Fruitfulness: A Sustainable and Artistic Lighting Installation

Combining Nature and Tradition to Create a Unique Landscape Aesthetic

Inspired by the concept of "Fruitfulness," Hide Lin used willow fir as the primary material for this installation. The intention was to create a reversal of the landscape, where the artwork could be returned to the soil after the exhibition, embodying a good cycle between the settlement, the land, and hydrology. This poetic piece reflects the wisdom of farming and the harmony between humans and nature.

What sets Fruitfulness apart is its collaboration between architects, curators, and artists who read the pulse of the mountains and forests. With the involvement of local residents from Taiwan and Japan, they experimented with natural ecological materials and native wood to propose a new kind of landscape aesthetics. This collaboration resulted in a truly unique and visually stunning lighting installation.

The realization of Fruitfulness involved the use of solid willow cedar jambs to create a field-shaped stacked frame. Hanging from this structure are seven light and fruit lamp clusters made of thinly sliced and bent willow cedar. The base of the installation features a square shallow water tray covered with black pebbles, reflecting the image of a bountiful harvest in the fields. The overall effect is that of a sturdy tree, radiating light and symbolizing the abundance of nature.

With a size of 25 square meters, Fruitfulness stands as a testament to the possibilities of sustainable design. The use of willow wood and veneer, combined with a tongue and groove wooden structure, allows for easy disassembly without the use of nails. This approach ensures that the installation can be reused or recycled, minimizing its environmental impact.

The design team, led by Hide Lin, faced several challenges during the creation of Fruitfulness. Analyzing the structural mechanics of the various components required the use of digital design tools and simulations. Additionally, the expertise of traditional staff skilled in large wood construction was crucial in achieving excellent results.

Fruitfulness not only captivates with its visual appeal but also carries a deeper message. The design represents the theme of "Nurture glorious fields, gain glorious fruit" in the lantern festival. The use of cedar wood tenons, combining traditional construction methods with modern connectors, creates a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The translucent slices of cedar from the lamps enhance the natural beauty of the logs, creating a layered and heartwarming image in the reflection of the water.

Recognized for its exceptional design, Fruitfulness was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures category in 2022. This prestigious award acknowledges the design's practicality, innovation, and adherence to professional and industrial requirements. Fruitfulness stands as a testament to the power of art and design to create a better world.