MIRORlab, a Seattle-based design studio, challenges the conventional view of lighting as purely utilitarian. Co-founder Ran Hu emphasizes that while traditional lights serve to illuminate, their collection, “The MIROR Collection,” seeks to tap into the emotional and transformative power of light, much like observing natural reflections. In our fast-paced, digitally saturated world, the studio aims to provide a sanctuary of inner tranquility, countering external demands with a unique blend of motion and protected color.
Crafted by a collaborative team of architects, industrial designers, and landscape specialists including Ke Zheng, Shirley Chen, and Shinan Liu, the collection champions “luminous experiences that honor human emotion and natural phenomena.” The table and floor lamps, characterized by their minimalist aesthetic, feature a head that rotates 360 degrees in one minute. This precise rotation casts a continuously shifting array of colors and patterns, with four distinct lens “mood” variations available. The deliberate, slow rotation creates a meditative rhythm, mirroring natural breathing cycles, and avoids the distracting speeds that can disrupt mindful awareness. This constant evolution ensures that the lighting experience remains fresh and engaging, preventing the static familiarity often found in conventional fixtures.
The meticulous attention to detail extends to the color palettes, which were developed through extensive research into psychological states and circadian rhythms. Surprisingly, inspiration also came from NASA’s photographic archives, with breathtaking images of Earth from space, Hubble telescope's deep space photography, and satellite imagery of natural phenomena influencing the designs. This cosmic perspective evokes a sense of both calm and awe, celebrating our planet's beauty within the vastness of the universe. For instance, the Earth variant features rich amber and honey tones, while Nebula draws from cosmic formations, and Dune symbolizes rebirth with water-rippling effects. Even Metropolis, inspired by urban energy, captures city vibrancy through dynamic yellows, pinks, blues, and purples. Ultimately, the magnetic glass lenses and the lamps’ motion transform into an “infinite play of light within a finite cycle,” reflecting the universe’s order and boundless variation, and creating a space where time, light, and wonder converge.
MIRORlab's innovative lighting solutions offer more than just illumination; they provide a profound aesthetic and emotional experience. By blending scientific inquiry with artistic vision, the studio has created products that encourage mindfulness and a deeper connection with our surroundings. This approach reminds us that design, at its best, can elevate everyday objects into sources of inspiration and well-being, fostering a positive impact on our mental and emotional landscape.