Waon Lighting

Waon Lighting

Waon Lighting is an innovative lighting fixture that harmoniously combines traditional Japanese craftsmanship with contemporary design principles, featuring Mino washi paper as its primary material element. This sophisticated wall-mounted luminaire, designed by Misaki Kiyuna in Okinawa in 2022, draws inspiration from the traditional paper-making process and the musical qualities inherent in the manipulation of washi fibers. The design, measuring 1900mm in width, 290mm in depth, and 660mm in height, employs a groundbreaking construction method where delicate Japanese paper is mounted on an acrylic frame, creating an illusion of floating illumination. The fixture's distinctive pleated form, which evokes musical notation, is achieved through a careful folding and twisting technique that maintains structural integrity while allowing for vertical surface deployment. The design incorporates three light bulbs and features an innovative heat dissipation system through calculated spacing between the wall and paper surface. This lighting solution, recognized with an Iron A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design category, demonstrates exceptional versatility in its application, being suitable for various interior environments including hotel entrances, lobbies, and bedrooms. The design's unique characteristic lies in its transformative nature, allowing for customizable expressions through adjustable positioning of the acrylic frame, while the washi paper's natural properties create a soft, indirect illumination that enhances spatial ambiance. The preservation of the paper's raw edges pays homage to traditional craftsmanship, while the overall design philosophy reflects a deep understanding of Japanese aesthetic principles and contemporary functional requirements.

lighting design, Japanese washi paper, contemporary wall lighting, architectural illumination, interior design elements, sustainable lighting fixtures

— Adam Dawson