The Buzao series, whose name means 'I don't know' or 'to not overwork' in Mandarin, is a project aimed at those passionate about life and open to new experiences. The designers believe that creation is merely a process of changing something familiar into something unfamiliar, a concept they have applied to their designs.
The Qie pendant light stands out for its simple, clear design made from volcanic rock. The contrast between the volcanic rock and the metallic surface creates a fascinating visual effect. The insulating properties of the stone material make it safe from electric shocks, and its durability means it could last a lifetime.
The idea for this product came from a trip to Teng Chong, a town near a volcano where porous stone is widely used in construction. The designers were inspired to reuse this material, often considered waste if not large enough, in their products. The unique texture of the volcanic rock surface provides enough decoration, and simple geometric shapes ensure a degree of compressive resistance, reducing the rate of spoiled products.
The pendant light measures 96mm in diameter and 162mm in height, and is made from volcanic rock and copper. The design was first released in 2012, with the volcanic rock version developed in 2017. It has not yet been exhibited.
The designers faced challenges in carving the brittle volcanic rock to create space for electronic components. However, their innovative approach and commitment to reducing waste by reusing leftover material have resulted in a unique, eye-catching design that has earned them the Golden A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2018.
Copyrights for the design belong to Guangzhou Bentu Culture and Development Co., Ltd, 2016. The images of the design were taken by Buzao in 2017.
Project Designers: BUZAO & BENTU
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Buzao, Qie, 2017.
Image #2: Photographer Buzao, Qie, 2017.
Image #3: Photographer Buzao, Qie, 2017.
Image #4: Photographer Buzao, Qie, 2017.
Image #5: Photographer Buzao, Qie, 2017.
Project Team Members: Xu Gang
Cao Hao-Chang
Peng Zeng
Tang Min
Yuan Jun-Jie
Zeng Guan-Cheng
Project Name: Buzao Qie
Project Client: BUZAO & BENTU