TYPE-XIII Atelier Oï project
The "TYPE-XIII Atelier Oï project" is a lighting fixture project based on a new concept that combines "a single wire" and "a single piece of cloth", and is a collaboration between Swiss-based design studio atelier oï and A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE.
Prototypes of the lighting fixtures created from this project will be exhibited in the form of an installation at FLAGSHIP STORES, ISSEY MIYAKE / MILAN, during Milan Design Week from April 8th (Tue) to April 13th (Sun).
Atelier oï is active in a wide range of fields, including architecture and product design, while A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE is exploring unprecedented ways of creating clothing through collaboration with different fields and industries. The project was started from a mutual resonance between the two companies' ideas and approaches to design. The project has progressed through a constant exchange of ideas, crossing each other's perspectives and techniques while valuing the manufacturing process.
A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE has been creating unique clothing by exploring the possibilities of a single piece of fabric using various techniques while focusing on the body. In this project, they have taken it a step further and challenged themselves in the new field of lighting. This exhibition will introduce two lighting fixture series that were born from a collaboration with atelier oï.
O Series
The “O Series” is a portable lighting series co-developed with Ambientec, a Japanese manufacturer specializing in portable lighting. This series embraces an approach centered on human sensibility, allowing users to move the light freely through their daily lives while harmonizing with diverse spaces and environments. Its design offers a versatile and enjoyable experience for the user.
This series draws inspiration from the beauty and delicacy of flowers. Just as people arrange flowers in a space to match the season or welcome guests, we envisioned a lighting piece that can be freely arranged according to one's mood and surroundings. The organic pleats gently diffuse light, illuminating the space softly while quietly enhancing daily life—like a single blooming flower.
For this series, atelier oï designed an elegant oval wire frame, while the lampshade incorporates a recycled polyester “Steam Stretch” material, the textile technology utilized in A-POC ABLE’s clothes-making process. “Steam Stretch” is an innovative technique that pre-weaves design elements into a piece of cloth, which then shrinks upon exposure to heat, creating a delicate yet robust three-dimensional pleated texture.
The interplay of organic-shaped fabric, light, and shadow within the frame produces a uniquely beautiful expression, gently enhancing the ambiance of any space. Furthermore, the oval wire frame and fabric shade are detachable, allowing the lamp to be folded flat when not in use, making it highly functional and easy to store. This adaptable design brings new value and joy to everyday living spaces.
A Series
The “A Series” is a lighting series made using seamless knit fabric, a hallmark of A-POC. In this series, the lampshades are pre-knitted into a roll of fabric and take on a three-dimensional form when wire frames are inserted. Additionally, the interconnected knitted shades can be cut at different points to create various shapes, or joined together as a double, or triple light fixture, allowing for customization to suit different spaces and offering a playful and unique design that embodies the spirit of A-POC.
As the first installment of the series, a prototype of the pendant light, developed in collaboration with the Spanish lighting brand PARACHILNA, will be exhibited. PARACHILNA is renowned for its commitment to honest design, carefully selected materials, and craftsmanship-driven approach to creating distinctive lighting.
From atelier oï
A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE is a very interesting brand that shares something in common with atelier oï in terms of its deep commitment to materials. The appeal of this collaboration is that both the atelier oï and A-POC ABLE teams are creating a new co-creation process through structure and texture.
As disciplinary boundaries become increasingly blurred, opportunities arise to explore new directions that extend from historical influences to product and spatial design, which resonates deeply with the innovative spirit of Issey Miyake, as seen in A-POC ABLE, which has always pushed the boundaries of material possibilities.
For example, even a seemingly simple material like fabric can completely change its appearance and texture depending on the pleating and structure. Light is also an important element; it does not simply illuminate, but creates shadows and contrasts between light and dark, giving shape to the material.
The most distinctive feature of this collaboration is the constant exchange of ideas, like a ping-pong game. Each interaction brings about the next step, further evolving the project and bringing new perspectives. This process of co-creation exploration is what makes this collaboration so exciting and special.
atelier oï
atelier oï was founded in 1991 in La Neuveville, Switzerland by Aurèle Aebi, Armand Louis and Patrick Raymond. Their work embodies a spirit of teamwork and a deep connection with materials. With a multidisciplinary team of 40 people, they work across disciplines, fusing architecture, interior design, product design and scenography to reinterpret natural phenomena and craftsmanship. In addition to their work on humanitarian projects in Cambodia, they have gained worldwide recognition through their numerous awards and collaborations with a wide range of global brands.
