SHANGHAI ROCKBUND PROJECT YWCA LIGHTING DESIGN

This project centers on the cultural genes of the century-old building. It evolves the historical context into perceptible layers in the contemporary space through the light and shadow distribution of wall lamps and material selection. Rooted in spatial resonance, it adopts two sets of custom lighting—45° upward and 90° downward—turning light into a visual bridge connecting the ceiling and the floor. The upward lighting covers an approximately 2m² ceiling area with soft yet precise light beams, highlighting the relief texture of the well-shaped structure and the "Ji" (auspicious) character symbols within, and reinforcing the layered order of the Chinese caisson ceiling. The downward lighting focuses on the red, yellow, and green geometric inlays, revealing the rhythm of the Art Deco style and reviving the historic patterns through optical expression.
In terms of material, the lamp body features a brass-like vintage finish and uses 100% recyclable polycarbonate for precise reproduction of brass's delicate texture and natural sense of time through 3D printing. This approach aligns with the building's original metal decorative elements and, with a lightweight structure (60% lighter than traditional brass casings), meets the load constraints of the historic building, achieving a balance between craftsmanship and cultural preservation. Additionally, this project embraces 3000K warm light for its lamps to preserve the space's serene ambiance—enhancing structural details without disrupting the historic setting's balance. Drawing inspiration from Chinese elements and Art Deco lines, these lamps feature streamlined silhouettes translated into more restrained geometric forms, enabling a seamless stylistic transition.