SivisokoAnamarija Korolj & Leon Lai - Sivisoko

Title:
Okenite Lantern

Concept Statement:
The Okenite Lantern is made of iridescent material: it transforms light into a myriad of colours when viewed from various angles. The lantern does not passively dampen light like a traditional shade; instead, it actively converts light into diverse hues and geometric shapes. During the day, Okenite responds to the colours of its surroundings. When illuminated, Okenite fills a space with such colour and intensity that the rays seem nearly tangible.

Through careful design iterations, Okenite embeds both structure and immersive effects into one single layer of material. The amorphous form is designed and calibrated using parametric software, and manufactured using digital fabrication with manual assembly. Sheets of acrylic laminated with a highly reflective, color-bending film are laser cut into individually unique strips with tabs and slots. Each ring is folded and friction fit together to create the self-supporting shell. The sheets are flat-packed, saving shipping costs and lessening environmental impacts.

Like a split geode, the inside of the lantern is as spectacular as its exterior effects. Gleams and sparkles bounce from the inner structure and transmit through to the outside. The Okenite lantern is both a fascinating art object, as well as an apparatus for utterly enlivening a space.

Project Specs:
The Okenite lantern’s nebulous shape measures approximately 10” x 10” x 10” (L x W x H). The shell is made of laser-cut 1/16” clear acrylic laminated with Dichroic Film. The laser-cut strips are assembled using a system of friction fitted slots and acrylic keys to produce the overall form. Okenite uses a 110 V Halogen Capsule that produces a crisp white, bright light.

Bio:
Sivisoko is a design and architectural collective based in Toronto. With a history of designing for various communities around the world, Sivisoko is deeply concerned with material innovation and design as catalysts for social development. Inspired by their traveled and lived experiences from different countries, Sivisoko brings an exceptional lens to design challenges and aims to produce contextual and refined solutions.

Anamarija Korolj participated in the Canadian Pavilion at the 2014 Venice Architectural Biennale with her winning housing project design; she earned her Master of Architecture at the University of Toronto. Leon Lai is a Royal Architectural Institute of Canada medal winning designer who also received his Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto.

Country of Origin:
Toronto, Canada