‘IN-EI’: a collection of sustainable lampshades folded to play on the interaction between light and shadow

Developed in partnership with Artemide, the Issey Miyake’s lighting collection is made out of recycled PET bottles. The lamps are also designed and folded to play on the interaction between light and shadow.

‘IN-EI’ project is named after the japanese word  ‘shadow’, ‘shade’, and ‘nuance’.

“Beauty lies not in objects, but in the interaction between the shadow and light created by objects.” Junichiro Tanizaki

‘IN-EI’ is a collection of free-standing, table and hanging lights. Each lampshade is created using 2 or 3D mathematic principals, where light and shade harmoniously alternate.

The project revolves around a fabric derived from entirely recycled materials, diffusing light in extremely interesting ways. It is a re-treated fibre made using PET bottles. The bottles are processed using an innovative technology that reduces both energy consumption and CO2 emissions up to 80% when compared to the production of new materials.

The structure of the recycled material, together with an additional surface treatment allows these shades to perfectly keep their shape without the need for internal frame, and to be re-shaped when needed. Also, this incredible lamps can be folded flat when not in use.

Issey Miyake’s artistic vision combines the Japanese tradition of light with the ability to translate tradition into modernity, which includes recycling.

Photo credits: Designboom