Iron Lighting Products and Fixtures Design · 2023

Waon Lighting

by Misaki Kiyuna

A' Design Award 2023 Iron Winner in Lighting Products and Fixtures Design
Awarded April 15, 2023
Estimated Number of Design Views: 12,327
Verification code FD73827073 · Verify this award

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About Waon Lighting

Waon is a wall-mounted lighting fixture made with Mino washi, a paper unique to Japan. The design refers to the papermaking process, in which the fibers are shaken in water to spread evenly. The washi is folded and twisted into pleats to form a large curved surface. Thin acrylic plates hold the paper in place, so no visible frame is needed and the paper appears to float. The gap between the paper and the wall also serves as heat dissipation space for the three bulbs, which can be replaced easily. The soft light suits entrances, lobbies and bedrooms.

Press Kit

Unique Properties: I designed a lighting fixture with the aim of incorporating Japanese paper into the interior. When making paper, the fibers are intertwined with vertical and horizontal shaking. For that reason, I tried to create a form that moves up, down, left, and right. We respect the handiwork of the craftsman by leaving the ears, which is the charm of Japanese paper.
Dimensions & Packaging: width 1900mm depth 290mm height 660mm
Tags: Lighting, Mino Washi, Interior, Floating
Production Technology: By using an acrylic plate to fix the thin Japanese paper, we were able to eliminate the existence of the frame. The Japanese paper is fixed at a distance from the wall so that the Japanese paper appears to float. The distance is also the heat dissipation space of the light bulb.
Design Challenge: The challenge was to use the surface of the washi paper vertically and maintain the curved surface. By folding and twisting it into pleats, we were able to create a large curved surface. By using an acrylic plate as a method of fixing the thin Japanese paper, the existence of the frame is eliminated, and the form that draws attention only to the Japanese paper.
Project Duration: Waon was designed in Okinawa in 2022.
Operation Flow: This light will be mounted on the wall. Turn on the power by unplugging and plugging in the outlet. It uses 3 bulbs and is easy to replace. By changing the position of the acrylic frame that holds the Japanese paper in place, it can be transformed into any shape. The expression of the lighting changes depending on the vertical position, front and back angle, and left and right opening. By using Japanese paper as a canvas and adding the hands of a calligrapher and a painter, it becomes a lighting that becomes a unique picture.
Research: By giving form to invisible sounds and sensations, I am researching forms that create empathy and stimulate people's sensibilities. We pursue beautiful forms that deeply appeal to the sensibility like sculpture.
Inspiration: Washi is a paper unique to Japan. Inspired by the sound it makes when the fibers are pulled out of the water and shaken to even out. The shape of the pleats makes us imagine a musical scale, and the twisted curve expresses the tone.
Image Credits: [Image # 1: Misaki Kiyuna, Waon, 2022][Image # 2: Misaki Kiyuna, Waon, 2022][Image # 3: Misaki Kiyuna, Waon, 2022][Image # 4: Misaki Kiyuna, Waon, 2022][Image # 5: Misaki Kiyuna, Waon, 2022]