Linear Refraction: A Fusion of Art and Light

Ray Teng Pai's Award-Winning Design Illuminates Hotel 35

Ray Teng Pai's Linear Refraction series is a customized lighting solution for Hotel 35, located in Lishui, the capital of photography in China. This design hotel is the first in the country to merge an art village with the tourism industry, creating a new business model. Pai's design explores the relationship between time, space, and person under the theme of photography, creating a contemporary composition of geometry in the hotel room that responds to the art of photography.

The inspiration for the Linear Refraction series comes from the rainbow, a natural phenomenon that refracts white light into a multitude of colors. The crystal glass base of the light embodies water vapor in the air, refracting light in a similar manner. This inspired use of crystal clear design makes the Linear Refraction - Desk Light an exquisite art installation of both form and function.

The Linear Refraction series is made from the highest quality crystal from Pujiang, the crystal kingdom of China. The light tube materials are made in Taiwan and assembled manually. The design features a CRI 85 Dimmable LED with a touch switch and dimmer. The light has two modes of usage. When laid horizontally, it serves as an adjustable reading light. When positioned vertically, it illuminates from within the crystal glass base to create a colorful fantasy atmosphere.

Designing the Linear Refraction series presented several challenges. Given the different demands of travelers and the product’s duration, Pai spent much time adjusting the details of the product. The design team not only created an original design style and art performance but also merged sensibility and rationality to realize practical value. They challenged the limit of manufacturing art and fused traditional craft with unique conception, practicing the aesthetic value of light and shadow.

Linear Refraction series is a testament to Pai's innovative approach to design, merging art and function in a unique and captivating way. The design was awarded Silver in A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2021, a testament to its outstanding expertise and innovation. The award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate technical excellence and artistic skill, introducing positive feelings, amazement, and wonder.