Studio Design Project
SAKIRA Lighting Collection
In Japanese, Sakira is a combination of the two words of 'cherry blossom' and 'brightness'. Done as part of my 8 weeks Studio Design Project, SAKIRA is a lighting collection based on the ceramic technique of 'Piercing', to explore the interplay between light and shadow, by substituting the material-clay with light.
Design Brief
To design a ceramic collection of Non-electric Lighting along with Aroma Inducive table accessories to create
a stylish home space.
WHY Design this Collection?
This collection grants an entire experience, similar to that of aromatherapy, which is often used in spas and in the hospitality sector. This collection caters to the home setting for when the users are hosting guests, or are themselves trying to relax.
“Aromatherapy can help promote relaxation and encourages feelings of wellbeing, which is a fundamental part of the spa experience.”
It best enhances the technique of 'Piercing' by creating mood lighting through the interplay of light. It also makes it convenient for the users who want a coordinated look for their interiors, instead of them having to buy the items separately.
Target Audience
- Globetrotter HNI’s (High Net-worth Individual) from metros.
- Primarily catering to the high-end market.
Targeted age group: Newly married to middle aged families (25-50 years), as well as people undergoing renovations or redecorating their homes, or shifting to new homes.
Context Study
Asked users for pictures of the kinds of lightings and table accessories they use when they have guests over at their homes, and these are a few pictures and observations on the same:
OBSERVATIONS:
- The most common table accessories include potpourri and candles
- They are usually used as a cluster or in sets
- They are placed either in the centre of the central tables or in the corners in case of wall attached tables - therefore places where it’s most noticeable
Inspiration &
Concept Sketches:
Sakura Flower- Japanese cherry Blossom
Deriving geometric forms from the inspiration; designing the collections' form, color palette and the motifs for the piercings.
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FEATURES of this Collection
- This collection treats/aims at pleasing the two senses of sight and smell, through mood lighting and fragrance.
- Adds beauty and ambiance to any room, a reflection of the users high quality standards.
- Requires little maintenance and provides intimate table lighting.
- Refillable and hence long lasting.
- One can watch the warm glow emerge through each cut-out and the pierced pattern will be reflected on the surrounding space, creating an interesting shadow effect.
Process Documentation
Includes all my explorations, processes, trials and errors, failed/broken pieces and the journey throughout.
Some of the KEY POINTERS in the design process
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Exploring different shapes of piercings, using different tools to get an idea of the technique. Therefore came up with a motif that didn't involve sharp corners. This led to faster and safer piercings, increasing production efficiency.
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Learning through mistakes and broken pieces.
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Various Light Explorations: To see the kind of reflections one can see through different shaped piercings and how it interacts with the space.
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Adding the colours to the forms: Explored different ways of applying slips and glazes to the pierced forms. For example- through resists and layering etc.
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To get the resultant pink, I brush-applied a self-developed pink stained engobe on the pieces. I went for brush-application so as to make sure the colours don't spread off to the inside surfaces through the piercings.
COMPLETE COLLECTION
A Tealight Holder + An Oil Diffuser + A Potpourri Bowl
+ A Tealight Lantern
Introducing
Each Piece
Individually
Tealight Holder
The tealight holder has two parts, the bottom where the tealight is kept, and the cone which is placed over it. Together they make the shape of the Sakura bud and its sepals.
The geometric motif is derived from the Pollen and Stamen of the Sakura and is consistent throughout the collection.
Dimensions:
Top- 8 in x 5 in
Bottom- 3.5 in x 5.5 in
Oil Diffuser
The oil diffuser has two parts as well, the bottom where the tealight is kept, and the top part is where the oil is poured and then fitted into the bottom cavity.
The top is cut out in the shape of the Sakura flower petals and can store about 100 - 120 ml
Dimensions:
Top- 3 in x 2.5 in
Bottom- 4.5 in x 5 in
Potpourri
Bowl
The bowl will hold potpourri and its added feature is that we can place tealights onto the potpourri as well. Its cut out in the shape of the Sakura Flower petals.
Dimensions: 4.5 in x 7 in
Tealight Lantern
The lantern has two parts. The top cone will have a bowl attached to its bottom through the use of metal rings/hooks and these two will in turn, hang from the ceiling together. (The image on the left is what it would look like hanging together.)
The idea here is that the users can remove or add the bottom bowl as per their lighting requirement, as both of these parts will have tealights placed in them. Together they form the shape of the Sakura bud and sepal.
Dimensions:
Top- 9 in x 5 in
Bottom- 5 in x 7 in
