higasa umbrella light by facet studio

higasa umbrella light by facet studio
 all images by owen zhu and eugene wu

the umbrella is a portable shelter. simply by opening one, a physical sense of protection and definition of space is offered to an individual. considering this transition, facet studio decided to employ the architectural elements of a parasol into the form of a light. though an umbrella and a lamp do not share common functionalities, they do each in some way highlight a specific area, and give off the sense of warmth. literally merging the design elements of the distinct objects together, ‘higasa lamp’ has been conceived for a theatre space in sydney, australia, creating a sense of place within the grander building’s foyer, where one can often feel unsettled amidst the swarms of people. transforming the interior into something soft and relaxed, the lobby is dotted in pockets of luminosity emitted from the umbrellas, projecting complex patterns of light and shadow, encouraging congregation and group chatting.

detail of the ‘higasa lamp’

the umbrella lamps were made for the foyer of a theater in kyoto

installation view
 

the lamps offer a sense of softness and warmth, defining a particular area of sapce

installing the lamps

project info:

program: light fitting
project team: olivia shih, yoshihito kashiwagi
collaborator: hiyoshiya kyoto
location: designed in sydney australia, fabricated in kyoto, japan
materials: timber, washi paper
year: 2012
photography: owen zhu, eugene wu