Illuminating Innovation: Redefining Grand Spaces with Bespoke Lighting
The Enduring Legacy of Isamu Noguchi's Akari Sculptures and the Quest for Distinctiveness
Isamu Noguchi's Akari light sculptures are celebrated as timeless design masterpieces, known for their elegant simplicity and ability to enhance any space. They are particularly favored in modern and contemporary residences featuring high ceilings, where their sculptural form adds significant visual impact. However, in projects requiring a unique statement, even dedicated admirers of Noguchi's work sometimes seek alternatives that offer a fresh perspective while maintaining similar qualities of light diffusion and aesthetic appeal.
Commune Design's Vision for Sea Ranch: Elevating Illumination in a Coastal Retreat
Roman Alonso, from the renowned firm Commune Design, recently faced this creative dilemma while revitalizing a family residence in The Sea Ranch, Northern California's celebrated coastal community. The project included two dining areas with double-height ceilings, presenting a unique opportunity to transcend conventional lighting choices. Alonso recognized the need for fixtures that could command the expansive spaces without simply replicating existing designs, emphasizing the desire for something larger and more personalized.
Collaboration with Kyoto Artisans: Crafting a Washi and Bamboo Masterpiece
For one of the grand pendants, Alonso's team partnered with Kojima Shoten, a Kyoto-based workshop with a rich history dating back to the Edo period, renowned for its traditional Japanese chochin (paper lanterns). This collaboration resulted in an extraordinary lantern, measuring an impressive 60 cm in diameter and 243 cm in height. Crafted from washi paper and bamboo ribbing, much like Noguchi's designs, this bespoke piece features deliberate cut-outs that reveal the bamboo framework, adding an ethereal quality and further dematerializing its form. Shinya Takeda, the workshop's international projects coordinator, noted the challenge of creating such an elongated shape, which required specialized molds and meticulous planning.
Embracing Textile Artistry: Adam Pogue's Contemporary Pendant
For the second pendant, stretching over eight feet three inches, Alonso commissioned Los Angeles-based textile artist Adam Pogue. Pogue, known for his work inspired by Korean bojagi and traditional quilting, designed a translucent fabric fixture. This piece softly filters light, accentuating the intricate seams of the textile components. Its appliqué pattern subtly references the iconic graphic motifs of midcentury designer Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, a fitting tribute to The Sea Ranch's modernist heritage.
A Nod to the Classic: Noguchi's Enduring Presence
Despite the innovative custom creations, Commune Design's deep appreciation for Noguchi's aesthetic remains evident. A classic Akari floor lamp, model UF4-L5, stands elegantly in the living room corner, serving as a reminder of the timeless beauty and flawless design that continues to inspire contemporary interpretations of light and form.