Light as Memory In Vietnam, light has always carried meaning. Long before lanterns became symbols of tourism or festival décor, they marked time, guided travellers, and signalled belonging. To hang a lantern was to announce presence. To light one was to invite protection, fortune, and continuity. Nowhere is this more visible than in Hội An. …
Where Light Becomes Presence In Hindu temples, light is never incidental. It is not simply a way to see – it is a way to encounter. Flame, shadow, and glow shape how the sacred is perceived, guiding the body and the mind toward reverence. Unlike modern interiors, which aim for even illumination, temples are designed …
Light as Offering, Light as Impermanence Long before light became a matter of switches and sockets, it was something carried, tended, and offered. In Buddhist tradition, light is not merely practical – it is symbolic. It represents clarity, wisdom, compassion, and the fragile nature of existence itself. Butter lamps, found in temples, monasteries, and homes …
From Power Symbol to Personal Expression The chandelier has always been more than a light fitting. Long before it entered ordinary homes, it hovered above monarchs, clergy, and courts as a declaration of authority. To stand beneath a chandelier was to stand beneath power itself. Over centuries, that meaning has shifted. What began as an …
The Art of Light in Glass Before glass became industrial, it was intimate. It was shaped by breath, heat, and hand. In Ottoman workshops, glass was not merely a surface for light—it was a medium through which light could be sculpted, softened, and given character. Lamps made from hand-cut glass did not simply illuminate rooms; …
Soft Light, Ancient Craft, and the Art of Illumination Soft, warm, and gently diffused, Japanese paper lanterns are among the most recognisable lighting forms in the world. Whether glowing above a festival street, hanging outside a tea house, or resting quietly in a modern interior, they embody a unique balance of beauty, restraint, and purpose. …
Balancing Modern Efficiency with Historic Character Retrofitting LED lighting in heritage buildings presents a unique challenge — maintaining the building’s historical integrity while meeting modern energy and performance standards. Retrofit LED upgrades allow property owners, conservation specialists, and architects to improve efficiency and safety without compromising the original aesthetics of traditional lighting designs. What Is …
The Timeless Beauty and History of Chinese Lanterns Chinese lanterns are far more than decorative objects; they are vessels of history, artistry, and symbolism that have illuminated Chinese culture for more than two thousand years. From their humble origins as simple light sources to their present-day status as cultural icons celebrated around the world, lanterns …
The Architectural Significance and Lighting Design of the London Eye The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is one of the most iconic structures in London. Standing on the South Bank of the River Thames, it offers breathtaking views of the city and has become a symbol of modern London. This essay explores …