Blue Lamp: A Subaquatic Lighting Design by Sayoko Shibuya

Channeling the Calmness of Water

The Blue Lamp stands out from other lighting designs with its distinctive texture and light diffusion. The bubbles on the lampshade not only add a touch of uniqueness but also evoke a strong physical and emotional impression. The acrylic material used in the design is highly flexible when heated, allowing for the creation of various shapes and forms. This opens up endless possibilities for further exploration and variation within this concept.

The realization of the Blue Lamp involves a meticulous process to achieve the desired light properties. The acrylic sheet is heated to 200 degrees for 15-20 minutes, creating bubbles that give the lamp its characteristic texture. After heating, the sheet is cut to size, polished, and reheated before being placed into a wooden mold to ensure consistent design. In the future, a metal mold may be tested for extended durability.

The Blue Lamp comes in two sizes: a large size measuring 450mm x 350mm x 200mm, and a medium size measuring 250mm x 250mm x 370mm. The use of molds ensures that each lamp maintains the same high-quality design. While a wooden mold was used in the creation process, the designer is considering the use of a metal mold for its durability.

Interacting with the Blue Lamp is a delightful experience. The unique design of the bubbles allows light to be diffused, creating a balanced and calming atmosphere. The lamp's flexibility also means that it can be shaped to fit various environments and spaces. The next development phase aims to improve the lamp's daily use properties, such as ease of cleaning and installation.

The Blue Lamp project began in late 2012 and the first prototype was exhibited at Salone Satellite in 2013. Since then, it has been showcased at several exhibitions, with the final design completed in late 2014. Ongoing examination for the use of colored acrylic is still underway, further expanding the possibilities of this captivating lighting design.

Sayoko Shibuya's inspiration for the Blue Lamp came from a deep exploration of the four elements and materials. The designer drew inspiration from the Japanese novel "The Praise of the Shadow" by Junichiro Tanizaki, which helped shape the theme of the project. Extensive research into different types of acrylic, colors, temperatures, and bubble placement was conducted to achieve the desired effect. The result is a visually stunning lamp that captures the essence of air and water.

The creation of the Blue Lamp was not without its challenges. Exploring the use of acrylic for lighting required collaboration with acrylic makers to understand how different types of acrylic react. Temperature, heating time, and environmental factors such as humidity were carefully examined to achieve the desired bubble effect. Through refinement and experimentation, the procedure was perfected to create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The Blue Lamp has garnered recognition in the design world, receiving the prestigious Iron A' Design Award in 2016. This award is a testament to the lamp's well-designed, practical, and innovative qualities that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Blue Lamp integrates industry best practices and exhibits competent technical characteristics, contributing to a better world through its fulfillment and positive impact.