AIMAI TABLE LAMP
[object] Aimai Table Lamp
Made to Order
Los Angeles, California
2022
Made to Order
Los Angeles, California
2022
DESCRIPTION
K5 is a Swedish-Japanese-inspired boutique hotel built around the philosophy of Aimai, a concept that celebrates the beauty of ambiguity and the seamless blending of cultures, ideas, and perceptions. The Aimai Table Lamp draws inspiration from Tokyo’s historic “Water City,” reflecting the fluidity, transparency, and organic motion of water. Its soft, flowing forms and muted tones reference Edo-period art while merging traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern sensibilities. The lamp exists in the space between function and art, creating a contemplative presence that evolves with each interaction.
K5 is a Swedish-Japanese-inspired boutique hotel built around the philosophy of Aimai, a concept that celebrates the beauty of ambiguity and the seamless blending of cultures, ideas, and perceptions. The Aimai Table Lamp draws inspiration from Tokyo’s historic “Water City,” reflecting the fluidity, transparency, and organic motion of water. Its soft, flowing forms and muted tones reference Edo-period art while merging traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern sensibilities. The lamp exists in the space between function and art, creating a contemplative presence that evolves with each interaction.
INITIAL DEVELOPMENT
The design of the lamp began as an exploration of fluidity, ambiguity, and subtle unpredictability. Early sketches focused on the organic motion of water and the interplay of transparency and reflection, guiding the blending of Swedish and Japanese influences. The lamp was conceived to be imperfect, interactive, and reflective—a physical manifestation of the philosophy of Aimai and the individualized experience of a stay at K5.
PROTYPING
Eight rounds of experimentation with heat guns shaped acrylic to mimic the fluid, dynamic forms of the final fused glass piece. The glowing central element was crafted from handmade, hand-marbled paper from Nepal, designed to diffuse light and interact with the outer shell. As light passes through the center, it reflects off the surrounding form, casting soft, unpredictable shadows that evoke the motion of water.
The tilt switch mechanism, which requires removing and inverting the central piece to activate the light, reinforces this ritual of engagement and highlights the lamp’s balance between play, function, and reflection.
Detailing the lamp's layered components—showcasing the interplay of materials, light diffusion techniques, tilt switch with charging port, and structural elements inspired by the fluidity of water.
Shows the lamp’s layered structure, highlighting the central glowing piece, outer shell and flip-switch mechanism.