gionata gatto uses mirrored light to create optical effects at MAXXI

gionata gatto uses mirrored light to create optical effects at MAXXI
all images courtesy of studio gionata gatto

commissioned by MAXXI for the ‘design destinations’ exhibition, ‘perspectives’ is a project by studio gionata gatto that investigates the role played by perspective on light diffusion. the concept manifests itself in a 2w LED mounted with brass connections and electric cable sockets between an assembly of regular and one-way mirrors. the produced effect is an amplification of light along different vanishing points that create geometric compositions. used when the light is off, each construct works as a regular reflective surface, fully replicating the surrounding environment. as soon as the light is switched on, the one-way mirror becomes partially transparent, featuring an enhanced  illuminance burning between the inner facing planes.

(left) flatback mirror
(right) tilted mirror

one of the two products for the collection comprises a base of three slightly angled sectors that converge towards the center. these tilted pieces cause the reflected patterns to disperse and dissipate beams in multiple directions. presenting an alternative visual, the other mirror is flat, causing the reflections to dissipate in one direction – determined by the angle it is viewed from. when one of its sides is brightly lit and the other is kept dark, it becomes easy to see through the latter as light can better penetrate its surface.

design destinations is showing at MAXXI in rome through 21 september 2014.

light effect when the LED is on, on the tiltback version

light effect when the LED is on, on the flatback version

closer view on the mirror

detail of the brass connection and electrical cable socket

detail of the brass connection

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.