Gala Decorative Lighting

H. Guliz Tavukcuoglu

Interview about Gala Decorative Lighting, winner of the A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award 2025

About the Project

The rose, as the natural element with the highest frequency, brings its energy into any space in which it resides. Building on this concept, the bud form has been stylized to enable its use across various functions within interior settings. With multiple connection options, it serves both as a decorative object and as a lighting element, utilizing the translucency of its porcelain body. It can be adapted as a table lamp, wall sconce, or pendant light. A concealed light source emits a gentle glow from within the bud. Through handcrafted production, the sustainability of craftsmanship is upheld.

Design Details
  • Designer:
    H. Guliz Tavukcuoglu
  • Design Name:
    Gala Decorative Lighting
  • Designed For:
    Gnt Interior Architecture
  • Award Category:
    A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award
  • Award Year:
    2025
  • Last Updated:
    July 6, 2025
Learn More About This Design

View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.

View Design Details
Your innovative fusion of rose symbolism and Sartre's existential philosophy in Gala Decorative Lighting creates a unique narrative - could you elaborate on how these seemingly disparate elements shaped your design process?

To celebrate my 30th year in the profession, I created a collection that bears my name and reflects the meaning of that name. This is how “GÜL’İZ” was born—the trace of a rose. I wanted each design to carry a trace of myself, bringing not only light but also energy and meaning to the spaces it inhabits. The rose, one of nature’s highest frequencies, inspired me with its symbolic elegance. Thus, every piece transformed into a sculptural form that leaves my imprint and resonates with a subtle, uplifting energy in its environment.During this process, Sartre’s concepts of “the Other” and “the Gaze” served as a philosophical guide. An object, after all, is not shaped solely by its creator, but also by the one who looks at it. That’s why I designed my forms to be open to interpretation—layered, free, and responsive. I wanted viewers to project their own emotions and perspectives with every gaze.The resulting stylized, sculptural forms are not merely lighting objects—they are elements of a narrative of existence. Each line carries both a personal imprint and space for meaning. By merging the grace of the rose with Sartre’s questioning gaze, I aim to build an intellectual and emotional bridge between light and space.

The translucent porcelain body of Gala Decorative Lighting appears to create an ethereal glow - what specific technical challenges did you encounter in achieving this delicate balance between material transparency and structural integrity?

The translucent porcelain body in Gala Decorative Lighting represents one of the most technically and aesthetically demanding aspects of our process. Working with porcelain at such a thin level—allowing light to pass through while maintaining structural integrity—requires a delicate balance. The greatest challenge lies in completing the firing without cracks or deformation at this thinness. When porcelain drops below a certain thickness, it becomes fragile and tends to lose its shape in the kiln. For this reason, we conduct many experiments and develop different methods to achieve the desired form.In custom porcelain production, we choose casting clays that best reflect both the intended form and the light quality. We apply a multi-stage, highly controlled firing process; every detail—from ensuring uniform wall thickness in the mold to monitoring humidity levels and kiln temperature—is followed meticulously. While finding the perfect balance takes time, the resulting soft and calming glow adds an elegant touch to the space.

How does Gala Decorative Lighting's versatile mounting system, allowing for use as a table lamp, wall sconce, or pendant, reflect your understanding of modern interior design needs?

At the very beginning of the design process, I wanted Gala Decorative Lighting to adapt seamlessly to different spaces and lifestyles. Today, living environments are dynamic and multi-functional; users seek lighting objects that are not only aesthetically refined but also versatile and transformable. Gala’s modular structure meets this demand by allowing the same object to function as a table lamp, wall sconce, or pendant. With interchangeable components and connectors, it offers the user the freedom to reinterpret the object over time.This flexibility comes from approaching design not just as a static object, but as a dynamic experience. The effect of light also transforms depending on where the light source is positioned, enabling the user to create distinct atmospheres with a single piece. This philosophy reflects the rising importance of “customizability” in contemporary interior design.

The brass connection system in Gala Decorative Lighting creates a striking contrast with the porcelain body - what inspired this material combination and how does it enhance both the functional and aesthetic aspects of the design?

Porcelain and brass are very different from each other in terms of their textures and symbolic meanings, but when they come together, they create a strong balance. The delicate, light-permeable structure and elegant-chic stance of porcelain and the durable, shiny, timeless and luxurious character of brass complement each other. This contrast creates both a visual shine and a sense of balance. Brass details not only serve a structural function; they also have a signature feature that emphasizes the elegance and permanence of the design.What inspired this combination was the harmony of contrasts that we often encounter in nature. I wanted to establish a connection between finesse and solidity, light and matter, fragility and continuity. It was important for it to adapt to interior designs with different concepts with both a luxurious touch and a simple visual line. At the same time, brass ages by gaining patina over time, which gives the object a living, organic identity. From this perspective, I wanted to create an object that transforms with the user, both on an aesthetic and functional level.Porcelain and brass are very different in terms of texture and symbolic meaning, yet when brought together, they create a striking harmony. The delicate, light-transmitting nature and refined elegance of porcelain contrast beautifully with the durable, lustrous, timeless quality of brass. This interplay not only provides structural integrity but also adds a sense of visual brilliance and balance. The brass elements serve as more than just functional components—they act as signature details that highlight the design’s grace and lasting presence.The inspiration behind this pairing came from the harmony of opposites often found in nature. I wanted to build a relationship between finesse and strength, light and matter, fragility and permanence. It was important that the piece could integrate into various interior concepts with both a luxurious touch and a minimalist aesthetic. Over time, the brass develops a patina, acquiring an organic, living character. In this sense, I aimed to create an object that evolves with the user—both aesthetically and functionally.

Given that Gala Decorative Lighting emerged from your 30-year professional journey, how does this piece embody the evolution of your design philosophy and your vision for leaving a personal mark in spaces?

Gala was born as a symbolic expression of my 30th year in the profession. It is not merely a design; it marks a turning point for me—a moment of self-reflection. Over the years, my relationship with form, function, and material has grown more nuanced. In my interior architecture projects, I have always valued how identity reflects in space, and I wanted this principle to resonate throughout the collection. Today, I find it essential to embed emotional and intellectual layers into my designs. Gala is the result of that evolution. Through every detail, I wanted to express that design is not just an object—it can carry traces, memories, and energy.Each object that enters a space becomes part of the lives and stories of those who inhabit it. That’s why Gala’s contours tell a personal story. It’s a piece completed by the viewer’s gaze, whose meaning deepens over time. A design that unites the trace of the rose with Sartre’s philosophy, forming a bridge between my past and present. This delicate balance gives it both a personal and a universal language.

The organic, slightly inclined stance of Gala Decorative Lighting presented unique manufacturing challenges - could you share how the integration of 3D modeling with traditional porcelain craftsmanship led to the final solution?

Gala’s organic and gently curved form was a challenge in itself when crafted with traditional porcelain techniques. Porcelain is a fragile material that struggles to maintain its shape at high temperatures. Curved surfaces that are difficult to balance are especially prone to deformation during firing. At this stage, we introduced 3D modeling technology. From the earliest sketches, we created digital prototypes to test how the balance and center of gravity would behave.However, technology alone wasn’t enough. Collaborating closely with our skilled artisans, we carefully translated each digital form into physical reality. The mold-making process demanded millimeter-level precision, as even the smallest proportional error could cause the shape to warp after firing. To preserve the form, we employed a combination of experimental techniques. This hybrid approach — blending digital accuracy with handcrafted expertise — enabled us to create a product that is both technically robust and aesthetically refined. This fusion of tradition and innovation deeply shaped Gala’s character.

How does Gala Decorative Lighting's interpretation of the rose bud form contribute to your goal of bringing positive energy and higher frequencies into interior spaces?

The rose is a very powerful plant both symbolically and at a frequency level. It has been a symbol of beauty, love and spiritual elevation throughout human history. At the same time, research shows that the rose has one of the highest vibration frequencies in nature. With the idea that the rose carries its highest frequency to the space it is in in every form, Gala's rosebud-like form was born. This form represents not only an aesthetic preference, but also the desire to carry positive energy to the space.I stylized and abstracted the rose form; in this way, it both gives a familiar feeling and evokes a universal sense of beauty. The soft spread of light passes through this form and spreads into the space. This provides both visual and emotional comfort. My aim was for Gala to be felt not only as a lighting object, but also as a sculptural object that balances the energy of the environment it is in. In this respect, the design carries an intention beyond aesthetics: to establish a connection with people, space and emotions at a frequency level.

The concealed LED light source in Gala Decorative Lighting creates a gentle, diffused illumination - what considerations guided your decisions about light intensity and distribution?

The hidden LED lighting system we used in Gala is one of the most essential elements, serving both the spirit and the function of the design. Light is not only for seeing—it has the power to shape atmosphere, set the mood, and transform spatial perception. That’s why I approached light intensity and distribution by asking: How should someone feel in this space? I envisioned a light that softly filters through the rose form—gentle on the eyes and evenly diffused.The idea of lighting as a kind of breath inspired me—not too intense, not too faint. Soft, but perceptible. The concealed LED source adds a poetic dimension to the experience: the light itself is invisible, yet its presence is deeply felt. At the same time, LEDs support this choice on a technical level with their low energy consumption and long lifespan, aligning with sustainability. The result is a lighting experience that offers both emotional resonance and physical comfort.

Could you elaborate on how Gala Decorative Lighting's design allows viewers to discover different perspectives, reflecting Sartre's concepts of "other" and "gaze" in existential philosophy?

During the design process of Gala, Jean-Paul Sartre’s concepts of the “Other” and the “Gaze” became guiding principles for me. According to Sartre, a person becomes aware of their own existence only through the gaze of another. Inspired by this idea, I wanted Gala to carry a meaning that shifts and transforms depending on who is looking at it. Each viewer brings a unique interpretation through their mood, experience, and perception.That’s why I shaped the forms to be open-ended, avoiding any fixed or absolute expression. The stylized and sculptural pieces reveal different meanings from every angle. Gala is not a static object; it comes into existence through the gaze, redefining itself with every look. In this way, the design transcends its physical presence and takes on a philosophical dimension. Each observer is given the opportunity to rediscover a part of their own existence through the object.

As Gala Decorative Lighting represents the beginning of your "Gül'iz" collection, how do you envision this design influencing your future explorations in combining artistic expression with functional lighting?

Gala, as the first piece of the “GÜL’İZ” collection, holds both a symbolic and guiding meaning for me. Carrying the trace of the rose, this collection has evolved beyond pure aesthetics to embrace a deeper sensory and philosophical dimension. Whether used alone or together, Gala and the other pieces create a sense of presence—a subtle but meaningful touch within the space. Each object should tell a story, not merely provide light, but build an emotional connection with its surroundings and stand as a sculptural form even when the light is off.This approach is leading me toward more interdisciplinary and conceptual explorations in both current and future designs. I want to create products that are not only functional, but also metaphorical—blending art, philosophy, craft, and technology. The interest and fulfillment that Gala has brought affirmed how meaningful this journey truly is. From now on, I will more boldly seek ways to leave a lasting trace with every new design.

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