Kiwa light with illuminated beeswax shade and black ridged biocomposite panel
Kiwa light with illuminated beeswax shade and black ridged biocomposite panel
Kiwa
Lighting & Material Exploration
Research focus: cultural memory, material experimentation, bio-based materials, sustainability
Kiwa is an ongoing lighting project exploring Korean culture and traditions through objects, materials, and making methods. Inspired by traditional Korean giwa roof tiles, the project translates their curved geometry and repetition into domestic lighting. The material palette also draws from natural materials historically used in Korean craft, including beeswax for illumination and oyster shell for decorative applications.
The lights combine translucent beeswax with an oyster shell biocomposite and 3D-printed structures. Through casting, compression molding, and digital fabrication, the project explores new applications for these materials while considering lower-waste approaches through remeltable beeswax and discarded oyster shells as a material resource.
Supported by the Production Labs Faculty Fellowship at Pratt Institute, 2026.
Materials:
Beeswax, oyster shell powder biocomposite, PLA, LED lighting components