Header: Florian Seidl
More than mere luminaires, contemporary lighting fixtures are increasingly becoming a part of the user’s emotional life. Drawing inspiration from personal and collective memory, films, stories or symbols of good luck, contemporary lights have a tendency to make us feel, notice, remember and interact. In this article, we present three lamps that convey stories bigger and brighter than light.
ROH table lamp by Rêmên revives Chinese heritage in Indonesia
ROH table lamp is made of old Chinese burial coins. Lighting and product design company Rêmên from Indonesia was inspired by the discovery of numerous Chinese burial coins buried beneath the soil across Indonesia (especially on Java Island).
Once believed to guide souls to the afterlife, these coins have gradually ceased to serve their original purpose. Buried and oxidised by time, the designer upcycled these coins into a lamp that carries the memory of Chinese heritage in Indonesia. The lamp showcases the symbolic duality in these coins: once a symbol of fortune in the afterlife, today they are considered a misfortune in the living world.
Inspired by the Chinese belief that lanterns guide the spirit of the dead to the next realm, the lamp embodies the “unseen spirit” called Roh. The core of the lamp is made of a red glass energy sphere surrounded by coins covered in green patina. Blown by hand, the sphere represents a sign of prosperity in Chinese culture. Airflow moves every coin, casting a shimmering glow, allowing the past to reveal itself. ROH table lamp keeps the memory of ancient cultures alive, transforming the Chinese burial coins into fully functional contemporary lighting.
Phyto: A lamp and a vase
Named after “phyton“, a Greek word for plant, the Phyto lamp combines a glass vase with a desk and accent lamp. More than illumination, the lamp emphasises natural beauty and tells a story of the natural world. The luminaire that doubles as a vase mimics the shape of flowers. The recycled plastic base houses an LED light, while the main body is translucent to highlight and illuminate the crown.
Mimicking the crown of a flower, the top is made of 3D-printed glass that reflects light individually, creating a unique, distinct sparkle. With a diameter of 220mm and a height of 285mm, the crown can accommodate a whole bouquet. Furthermore, Phyto’s modular design leaves room for the introduction of the new crown elements over time.
Glamrock lamp as a good luck charm
Inspired by the animated movie WALL-E and Ron’s Gone Wrong, Glamrock tells the story of the unexpected bonds between inanimate objects. But rather than relying on AI or robotics, the Glamrock offers an element of surprise with its signature “Wish Light”, a random twinkling light that brings a sense of delight and optimism in a stressful environment.
Informed by the shape of a Shamrock, the light doubles as a table lamp and a symbolic charm. The production process, based on injection moulding, achieves a precise geometry and a soft glow. Available in multiple finishes and sizes, Glamrock offer many options for customisation. There’s even a four-leaf clover version designed to bring good luck to the space.
Celebrating 10 years of the LIT Lighting Design Award
The designs of the ROH table lamp, Glamrock and Phyto won the LIT Lighting Design Award in the Decorative Accent Lamps category. LIT Lighting Design Award is an international award envisioned to celebrate creativity and innovation in the fields of lighting design. Established in 2016, the award marks the 10th anniversary of honouring exceptional lighting designs. Interested designers and students of design can submit their recent projects to be considered for the award till October 18, 2026.
