Inspired by the implicit beauty Asian paper could create in interior design (Tanizaki 1977), the cultural and historical value it bears, and its sustainable papermaking process, this research intends to apply Asian paper’s aesthetic and sustainable value in luminaire design. This is an exploratory and project-based study, which includes four steps. The first step investigates different types of Asian paper, their characteristics, and their visual qualities when interacting with light. The second step examines what is available in the market with similar materials in case studies. The third step follows the prototype making with the focus on design for the circular economy. The fourth step concludes the study with an in-depth discussion on sustainability, and in particular, the significance of the application of the circular economy in the lighting industry. The objective is to promote Asian paper as a sustainable material, which is beneficial for creating good light for modern interior lighting design.

Overlooking the important role materials, in relation to light, have in interior design and architecture is not so uncommon. However, materials are not only important for understanding light in architecture, but also in product design since all objects within a space contribute to its visual character and spatial appearance. This study investigates differences in optical properties of a selection of materials often found in Scandinavian domestic environments. It also explores and discusses the main question of how, in the process of designing a luminaire, product and lighting designers could make use of the visual quality differences between the selected materials, and when put in a spatial context how their properties can be used as a tool to create different lighting scenarios. In order to answer the main question, the study applied a practical approach including a small scale and full-scale laboratory, in which the investigation was based on testing and experimenting with light and material and where qualitative and quantitative aspects were observed, measured, and consolidated.

This project is an elaboration of how luminaire design can provide for fundamental human needs. Visual needs in terms of task performance, orientability and visual comfort; emotional needs in terms of soothing feelings of safeness and cosiness; and biological needs in terms of circadian rhythm and resetting of our biological clock in the morning. These needs are tested through three bedroom scenarios named focus, contemplation and dawn, each with their own demands and desires on lighting qualities.  I have submerged into desired lighting qualities and atmosphere in a bedroom context; into how circadian rhythm can be promoted through lighting design; into how the perception of space can be effected through light; into how responsible use of natural resources can be achieved; and finally into what the impact and consequences of the design intervention are. The investigation is performed in a generic bedroom situation without daylight considerations. A prototype has been produced in order to perform observations and measurements.  Through the investigation I can state that luminaire design is able to provide for visual, emotional and biological needs. By simultaneously working with light qualities and shape of the luminaire, and having formulated the specific scenarios focus, contemplation and dawn, qualitative observations and experience could be supplemented by quantitative measurements and drive the design process forward towards intended lighting effects, characteristics and impacts on the human body and mind.

The purpose of this Master’s thesis is to broaden the horizon of customizable features available in the luminaire design industry. The aim was to study if enhanced customization features like light distribution, colour of light and use of sustainable materials can help foster emotional attachment and increased usage with the possibility of extending luminaire life. The conclusion here is drawn based on literature review, survey, prototype development and user experiment followed by assessment questionnaire. The table lamp prototype created allowed participants to change colour of light, materials and light distribution of the luminaire according to their mood and preferences. The study indicates these enhanced customization features positively influenced the participants mood, ambience and usage of the product. The survey and user assessment were both qualitative and quantitative in nature. However, all the data collected was quantified for a better understanding of the impact these enhanced features had on the participants. The participants felt a sense of ownership, satisfaction, and accomplishment because of the customization process. As a result, participants say they would prefer repair and replacement over disposal and would want to keep using the luminaire for a long time. The study concluded that enhanced customization features in luminaries can foster emotional connections, increase longevity, and promote sustainable consumption.

The intention of this work is to represent the nomadic culture by a luminaire. Inspired by the nomadic Mongolian ger(yurt) and based on its physical and cultural characters, the work is done by designing a portable luminaire with the concept of the solar solution. The whole project is an attempt of bringing traditional culture items to luminaire design and searching for the balance between them.