tangent's kihou lighting uses liquid + air bubbles to create sublime ambiance

tangent’s kihou lighting uses liquid + air bubbles to create sublime ambiance

tangent design is known for developing unconventional illumination systems, creating environments that result in sublime ambiances as evidenced in ‘kihou’. the indirect lighting product uses two kinds of liquid and air bubbles to realize an effervescent effect of pulsating golden bulbs. a sticky medium fills a ceramic bowl, topped by a thin layer of black silicone oil outfitted by LEDs embedded at the bottom of the vessel. a small pump then pushes air upwards, making luminous bubbles rise from the dark surface. the combination of the viscous liquid, the lightness of the oil, the rhythm of the bubbles and the unexpected noise, results in a mysterious contrast between the golden light and black surface. ‘kihou’ is part of the ’10/10′ exhibition curated by françois bernard at MODA international during maison et objet 2015 in paris.

tangent design won the 2013 LEXUS DESIGN AWARD with their ‘inaho’ interactive robotic light.

once again, designboom with LEXUS international, co-organizes the LEXUS DESIGN AWARD 2016. enrollment has already begun. to find out more about this year’s theme and how to enter, visit the official competition page HERE.

‘kihou’ lighting by tangent design
sequence which illustrates the golden bubbles pulsating through the thin black silicone layer
various finishes for the ceramic vessel
each vessel comes with a lid
view of the golden globs in action
larger coffee table version of ‘kihou’