in the sand and detailed ocean scenes. This involves creating visual effects that require a high level of skill, distinguishing his work from many other tile firms. Corral explains that these clients often desire a realistic environment, integrating tropical landscaping, bridges, and even aquatic animals into their pool designs, especially those with an affinity for the ocean or diving. A crucial aspect of Corral's design philosophy is considering the homeowner's perspective. He notes that clients frequently view their pools from various vantage points—the second floor, first floor, and upon entering the pool—rather than solely swimming in them. Therefore, designs are meticulously planned to look appealing from all angles, accounting for the pool's depth and the transition from shallow to deep ends. This comprehensive planning process involves extensive consultation with customers, who often draw inspiration from the firm's Instagram, website, or design books to select elements for their swimming pool. The article underscores the significant time invested in designing elements that will comprise the entire scene. The challenge of creating tropical fantasy scenes in mosaic tile for freeform pools is also addressed. Corral indicates that the irregular shapes of these pools demand a particular level of planning and dexterity for proper execution. Despite the difficulty, his firm undertakes several such projects annually, including all-mosaic tile beach entry pools that seamlessly transition into tropical lagoons. He highlights that designing concepts that closely follow the pool walls requires exceptional attention to detail, contrasting it with simpler circular designs that can be mass-produced elsewhere. Beyond seascape mosaics, Corral's artistic range extends to other impressive creations, such as a mosaic tile aquarium. The article showcases the intricate detail involved in transforming a 3D rendering into a real-world product, demonstrating the extensive individual mosaics required to achieve such optical illusions. This work reflects an old-world artisan skill that Corral has refined over his career in the tile industry. He expresses enthusiasm for clients who seek novel and challenging designs, as these opportunities allow his firm to diversify its portfolio and maintain its leading position in the industry. The piece concludes by crediting Mosaicist, Inc. for the provided photo illustrations and includes a call to listen to an interview with Ray Corral. #MosaicTile #LuxuryPools #PoolDesign #AquaticArt #TileSeascapes #OpticalIllusions #CustomPools #PoolInterior #RayCorral

Ambience Studio, a lighting design firm based in Melbourne, has introduced the Linear LEGO Luminaire, a lighting fixture crafted entirely from repurposed LEGO bricks and plates. This innovative design offers a vibrant and playful addition to any space, utilizing a sleek, minimalist form while radiating a whimsical character through its colorful frame and diffused LED light source. The luminaire's frame is meticulously constructed from carefully chosen LEGO pieces, ensuring a lively and engaging aesthetic. At the core of the Linear LEGO Luminaire's design is a 7W opal diffused linear extrusion, which emits a soft, even LED glow. This lighting element is seamlessly integrated into the LEGO brick frame, creating a harmonious blend of recycled materials and modern illumination technology. The light is designed for versatility in placement; it can be suspended from the ceiling as a pendant light, adding a focal point to a room, or positioned upright on the ground to serve as a decorative sculptural element. This adaptability is facilitated by a two-toned, color-matched flex cord that complements the vibrant LEGO construction. This new offering is a part of Ambience Studio's 'Symphony' range, a collection that specializes in creative linear, pendant, profile, LED neon, and strip lighting solutions. The studio, established in 1987, has a notable history of collaborating with prominent clients such as Aesop, MUJI, and Hilton, and has received international acclaim through various design awards including \[d\]arc, LIT, and the London Lighting Design Awards. Their expertise in lighting design is evident in the thoughtful execution of the Linear LEGO Luminaire, which combines sustainable practices with sophisticated design principles. The Linear LEGO Luminaire represents an intersection of playful nostalgia and contemporary design, transforming discarded toy components into a functional and aesthetically pleasing lighting solution. The use of repurposed LEGO bricks not only champions sustainability but also injects a sense of fun and creativity into interior lighting. The product's design ensures that it is not merely a light source but also a conversational art piece that can enhance the ambiance of diverse environments, from residential spaces to commercial establishments. Through this design, Ambience Studio continues to demonstrate its commitment to innovative lighting concepts and environmentally conscious product development. #LightingDesign #LEGO #RepurposedMaterials #SustainableDesign #LinearLuminaire #PendantLight #LEDLighting #HomeDecor #ProductDesign

In an era where living spaces, particularly in urban centers like Singapore, are becoming increasingly compact, understanding how to maximize the perception of space is invaluable. This article explores nine effective illusion tricks that can transform a small room into one that feels more expansive and airy, without resorting to structural renovations. The core philosophy is that if a space looks big, it feels big, regardless of its actual dimensions. One of the most fundamental principles discussed is the strategic use of light colors. Light-colored walls and ceilings reflect light, making a room appear brighter and more open. While white is a classic choice, neutral tones like light grey, beige, bright pink, or light taupe can also achieve this effect while adding personality. The article also highlights how the placement of these colors can dramatically alter spatial perception, emphasizing the importance of considering which sections of a room to paint to frame a view or enhance specific features. Lighting plays a crucial role in spatial illusions. Uplighting, which directs light upwards, can make low ceilings appear higher by drawing the eye vertically. This technique, commonly seen in hospitals for its alerting and hygienic associations, can be achieved with floor lamps or by placing wall sconces higher than usual. Backlighting, using LED strips behind furniture, is another trick that adds depth by making walls appear further away. The integration of glass elements is presented as a powerful tool for visual expansion. Glass walls, as demonstrated in a featured NYC loft, can make boundaries seem invisible, allowing natural light to flow freely and visually connecting adjacent spaces. For those with less flexible layouts, especially in condominiums where load-bearing walls restrict modifications, glass or lucite furniture (like dining tables or side tables) can create a 'see-through' effect, extending the field of vision and reducing visual clutter. Glass-fronted bookcases also help to organize and lighten the appearance of stored items. Furniture selection is critical. The article advises against oversized furniture, which can overwhelm a small room and create a claustrophobic atmosphere. Instead, opting for smaller, more svelte pieces that allow a room to 'breathe' is recommended. This approach mirrors the aesthetic often seen in show flat interiors, prioritizing a less constrained feel. Low-profile furniture, which sits closer to the floor, is another excellent strategy for increasing vertical space, especially when combined with pieces that have legs to allow light and air to flow underneath. Mirrors are a well-known trick, but the article provides specific guidance for their effective use. Tall mirrors not only create an illusion of space but also draw the eye upwards, enhancing perceived height. Hanging mirrors, rather than leaning them, conserves floor space. Strategic placement to reflect light from other parts of the home can brighten dim areas, such as hallways. Reflective surfaces on furniture can further amplify this effect. Maximizing visible floor space is another key recommendation. Pushing cabinets and furniture against walls, or incorporating built-in shelving, frees up floor area, creating a sense of more room to move. For rugs, the advice is to leave ample space around them to make the room appear larger, avoiding rugs that almost fill the entire floor. Drapes are also discussed as a tool to manipulate perceived height; floor-to-ceiling curtains, with rods placed near the ceiling, can make walls seem taller. Using light-colored or vertically striped drapes and ensuring they don't block window light further enhances this illusion. Finally, the article touches upon multi-purpose furniture, which, while not an illusion in itself, is a practical solution for smaller homes. Items like ottomans or coffee tables with hidden storage, or beds with under-storage, help reduce clutter and optimize limited space, catering to the growing trend of compact living globally. The ultimate takeaway is that while physical space might be limited, strategic design choices can significantly alter its perceived size, making a home feel more comfortable and spacious. #SmallSpaceDesign #InteriorDesign #HomeDecoration #IllusionTricks #LightColors #Uplighting #GlassElements #FurnitureSelection #Mirrors #FloorSpaceOptimization #MultiPurposeFurniture

The "2x Glass Vases" collection, created by Assembly Design, features unique glass vases that give the impression of ice crystals forming both on their interior and exterior surfaces. This distinct aesthetic is achieved through the application of master glass-blowing techniques, ensuring that each vase in the collection is entirely one-of-a-kind. The creation process for these vases involves the careful integration of broken glass shards into a freeform glass bubble. This bubble is initially shaped through mouth-blowing, a traditional glass-making method. Following the initial blowing, the piece undergoes a meticulous process of repeated heating and hand-molding. This iterative shaping and heating allow the glass shards to become seamlessly embedded within the vase's structure, transforming them into integral sculptural elements. The purposeful incorporation of these glass fragments is what contributes to the vases' unique, crystal-like appearance, giving them a texture and visual depth that distinguishes them from conventional glasswork. The manual and repetitive nature of the shaping process ensures that while they share a common design principle, no two vases are exactly alike, each possessing its own subtle variations in form and shard integration. Once the sculptural body of the vase is complete, the final steps involve cutting and polishing the top edges. This finishing touch refines the vase's aesthetic, providing a smooth, clear opening that contrasts with the textured body, and making it suitable for practical use while maintaining its artistic integrity. The entire production sequence underscores a commitment to craftsmanship and artistic expression, resulting in decorative objects that are both functional and visually striking. #GlassVases #AssemblyDesign #GlassBlowing #SculpturalArt #HomeDecor #UniqueDesign #ArtisticGlassware #Craftsmanship #InteriorDesign

This article highlights an innovative optical illusion integrated into the flooring of a showroom for Casa Ceramica, a tile company located in Manchester, UK. The design creates the visual effect of a large, deep hole in the floor, but it is, in fact, a perfectly flat surface. The primary purpose of this ingenious design is to deter visitors from running through the showroom's hallway, encouraging a slower, more deliberate pace. While the precise reasons for people rushing in a tile showroom are not explicitly stated, it is humorously suggested that the tiles themselves might be so compelling that customers are eager to see them. The owner of Casa Ceramica, Duncan Cook, demonstrated the illusion in a video, initially navigating the seemingly treacherous floor cautiously before revealing its flat nature by walking directly over the 'hole' with ease. A representative from the company explained that the inspiration behind this flooring was to craft an entrance that plays on illusions, aiming to redefine expectations of how tiles can be utilized in design. The design effectively creates a sense of disorientation upon entering the showroom. However, the illusion is directional, meaning it only works when viewed from one specific angle, ensuring that visitors can safely exit the showroom without experiencing the same disorienting effect. The article includes several images and GIFs that visually demonstrate the optical illusion from different perspectives, showcasing its effectiveness. These visuals confirm that the floor indeed appears to have significant undulations and depressions, despite being entirely level. The illusion is achieved through a meticulous pattern and shading of tiles, creating a trompe l'oeil effect that tricks the eye into perceiving depth where none exists. This creative application of tile design not only serves a practical purpose—slowing down foot traffic—but also acts as a memorable and engaging feature for the showroom, leaving a strong impression on visitors. Public reactions to the illusion, as noted in the article, indicate widespread impression and sometimes a sense of unease or vertigo from the convincing visual trick. Comments from individuals suggest that even after knowing it's an illusion, the visual impact can be so strong that it remains difficult to 'unsee' the perceived hole or wavy surface. This feedback underscores the success of the design in achieving its intended effect of both captivating and cautioning visitors. The floor's design exemplifies how artistic creativity and an understanding of perception can be applied to functional spaces to enhance user experience and achieve specific behavioral outcomes. #OpticalIllusion #TileDesign #ShowroomDesign #InteriorDesign #CreativeFlooring #TrompeLoeil #ArchitecturalInnovation #CasaCeramica

Drag And Drop, a Romanian design and manufacturing studio co-founded by Madalin Gheorghe and Dragos Sabareanu in 2019, is known for its innovative approach to design, merging advanced technology with artisanal techniques. The studio's ceramic collection showcases this philosophy by reimagining the function and aesthetics of everyday objects, specifically vases. The creation process leverages a large 3D-ceramic printer to produce intricate patterns, which are developed using sophisticated algorithmic modeling software. Throughout the design and manufacturing process, a strong emphasis is placed on sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and overall quality. The collection features five distinct vase designs, each drawing inspiration from natural patterns and traditional craftsmanship. The 'Intertwined' vase, for instance, is characterized by its organic, interwoven geometric pattern, reminiscent of growth structures found in tree bark and root systems. This unique design is achieved through 3D printing using 100% natural clay. While the interior of the Intertwined vase is hand-glazed, its exterior maintains a matte finish, a consistent characteristic across the entire ceramic collection. This contrast highlights the intricate textures created by the 3D printing process. Another design, 'Bulky,' is offered in three different sizes. This vase features a textile-like pattern that interacts with light throughout the day, creating varying visual effects. The design encourages tactile engagement, inviting individuals to explore its geometric forms and textures through touch. This interactive element adds another dimension to the appreciation of the piece, allowing for a more intimate connection with its design and material. The 'Ripple' vase demonstrates the studio's ability to translate complex mathematical formulae into aesthetically pleasing natural patterns. Its design mimics the visual effect of rippling liquid, such as the concentric circles formed when a stone is dropped into water. This piece exemplifies how technology can be used to replicate and enhance natural phenomena, creating objects that are both visually striking and conceptually rich. The wave-like pattern provides a sense of movement and fluidity, despite the static nature of the ceramic material. The 'Kilim' vase pays homage to the traditional tapestry-weaving methods employed in regions historically part of the Persian Empire. This design represents a contemporary reinterpretation of an ancient craft, demonstrating a harmonious blend of traditional artistry and modern industrial design. By translating the intricate patterns of kilim carpets into a 3D-printed ceramic form, the studio bridges the gap between historical techniques and cutting-edge manufacturing, creating a piece that is culturally resonant and technologically advanced. Finally, the 'Melting' vase directly incorporates its manufacturing process into its aesthetic. The design plays on the suppleness of wet clay during the layering process of 3D printing, creating the illusion of a soft object that appears to be melting. This visual effect is achieved despite the hard, finished ceramic product, creating an intriguing juxtaposition. The Melting vase challenges perceptions of material properties, making a rigid object appear fluid and malleable, highlighting the transformative potential of 3D printing in ceramic art. #3DPrinting #CeramicVases #NatureInspiredDesign #AlgorithmicModeling #SustainableDesign #HomeDecor #ModernCraftsmanship #DragAndDropDesign #InteriorDesign

The XU JI Seafood Restaurant (Land Kylin) in Changsha, Hunan, China, designed by Daxiang Design Studio, presents a dining experience crafted around the core concept of a ‘mysterious jungle’ that transitions into a ‘deep ocean.’ The design narrative aims to evoke a dreamlike state where natural elements are reimagined, blurring the lines between different environments. Upon entering from the fourth floor of the W Hotel, guests are immediately enveloped in a dimly lit space. Star spotlights, emanating from the 'bottom of a tree,' guide them further into the restaurant. Blue light in the distance illuminates large fish seemingly swimming in the air, creating an initial illusion of moving from a jungle into an aquatic realm. This deliberate use of light and visual cues sets a mysterious and immersive tone from the outset. The central area of the restaurant reveals a grander spectacle, with light diffused from a giant curved LED screen on the ceiling, illuminating the entire space. The designers employed fragmented and de-symbolized formal language while maintaining a coherent spatial sequence. This approach involves manipulating structures and materials, along with the strategic placement of furnishings, to create interconnected montage spaces that vary in size and character. One such space is a golden wine house, drawing inspiration from traditional tea rooms, which blends classical and modern styles. This area serves for reception and tasting, enveloped by dense forest-like elements, symbolizing a process of meditation and reflecting oriental aesthetics within a contemporary context. The design incorporates reflective materials and mirrors to enhance the illusion and expand the visual scope of the restaurant. Drawing inspiration from historical metaphors about light reflection, the use of mirrors is not merely for expansion but to create a secretive beauty, respecting the patron's somatosensory consciousness and visual perception. The highly reflective surfaces in the dining hall enrich the spatial layers and visually enlarge the area. Frame-like mirrors break the solidity of walls, allowing diners to view the spectacle of large fish swimming among mountains on the LED screen, reinforcing the mysterious realm theme. Further within the restaurant, a tea tasting area is available in a private box, offering a tranquil space for diners to relax before or after their meal. The sliding doors open to a dining table adorned with wine and delicacies, providing views of the exterior scenery. Adjacent to another large box, an L-shaped sofa in the lounge area is accentuated by warm, diffused light from below. Decorative silk scarf paintings adorn the walls, and different themes are applied to various boxes to cater to diverse preferences, ensuring a quiet and private atmosphere for contemplation post-banquet. The restaurant's central island, featuring a bar counter, reflects a contemporary lifestyle, blending Western expressions with Chinese rhythm. This design choice aims to foster communication between Eastern and Western cultural elements, creating a dynamic and adventurous dining experience for guests within the 'Mysterious Realm.' The XU JI Seafood Restaurant's design is a comprehensive exploration of illusion, blending diverse elements to craft an immersive and multifaceted dining environment. Through careful manipulation of light, materials, and spatial arrangements, Daxiang Design Studio has created a space where the boundaries of reality are playfully challenged, offering a unique adventure for every guest. #RestaurantDesign #OpticalIllusion #InteriorDesign #ExperientialDining #ChineseDesign #DaxiangDesignStudio #MysteriousJungle #ReflectiveMaterials #LEDScreens

A tile company named Casa Ceramica, located in Manchester, has installed a unique optical illusion floor in their showroom entrance, which was implemented twelve months prior to this report. The design creates the visual effect of a wavy or sinking floor, despite being entirely flat and stable underfoot. This installation was conceived to demonstrate the diverse applications of tiles and to incorporate an optical illusion theme, which the company successfully achieved. The floor is constructed from porcelain tiles that were custom-cut by Aquacut into over 400 individual pieces. Duncan Cook, the director of Casa Ceramica, meticulously tiled these pieces according to a specific design layout to produce the intended visual effect. The result is a floor that challenges perceptions of stability, making individuals feel as though they might walk unsteadily, even when they are on a perfectly level surface. The unique flooring serves as a distinctive feature for the showroom, aiming to capture the attention of visitors and showcase the company's innovative use of tiling. Beyond the optical illusion floor, the showroom also features walls adorned with quotes, which were created by a local artist named Myro, adding another artistic element to the space. #OpticalIllusion #TileDesign #InteriorDesign #ShowroomDisplay #Manchester #CasaCeramica #FloorArt #ArchitecturalInnovation

The "Indefinite Vases" project by Stockholm-based multidisciplinary design practice Studio E.O explores the dynamic relationship between organic and geometric forms, and between transparent and opaque materials. This series utilizes handblown glass and meticulously cut stone to create a collection of unique vessels. The design process involves melting and cooling traditional vase forms directly onto sharp, angular stone bases, resulting in a distinct interaction where gravity plays a crucial role in defining the final shape. The project intentionally blurs the lines between sculpture and container, as well as between functional and decorative objects. The core concept revolves around the contrast between the fluid, malleable nature of the handblown glass and the rigid, defined structure of the stone platforms. This juxtaposition highlights the interplay between a delicate, fragile material and its solid, unyielding counterpart. The glass appears to "melt" onto the stone, adopting its contours and creating a seamless, yet visually contrasting, union. Each vase becomes a site-specific creation, molded by the precise interaction with its individual stone base. Studio E.O's approach emphasizes the inherent characteristics of each material. The handblown glass, with its inherent imperfections and fluidity, is allowed to naturally conform to the sharp edges of the cut stone. This process ensures that no two vases are exactly alike, each possessing a unique form dictated by the forces at play during its creation. The transparency of the glass further enhances this effect, allowing light to interact with the forms and reveal the subtle variations in thickness and texture. The angular stone bases provide a stable and strong foundation, contrasting with the soft, flowing lines of the glass. The selection of stone, likely chosen for its aesthetic and structural qualities, complements the ethereal quality of the glass. The project statement elaborates on this exploration, highlighting how "indefinite melting material interacts with definite angular forms and gravity determines the relationship in between." At the time of its release, a limited number of these "Indefinite Vases" were made available through Galerie kreo, a renowned gallery specializing in contemporary design. The project demonstrates Studio E.O's innovative use of traditional materials and techniques to produce pieces that challenge conventional notions of form and function. The collection serves as an example of how careful consideration of material properties and natural forces can lead to compelling and visually striking design outcomes. #glass #sculpture #vessels #StudioEO #handblownGlass #stoneArt #design #artisticVases #materialContrast

Glass bricks, originally popularized in the 1930s by architects like Pierre Chareau and Arne Korsmo, and later embraced by Tadao Ando in the 1970s, are experiencing a resurgence in interior design. This lookbook presents ten contemporary projects that highlight the versatility and aesthetic appeal of glass-block walls in various settings, demonstrating their ability to manipulate light and shadow while providing privacy and unique visual effects. The featured projects showcase how these glazed masonry units can illuminate and transform interior spaces, ranging from compact bathrooms and hallways to restaurants, co-working offices, and residential dwellings. Among the examples is Maido, a sushi restaurant in London designed by Child Studio, which converted a 1960s post office. The design incorporates a semi-circular glass-block wall that pays homage to the building's modernist origins, complemented by dark cherry wood and a soft-blue coffered ceiling. In Hiroshima, Hiroshi Nakamura & NAP's Optical Glass House features a towering, two-storey wall of 6,000 specially crafted glass bricks. This innovative partition separates the house and its planted courtyard from the busy city streets, creating a play of shadows and refractions that extend into the living spaces, which can open completely to the garden. Remi Connolly-Taylor's self-designed London home, Maryland House, utilizes glazed inserts in a small statement staircase and as a balustrade for an adjacent balcony. These glass bricks filter light into the interior, maintaining privacy while ensuring sunlight reaches two bright-white bedrooms. Buckle Street Studios, a hotel in east London by Grzywinski+Pons, features a glass-brick facade with radiused corners on its top floors, giving the building a lantern-like appearance at night. The interior guest suites echo these curves with custom-made furniture designed to fit the rounded corners. In Athens, Studio Andrew Trotter transformed a 1970s warehouse into 10AM Lofts, a bright and sunny event space. The renovation involved replacing a significant portion of a concrete wall with glass masonry and inserting new windows on the ground floor, enhancing natural light. The Glass-Block Micro House in Ho Chi Minh City, designed by ROOM+ Design & Build, is a Dezeen Awards-shortlisted renovation where frosted glass bricks entirely replace the walls, even in the second-floor bathroom. This design choice transformed a dark and cramped space into a private, sun-dappled sanctuary. Spacial, a co-working space in Montreal by Ivy Studio, employs a glazed-block wall to delineate public and private office areas while allowing light to permeate. The interior predominantly features a greyscale palette, accented by large circular blue mirrors and a zinc-plated reception desk. Jun Murata's Diamant Glass Art Gallery in Japan utilizes glass bricks of various textures and translucencies to create shimmering refractions, mimicking light filtered through water. The sparsely furnished interior, including a classic Barcelona chair, allows the glass wall to be the focal point for temporary product displays. J Boroski, a bar in Shanghai by Atelier XY, incorporates a glazed wall that bisects the space, separating the main bar from an intimate lounge. This wall also serves as a ledge for drinks and is part of an unusual interior design reflecting the owner's fascination with insects, including a display of preserved tarantulas. Finally, the Vizor office in Minsk, Belarus, by Studio 11, reinterprets Soviet-era design. A snaking wall of glass blocks, combined with a deep red colour palette, geometric flooring, and hanging ferns, integrates traditional elements into a modern workplace. These diverse projects collectively demonstrate the enduring appeal and adaptive qualities of glass bricks in contemporary interior architecture. #GlassBricks #InteriorDesign #ModernArchitecture #ArchitecturalTrends #LightAndShadow #RenovationProjects #HomeDecor #CommercialInteriors #SustainableDesign

Artist and architect Inés Esnal has unveiled her Prism installation, transforming the lobby of a new residential building in New York City. The artwork utilizes colorful elastic ropes to create intricate triangular formations that serve to filter light, producing a dynamic interplay of vivid colors and optical illusions. This installation provides a stark and compelling contrast to the lobby's existing concrete walls, injecting an element of artistic vibrancy into the otherwise stark architectural setting. The Prism installation is characterized by its use of stretched elastic ropes, meticulously arranged to form geometric patterns. These ropes, varying in color, intersect and overlap, creating a complex web that interacts with the ambient light. As light passes through these colored strands, it is fractured and dispersed, casting a spectrum of hues across the lobby space. This optical phenomenon changes throughout the day, depending on the angle and intensity of natural light, offering a constantly evolving visual experience for residents and visitors. The design intention behind Prism is to introduce an element of surprise and visual engagement within a functional architectural space. By contrasting the inherent rigidity and monochromatic nature of concrete with the fluidity and vibrant palette of the elastic ropes, Esnal challenges conventional perceptions of lobby design. The installation effectively redefines the entrance area, transforming it from a transitional zone into an immersive artistic environment. Esnal's work often explores the relationship between art, architecture, and human perception. In Prism, she employs principles of geometry and optics to manipulate space and light, thereby creating an illusory depth and movement within a static structure. The triangular shapes formed by the ropes evoke the concept of prisms, which are known for their ability to refract light into its constituent colors. This not only imbues the space with aesthetic appeal but also invites viewers to contemplate the scientific and artistic principles at play. The installation aims to enhance the sensory experience of the building's occupants, offering a momentary escape from the urban environment. The selection of elastic ropes as the primary material allows for flexibility in form and an ethereal quality that belies the material's strength. This choice also contributes to the lightweight and seemingly gravity-defying appearance of the artwork, further emphasizing its illusory nature. The vibrant colors chosen are intended to evoke a sense of energy and warmth, counteracting the potentially cold aesthetic of modern concrete architecture. The overall effect is one of harmony between the artistic intervention and the architectural context, demonstrating how art can profoundly alter and enrich built environments. #ArchitecturalInstallation #PublicArt #LobbyDesign #InesEsnal #OpticalIllusions #ElasticRopeArt #NYCArchitecture #ColorTheory #GeometricArt

The article explores the top 10 lighting trends predicted to shape interior design in 2025, emphasizing a blend of style, sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. These trends offer diverse options for illuminating spaces, catering to various tastes and design philosophies. Vintage-style lighting is set to be a major trend, valued for its timeless character, craftsmanship, and inherent sustainability. This approach incorporates classic pieces such as ornate chandeliers, retro pendants, and mid-century modern table lamps, all designed for longevity and to infuse spaces with a sense of history and individuality. Experts note that vintage lighting acts as both a functional item and an artistic focal point, rooted in traditional values of quality and originality, aligning with the growing preference for eclectic design. Smoked glass emerges as another significant trend, offering versatility and visual impact through its large-scale pendant lighting and statement pieces. The grey tint of smoked glass provides a soft, diffused light, contributing a touch of glamour and moody elegance to interiors. Its timeless appeal is highlighted as a wise, long-term investment for any home, ensuring it remains stylish without succumbing to fleeting fads. Biophilic lighting, a trend centered on reconnecting indoor spaces with nature, aims to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing. This style integrates organic shapes and natural tones, utilizing materials like rattan, wood, bamboo, and recycled glass to introduce warmth and texture. The goal is to create harmonious, calming, and restorative environments by mirroring natural light and incorporating natural elements, making it suitable for all areas, particularly home offices. Copper makes a comeback in 2025 as the preferred metal for lighting design due to its warm, rich, and inviting qualities. Its adaptability allows it to complement both bold and neutral color palettes, adding a sense of coziness and luxury. Copper’s durability also supports the shift towards more sustainable design practices, appearing in various forms from floor lamps to ceiling fixtures and even smaller accents like plug sockets. Mixed metals represent a modern twist, encouraging the combination of different metallic finishes such as brass with nickel, or bronze with brushed chrome. This trend adds visual depth and flexibility to lighting schemes, with a noticeable increase in demand for bronze, silvered tones, and both brushed and polished chrome finishes. The layering of different metals creates a dynamic and sophisticated look. Layered lighting is presented as essential for creating flexible, mood-driven interiors. Moving beyond single ceiling pendants, this approach involves combining multiple light sources—table lamps, floor lamps, wall sconces, and dimmable overhead lighting—to transform a space’s atmosphere and functionality throughout the day. This technique is crucial for influencing both the aesthetic and the wellbeing of occupants. The 'soft industrial' aesthetic merges the raw, edgy elements of industrial design with a warm and inviting feel. This trend features exposed metals, matte finishes, and natural materials, but with gentler silhouettes and a sleek sophistication. It allows industrial lighting styles to integrate seamlessly into modern homes, balancing function and form without appearing overly harsh. Playful and artful lighting continues to be a strong trend, with vibrant-colored and patterned lampshades taking center stage. These lampshades are not merely functional but serve as artistic statements, allowing for the injection of personality into interiors. Changing lampshades seasonally is suggested as an affordable method to refresh a color scheme without extensive redecoration, positioning lighting as 'jewelry for the home'. Curved and wavy shapes are dominating lighting designs, offering a way to introduce softness and movement into angular interiors. This style, characterized by scalloped designs, waves, and fluid curves, aims for elegance, sophistication, and whimsy. It is ideal for creating cozy, intimate areas or standout focal points in various rooms, balancing the rigidity of modern spaces. Finally, the natural look emphasizes a growing demand for organic materials like rattan, bamboo, and reclaimed wood in lighting designs. This trend brings warmth, texture, and a contemporary feel, contributing to effortlessly inviting rooms. The lightweight nature of these materials allows for experimental layouts, and their eco-conscious appeal aligns with current mindful aesthetic preferences. #LightingTrends #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #VintageLighting #SmokedGlass #BiophilicDesign #CopperAccents #MixedMetals #LayeredLighting #SoftIndustrial #PlayfulLighting #CurvedShapes #NaturalMaterials

This blog post compiles recent articles and projects from Designboom focusing on the application of glass in art, architecture, and design. The collection highlights the versatility and aesthetic potential of glass, ranging from large-scale public installations to architectural facades and interior elements. The articles showcase how artists and designers are pushing the boundaries of traditional glass use, incorporating it into innovative structures and artistic expressions. Key examples include a luminous forest in Hanoi composed of mirroring steel branches, demonstrating glass's role in creating immersive public art. Another project features an 'invisible Tokyo bar' that utilizes heated, transparent acrylic glass panels to distort reality, illustrating glass's capacity for experiential design. Architecture projects frequently employ glass for facades, as seen in Selgascano's transparent seaside café in China with three parallel glass volumes, and Cossement Cardoso's Helsinki museum concept, which features a textured glass skin forming a curved roof. The DA VÀNG studio in Vietnam also uses 3,000 glass bricks to create a curved, translucent house facade, emphasizing both structural and aesthetic applications. The articles also delve into the use of glass in smaller-scale design and art pieces. For instance, Bottega Veneta's summer show features 'lucid murano blown-glass stools' that mimic sea waves, showcasing glass as a medium for elegant furniture and decor. Artists like Vincent Leroy use floating lenses in an optical mobile, and Ben Tuna transforms a Porsche 911 into an art car with cathedral-inspired stained glass, highlighting the material's artistic adaptability. Sarah Brahim and Ugo Schiavi explore ancient rituals through glass temples and vessels, linking glass to cultural and historical narratives. Further architectural applications include a gradient brick facade by Delmulle Delmulle in a Belgium house, transitioning from terracotta to glass, and Vinklu's triangular prism coffee shop in Romania, using glass to fill narrow urban gaps. SICIS uses decorative glass to create glowing swimming pool surfaces in Cambodian villas, while BBWORKSPACE's Thai café employs iridescent panels to evoke gemstones and refract light. EcoLogicStudio's microbial installation at Triennale Milano reimagines domesticity with glass components, and Apropos Architects use a translucent glass facade for the Czech pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, demonstrating its use in significant public structures. Industrial design also features glass, such as Bugatti's Brouillard Coupe, which includes a miniature glass sculpture in its gearshift. Fredrik Nielsen's Stockholm studio explores glass's resistance to fragility and embraces chance in its creation. Atelier Échelle’s lakeside gallery residence subtly integrates glass within dark clay brick structures, harmonizing modern elements with traditional aesthetics. The variety of projects presented collectively underscores glass's multifaceted role in contemporary design, from enhancing visual experiences and light manipulation to contributing to structural integrity and artistic expression across diverse scales and contexts. #GlassArt #GlassDesign #ArchitecturalGlass #PublicInstallations #InteriorDesign #ContemporaryArt #BuildingMaterials #DesignInnovation #SustainableDesign

Lasvit, a Prague-based manufacturer, continues a rich tradition of Czech glassmaking, creating bespoke lighting and sculptural installations that are both luxurious and awe-inspiring. Founded in 2007 by Leon Jakimič, the company distinguishes itself by collaborating with a diverse array of in-house and external designers, including renowned artists like Nendo, Ross Lovegrove, and Daniel Libeskind, whose works are celebrated in museums worldwide. This approach has earned Lasvit accolades, such as the Harper’s Bazaar 2015 Best Lighting Brand award. Among their standout creations is Petra Krausova’s "Supernova," which received first prize for its innovative design. This undulating light sculpture consists of hundreds of individual glass pieces connected by wires to a complex system of motors. These motors allow the sculpture to transition into infinite forms, with each glass 'tile' capable of being raised, lowered, and tilted through gesture control. While envisioned for large public spaces, the artistic merit and technological sophistication of the Supernova highlight Lasvit's commitment to pushing the boundaries of lighting design. For those seeking more modest, yet equally distinctive, lighting options, Lasvit offers pieces like "Bonbon." This pendant light, shaped like a wrapped candy, features a crimped paper-like top and an internal lamp that resembles a hard candy, priced at approximately $1,990. Another notable collection is "Crystal Rock," a family of pendants that blend modern aesthetics with a raw, geological feel. These glowing, hand-cut faceted shapes come in various colors—amber, blue, clear, opal, and red—with a laminated interior surface designed to maximize sparkle. Crystal Rock is available in single, triple, and quintuple configurations, with pricing available upon request. The "Neverending Glory" series, designed by Jan Plecháč & Henry Wielgus, reimagines chandeliers from iconic global venues such as Milan’s La Scala, Paris’ Palais Garnier, and New York’s Metropolitan Opera. The designers aimed to capture the blurred, dynamic forms these chandeliers would take if spinning rapidly, creating a unique fusion of classic elegance and contemporary motion. The collection includes various models, such as the La Scala version, and is available in opal and clear glass, each priced around $2,380. Concluding with a high-end example, "Twill," by Taťána Dvořáková, showcases a fabric of woven crystals that can be customized into nearly any shape or design. Featured at Harrods, this installation integrates pinhole LED lights above the crystal fabric, producing a dazzling, organic ceiling that creates a sophisticated ambiance. Given its bespoke nature, the pricing for Twill is reflective of its custom craftsmanship and luxurious appeal. Lasvit's products are not widely available in all locations, with showrooms primarily found in eastern and western coastal states of the USA, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Washington D.C. The closest showroom to Dallas, for example, is Luminaire in Chicago. Beyond individual pieces, Lasvit also specializes in large-scale bespoke installations for hotels, offices, and public spaces, transforming environments with their innovative glass and lighting artistry. The company's work, often encountered unknowingly, consistently leaves a lasting impression due to its beauty and ingenuity. #LasvitLighting #CzechGlassmaking #LuxuryLighting #BespokeDesign #SculpturalInstallations #HomeDecoration #InteriorDesign #LightingInnovation #ArtisticGlass