Interview about Lumenica Lighting Collection, winner of the A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award 2025
Lumenica Luminaire explores the dialogue between light, material, and form through fluid, parametrically twisted glass volumes. Each piece is shaped via hot molding and controlled cooling, creating dynamic relief patterns that enhance the flow of the surface. The contrast between matte and glossy areas forms a gradient of light, shifting with the viewer's perspective. Subtle coloration emphasizes the bionic, sculptural nature of the objects, balancing symmetry and organicity. The luminaire appears both engineered and alive, generating optical effects that animate the surrounding space.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe design philosophy behind the parametrically twisted glass volumes in the Lumenica luminaire evolved through a process that combined both rigorous research and hands-on experimentation. Initially, the idea stemmed from a curiosity about how organic growth patterns in nature, particularly the spirals seen in shells, plants, and even fluid dynamics, could be interpreted and reimagined through contemporary digital tools. This curiosity led to a series of parametric studies using SolidWorks, where various mathematical models of spiral growth and phyllotaxis were explored to achieve visually compelling geometries that also made sense structurally for glass production.As the process advanced, it became clear that not all mathematically beautiful forms translated effectively into glass; material constraints and optical behavior played a crucial role. Extensive prototyping was conducted, with 3D-printed models, to observe how light interacted with the surfaces, particularly with variations in relief depth, surface smoothness, and curvature. This hands-on stage inspired several refinements to the original digital models, as subtle adjustments in relief pattern and twist could dramatically affect how light diffused, refracted, and reflected within the glass.An important realization was that the design’s dynamism depended not only on the overall silhouette but on the micro-interactions between matte and glossy surfaces and the user’s movement around the object. This insight shifted the focus toward achieving a fine balance between technological precision and artistic intuition, leveraging the power of parametric modeling for repeatable accuracy, while allowing room for expressive, organic imperfections that make each luminaire unique.Ultimately, the design philosophy evolved into an approach that treats light as an active participant in the composition, not just an outcome. By carefully orchestrating how light passes through, grazes, and scatters within the twisted volume, the Lumenica luminaire blurs the boundary between functional lighting and sculptural art. This approach continues to influence ongoing explorations, including experiments with colored glass, interactive lighting elements, and multi-piece modular compositions that expand on the original concept.
The biomorphic qualities of the Lumenica luminaire were intentionally informed by an in-depth observation of natural forms such as flowers, mushrooms, and jellyfish, each offering distinct structural and aesthetic principles that influenced key design decisions. For example, the spiraling growth seen in certain flowers and the layered gills of mushrooms provided a blueprint for the parametric relief that defines the surface of the glass body. These elements inspired the creation of flowing lines and gradients in the relief, which not only reference nature’s geometry but also optimize the diffusion and scattering of light through the glass.Jellyfish, with their translucent bodies and dynamic movement in water, played a significant role in shaping the overall silhouette and sense of visual lightness. Their semi-transparent tissues, gentle pulsations, and the way they capture and refract light informed the choice of clear glass as the primary material, as well as the treatment of surface finishes. The decision to combine matte and glossy areas within a single form was directly influenced by the way natural organisms present different textures on their surfaces, which create subtle shifts in reflectivity and optical depth.Additionally, the natural flexibility and resilience found in these organic forms prompted an exploration of production techniques that could replicate such qualities. 3D printing was used for prototyping to mimic the intricacy and fluidity of natural shapes, before finalizing the glass version. These influences extended beyond mere aesthetics, informing the technical approach to both form development and material selection, and ensuring that the finished luminaire embodied both the elegance and complexity found in living systems.
The development of the dynamic relief patterns in the Lumenica luminaire was driven by an extensive experimentation process focused primarily on 3D printing technologies, rather than traditional glass processing. Since the prototype was realized using additive manufacturing, this opened unique possibilities for creating complex, twisting geometries and intricate surface textures that would be challenging to achieve with glass alone.Through iterative digital modeling, various relief depths and twist angles were explored, leveraging the precision and flexibility offered by parametric design software. This allowed for the detailed simulation and adjustment of how light would interact with the object’s surface: casting gradients, shadows, and subtle reflections that bring the design to life. 3D printing made it possible to prototype and physically test these forms rapidly, offering immediate feedback on the tactile and optical qualities of the relief patterns.Unlike glass, which has specific constraints in molding and cooling, 3D printing enabled the realization of sharp transitions and intricate details, resulting in a more expressive and dynamic surface. The ability to directly control the print resolution and layering also contributed to achieving the nuanced textures that are central to the Lumenica aesthetic. This process not only expanded the creative vocabulary of the project but also demonstrated how digital fabrication methods can push the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary lighting design, blending innovation in material processing with artistic experimentation.
Achieving harmony between symmetry and organic flow in the Lumenica luminaire was a deliberate and iterative process that began with the study of natural structures exhibiting both order and fluidity, such as spiraled shells or the petal arrangements of certain flowers. In the digital modeling stage, parametric tools were used to generate symmetrical base forms that provided structural stability and aesthetic coherence. These symmetrical frameworks served as the “skeleton” of the object, ensuring a balanced distribution of mass and supporting even illumination when light was introduced.From this foundation, controlled organic deformations were introduced to the surface using variable relief patterns and subtle twisting. These deformations were carefully calibrated so as not to compromise the fixture’s primary function: effective and pleasant light distribution. Iterative prototyping through 3D printing allowed for direct testing of each design variation, making it possible to observe how the surface interacted with both ambient and direct light sources. Special attention was given to the orientation and depth of relief patterns, which were adjusted to diffuse light gently across the form while creating visually engaging gradients and shadows.Functional requirements, such as accessibility for the light source, heat management, and the object’s weight, were integrated into the design from the outset. Material thickness and structural reinforcements were fine-tuned in the digital model to ensure durability and practicality, while still preserving the sense of movement and softness inspired by organic forms. The result is a luminaire that, while rooted in mathematical symmetry, feels dynamic and alive, delivering both functional performance and artistic expression within a single object.
The inspiration for contrasting matte and glossy areas in the Lumenica luminaire arose from a close study of natural surfaces, such as the petals of flowers, the skin of fruits, and the bodies of aquatic organisms, which often display subtle variations in texture that dramatically affect how light interacts with them. This observation sparked the idea of intentionally alternating surface finishes on the luminaire, using the precision of digital modeling and 3D printing to implement these transitions with control and nuance.By integrating both matte and glossy finishes into a single form, the design achieves a multifaceted visual experience that changes with the movement of the observer and the surrounding light conditions. Glossy areas capture and reflect highlights, lending the object a sense of vibrancy and depth, while matte surfaces soften these effects, creating smooth gradients and enhancing the perception of the luminaire’s sculptural relief. This interplay mimics the subtle complexity found in nature, making the object appear more organic and inviting.From a user experience perspective, the contrast between finishes adds layers of tactile and visual richness. When interacting with the luminaire, whether by touch or sight, users encounter an ever-changing composition of reflections and shadows. This not only elevates the luminaire from a simple functional object to a centerpiece within the interior but also encourages viewers to move around and engage with it from multiple perspectives. Ultimately, the surface treatment enhances both the aesthetic and emotional resonance of the design, deepening its presence in the space.
One of the most complex technological challenges encountered during the development of the Lumenica luminaire was adapting the intricate, parametric geometry of the design for successful 3D printing. The initial digital models were inspired by the ambition to replicate the subtle fluidity and transparency of glass, but additive manufacturing posed its own unique constraints, particularly regarding support structures, surface finish, and the translation of digital detail into physical reality.A key obstacle was achieving crisp, dynamic relief patterns and maintaining the integrity of the twisting form without compromising the print’s structural stability or surface quality. Early prototypes revealed issues such as unintended texture artifacts, weak points at sharp transitions, and difficulties in post-processing to achieve the desired matte and glossy effects. Overcoming these obstacles required revising the digital model to optimize wall thickness, modify internal supports, and carefully calibrate print orientation and layer height for each iteration.Experimentation with different printing materials and post-processing techniques, such as selective polishing and sandblasting, played a vital role in differentiating matte and glossy regions on the same object. This not only resolved technical limitations but also enhanced the expressive potential of the luminaire, reinforcing its biomorphic character and visual complexity. Ultimately, overcoming these 3D printing challenges directly influenced the final design by pushing it toward a more refined, tactile, and visually engaging result than originally envisioned.
The color scheme of the Lumenica luminaire was carefully curated to reinforce its biomorphic inspiration while also ensuring the piece harmonizes with contemporary interior environments. Drawing from the natural world, the selected palette reflects the subtle translucency and gradients found in organic forms like sea creatures, petals, and shells. Soft, neutral shades and translucent finishes evoke a sense of delicacy and lightness, similar to the membranes of jellyfish or the inner layers of certain flowers, emphasizing the object’s connection to nature without resorting to literal imitation.At the same time, the choice of understated colors and semi-transparent materials allows the luminaire to serve as a versatile accent in modern interiors, complementing a wide range of color schemes and design styles. This approach avoids visual clutter, enabling the object’s form and surface relief to take center stage. For environments seeking a bold statement, the design can be realized in deeper, saturated hues that still maintain a reference to natural pigments, such as deep blues reminiscent of ocean life or soft greens found in foliage, without overwhelming the space.The restrained use of color also accentuates the interplay between matte and glossy surface areas, allowing gradients, shadows, and reflections to shift in response to both artificial and natural light sources. This dynamic quality heightens the organic feel of the piece and invites ongoing interaction from users, as the appearance subtly changes throughout the day. In essence, the color scheme acts as a bridge between the luminaire’s biomorphic origins and its modern, adaptable presence in contemporary interiors, ensuring it feels both innovative and intimately connected to the rhythms of nature.
Sustainability and environmental considerations played a significant role in shaping both the material selection and the manufacturing process for the Lumenica luminaire, particularly since the project utilized 3D printing rather than traditional glassworking. From the outset, one of the guiding principles was to minimize waste and reduce the environmental footprint associated with prototyping and production. This was achieved by selecting 3D printing materials that are either recyclable or derived from bio-based sources, such as PLA (polylactic acid), which is made from renewable resources like corn starch and is industrially compostable.The additive manufacturing approach itself supports a more sustainable workflow compared to subtractive methods, as it allows for precise material usage with little to no excess waste. The ability to rapidly prototype and iterate designs in-house also reduces the need for energy-intensive transportation or outsourcing, further decreasing the project’s overall carbon footprint. During the design phase, digital simulation tools were used to optimize the object’s geometry, ensuring structural stability while minimizing material consumption.Another important aspect was the potential for local, on-demand production, which aligns with sustainable design philosophies by reducing the need for mass manufacturing, large inventories, or long-distance shipping. Even post-processing steps, such as sanding and polishing, were carefully managed to use minimal chemicals and resources.Ultimately, the use of 3D printing not only enabled the exploration of complex, biomorphic forms but also allowed for a more responsible approach to material use and production. This aligns the Lumenica luminaire with contemporary expectations for eco-conscious design, demonstrating that innovative aesthetics and environmental responsibility can be successfully integrated within the same project.
Establishing a cohesive design language across the diverse Lumenica Lighting Collection: spanning table lamps, wall sconces, floor lamps, and pendant fixtures, required a deliberate balance of consistency and adaptability. The central unifying element is the use of parametrically twisted, biomorphic forms that define each piece’s silhouette and surface relief. This approach was inspired by natural growth patterns and ensures that all objects, regardless of function, share a recognizable visual DNA.To adapt this core aesthetic to varying functional requirements, careful attention was paid to proportion, scale, and technical integration for each lamp type. For instance, the table lamps incorporate sculptural legs or bases that echo the twisted motifs of the main body, providing both visual unity and physical stability. Wall sconces and pendant lamps utilize mounting solutions that are harmonized with the overall curvature and flow of the design, ensuring the structural elements do not detract from the organic impression.Moreover, a unified color palette and the use of contrasting matte and glossy surface treatments further reinforce the collection’s coherence. While each piece is tailored to its specific context, whether illuminating a workspace or creating ambient mood lighting, the underlying design principles ensure they can be displayed together as a family or stand alone as individual statements, all while resonating with the same biomorphic and contemporary aesthetic. This holistic yet flexible approach not only supports visual harmony across the series but also extends the versatility and expressive potential of the Lumenica concept.
We envision that our approach, merging craft tradition with experimental, digitally driven materials and methods, can serve as a model for the next generation of lighting design, one that honors heritage while embracing the possibilities offered by emerging technologies. By utilizing 3D printing to reinterpret sculptural techniques once reserved for glass or ceramic, we demonstrate that classic craft sensibilities can be preserved, even as new forms and surface treatments become possible through digital fabrication.Our process underscores the importance of adaptability and sustainability in design. By using materials that are recyclable or biodegradable, and leveraging on-demand, local production through additive manufacturing, we hope to encourage the industry to move beyond conventional, resource-intensive manufacturing practices. This method not only reduces waste and energy use but also empowers designers to iterate more freely and customize designs to fit diverse spaces and user needs.At the same time, we believe that maintaining a human, artistic touch in the digital workflow is vital. The nuanced surface reliefs and biomorphic geometries in the Lumenica Collection are rooted in the observational rigor and creative intuition traditionally associated with handcraft. By translating these qualities through parametric modeling and experimental prototyping, we invite a broader conversation about the evolving relationship between craft, materiality, and technology.Ultimately, our vision is for lighting design to become more interdisciplinary, sustainable, and user-centric, blurring the boundaries between art and technology, nature and manufacture. We hope Lumenica inspires designers and manufacturers alike to see digital tools not as a replacement for craft, but as a bridge to new creative frontiers, where the richness of tradition and the excitement of innovation can coexist and mutually enrich each other.
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