Exploring Light and Materiality with ALIT
Seoul-based designer Byunggwon Na‘s ALIT lamp is a captivating blend of ceramic and wood, exploring how two distinct materials can create an eloquent dialogue with light. Na begins with the translucent quality of ceramic to see how it diffuses light, juxtaposing it against a sturdy square wooden column. The lamp’s minimalist design showcases the interaction between its softly curved ceramic shade and timber base, emphasizing their meeting point as a central design feature.
A Circular Design Folded into Elegance
The ceramic shade of ALIT, crafted through slip casting, starts as a circle that folds into four quadrants, presenting a balance between geometry and organic form. Its silhouette recalls a maple seed or a petal’s gentle descent, gracefully integrating with the wooden column. The detachable shade offers versatility, allowing for easy replacement or individual use as a decorative piece. This flexibility ensures no complex setup is required—simply exchange shades to alter its ambiance.
byunggwon na’s alit: Play of Colors in Ceramic Shades
Na innovatively experiments with pigmentation by incorporating color directly into the liquid slip. This technique ensures the color permeates the material, eliminating the need for external glazing. Lighter shades allow light to pass through, while pigmented versions direct a soft glow beneath, altering how light interacts with the wooden base. Each shade transforms illumination into a tactile element, integral to the lamp’s evolving aesthetic.
The Artistry of Curved Surfaces
The lamp’s ceramic form, defined by its four curved surfaces, is both a study in simplicity and elegance. Viewing the lamp from above, light diffuses through each side, creating a halo effect. Its design highlights the translucency and play of light across both ceramic and wooden elements. The ALIT lamp is available with a Blue Grey ceramic shade, further diversifying its visual and lighting effects.
From Concept to Craftsmanship
From initial paper models to the final ceramic piece, Na’s process reflects careful study of form and proportion. The ALIT lamp emerges through a meticulous slip-casting process, with each shade prepared and fired to perfection. This dedication to form supports a graceful coexistence of ceramic and wood, speaking to Byunggwon Na’s vision of harmonious design.
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Project Insights
Name: ALIT
Designer: Byunggwon Na | @bangonaaa
Location: Seoul, South Korea
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Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What materials make up the ALIT lamp?
The ALIT lamp is made of ceramic and wood, featuring a softly curved ceramic shade paired with a sturdy square wooden column.
How does the ALIT lamp’s ceramic shade design work?
The ceramic shade is crafted through slip casting, starting as a circle and folding into four quadrants. This design presents a balance between geometry and organic form, allowing for easy replacement or individual use as a decorative piece.
How does the ALIT lamp incorporate color into its shades?
Na incorporates color directly into the liquid slip, ensuring the color permeates the material and eliminating the need for external glazing. This method allows for both lighter shades that let light pass through and pigmented versions that direct a soft glow beneath.