Lucent

Project Overview

This project is a lighting design prototype inspired by the Ramayana, focusing on translating narrative into a physical and sensory experience. The lamp takes the form of a rising flame, representing energy, movement, and transformation.

The design combines fabric, 3D printed components, and LED lighting to create a layered structure that diffuses light softly. When illuminated, the lamp produces a warm glow with subtle shadows, turning it into an ambient lighting object rather than a direct light source.

The project explores how light, material, and form can work together to express an idea, resulting in a functional yet expressive product.

Concept

The project is inspired by the Ramayana and focuses on translating its key moments into form and light. Instead of showing scenes directly, the idea was to capture the feeling of elements like fire, energy, and movement—especially from moments like the burning of Lanka.

The lamp takes the form of a rising flame, using layered fabric to create a sense of upward motion. When lit, the light passes through these layers and creates a warm glow with soft shadows, making the form feel alive.

Rather than telling the story literally, the design tries to express it through atmosphere—using light, material, and form to create an experience.

Why this Concept

I chose this concept because wanted to move away from directly showing a story and instead explore how it can be felt through light and form. The Ramayana gave a strong base, especially the idea of fire, energy, and transformation seen in the burning of Lanka.

The flame became a natural direction because it represents movement, intensity, and change, which could be translated clearly into a lighting object. It also allowed me to experiment with layers, translucency, and shadow, which are important when working with light.

This concept helped me connect narrative, material, and function in a simple way, making the design both meaningful and practical as a lamp.

Design Approach

The approach started with the idea of flame and movement, inspired by the Ramayana. Instead of fixing the form from the beginning, I explored different shapes that feel like something rising or flowing.

Target Audience

Primary Audience

• Urban design-conscious buyers (25–45 yrs)
  People who value aesthetic lighting + storytelling objects in their homes

• Art & design collectors
  Interested in limited, conceptual pieces, not mass décor

Secondary Audience

• Cultural enthusiasts (Indian mythology lovers)
  People who connect with the Ramayana narrative, but want a modern interpretation

• Interior designers & architects
  Looking for statement lighting installations for homes, studios, boutique spaces

Context of Use

• Living rooms (as a focal light object)

• Gallery / exhibition spaces

• Boutique hotels / cultural spaces

Positioning

This is not:

• a religious object

• a souvenir

This is:

• a contemporary light installation inspired by narrative and emotion

• a functional art piece

Process

Moodboard & Sketching

The process started with creating a moodboard based on warm light, flame forms, and organic shapes. References included sculptural lamps, fabric textures, and lighting that creates soft shadows and patterns.

From this, moved to quick sketches, exploring different ways to represent a flame-like form.

The focus was on flow, direction, and layering, rather than exact shapes. These sketches helped in understanding how the form can rise and wrap around the light source.

This stage was mainly about visual exploration, helping to define the overall direction before moving into prototyping.

Initial Prototype

Materials: Wire, PVC, wood

Purpose: Test structure and composition

Started testing materials, especially fabric—trying to make it stiff enough to hold shape but still let light pass through

Material Development

• Fabric treated with cornstarch + water + Fevicol for stiffness

• Acrylic sheets heat-bent for controlled shapes

• PLA 3D printing used for connectors and structural elements

The design developed by adding layers one by one, checking how light behaves through each layer. A lot of trial and error was involved in adjusting thickness, spacing, and cut-outs to get the right glow and shadow.

Integration

• LED strip embedded inside

• 3D printed pipe acts as light diffuser core

• Fabric cut-outs create flame-like light patterns

It also works as a decor piece. Even when switched off, the sculptural form stands out, making it suitable for living rooms, bedrooms, or studios where people want something unique.

For some users, the connection to the Ramayana adds emotional or cultural value, making the product more meaningful.

Overall, it appeals to people who are looking for:

• Ambient lighting rather than harsh brightness

• Aesthetic, statement objects

• Products with story and concept behind them

Features

• Adjustable light diffusion through fabric layers

• Flame-inspired cut-out patterns

• Hybrid fabrication (handmade + digital)