Illumination
Pershian Rasekhi
See it On Campus: Level 2
Visitor InfoLet the Light Reflect Your True Colours
Introducing “Illumination”; a coffee table that transcends conventional furniture to redefine any space that it occupies.
Crafted with symbolic materials, the table is meant to evoke the warm essence of home. The cherry wood table top, the reflective steel legs, and the delicate black cotton strings combined with an adjustable LED light positioned at the heart of the table, creates an ambience tailored to every mood.
Warm light has always been an invitation for social gatherings; i.e. sunlight, fire, festive LED lights, etc. The purpose of the built in LED light is to bring people together, facilitate meaningful conversations, and foster lasting memories. Play with the intensity and colour of the light by connecting your smartphone to the lightbulb, to break the ice at the start of your conversations. Then watch your true colours illuminate the room with their warmth.
Warm light has always been an invitation for social gatherings; i.e. sunlight, fire, festive LED lights, etc. The purpose of the built in LED light is to bring people together, facilitate meaningful conversations, and foster lasting memories. Play with the intensity and colour of the light by connecting your smartphone to the Philips Hue lightbulb, to break the ice at the start of your conversations. Then watch your true colours illuminate the room with their warmth.
Growing up in Iran, I experienced abundant sunlight. The colours, shadows, shapes, and patterns appeared different. You can observe the contrast in the pictures: the lower ones are from Iran, and the upper ones are from Vancouver.
From concept to creation, my process was driven by Biophilia meaning: The innate human connection to nature. Our daily rituals centralize light. It brings people together, promotes well being and relaxation. With a passion for interior design, I aimed to bring nature indoors through an interactive lighting artifact, helping people unwind and create valuable memories together.
Each Person has a different psychological connection to light, space, and how each of these elements remind them of home. So I wanted to give people the freedom to adjust/play with the lighting within an indoor space.
Sketches
Cardboard Models
Prototype #1
In my initial prototype, I made a plywood ring with LED strip lights, encircled by petal-shaped steel sheets. I then hung an acrylic ball to refract the light. Hanging the fixture from the ceiling, I learned how light placement and distance affect our perception of light.
Prototype #2
Secondly, I created abstract patterns by stacking multiple MDF frames with colourful plexiglass using o-rings around a light stand. The aim was to blend colours, exploring the playful side of light and patterns.
Prototype #3
Thirdly, With the lathe, I sculpted a laminated cherry cube into a portable light stand, and created a hole in it to accommodate a light bulb at the base.
Acquired Skills
I learned how to weld and use the lathe for the first time.
Learning Through Making
Seeking inspiration, I began shaping wire forms, realizing their potential for intriguing concepts. Contemplating a coffee table with a built-in lightbulb, doubts surfaced: what if it fails?
Prototype #5
I followed my instincts and created a full-scale table, combining various materials to balance hardness and softness while maintaining a simple, functional design.
I mainly struggled with the lightbulb placement as it was too bright, and I couldn’t reduce its brightness using the strings as I had planned. –
Materials:
Wooden Table Top
Steel Legs
Colourful Cotton Threads
LED Lightbulb
Prototype #6
– So I decided to raise the level of the lightbulb for a more subtle effect.
Then I went for round 2.
The table encourages tactile engagement with each material consisting of unique textures.
Materials:
Wooden Table Top
Steel Legs
Black Cotton Threads
Philips Hue Lightbulb
Outcome
Elevate your social experience with “Illumination” by allowing the light to create an atmosphere that you desire based on every mood.
