Jiwa Drop by Ellyn Wong 2024 - LIT Lighting Design Award Winner
Jiwa Drop by Ellyn Wong
Ellyn Wong is a passionate and innovative Industrial Design student, dedicated to merging functionality with aesthetics to create impactful and user-centered designs. Her academic journey has been marked by numerous awards and recognitions, reflecting her commitment to excellence and creativity.
She is the 2024 LIT Lighting Design Award Winner in the Pendant Lighting Category for her design: Jiwa Drop.
The project was completed in our Industrial Design first semester 2024 Materiality Design Studio. The title: "Silversmithing + Lighting", coordinated by Stuart McFarlane and co-taught by our talented teachers Rose Boddam-Whetham and Harry Zanios.
Jiwa Drop - Winner in Pendant Lighting
Entry Description
The JIWA Drop light is a captivating representation of my journey to overcome the fear of darkness. This design encapsulates fear with its sharp, intricate edges, symbolising the intimidating aspects of darkness. These edges, while visually striking, remain out of reach, illustrating the gradual process of facing and transcending fear. Despite its formidable appearance, JIWA emits a soft, beautiful light that transforms any space into a serene and inviting environment. The gentle illumination contrasts with the sharp design, creating a harmonious blend of strength and tranquillity. Crafted from a single sheet of brass, the JIWA Drop is laser cut and bent to achieve its unique form. The process of exploring and refining the brass and its cuts took over six weeks, culminating in the final design. The brass’s natural ability to develop a patina adds to the light’s evolving character and long-lasting appeal. The name “JIWA,” meaning “soul” in Malay, adds profound significance, reflecting the inner strength and resilience of the human spirit. It symbolises the journey of overcoming internal fears and illuminating one’s true potential. The JIWA Drop is not just a lighting fixture; it is a symbolic piece embodying personal growth, courage, and the beauty within the soul.
Sustainability Approach
Jiwa Drop utilises a single sheet of brass, ensuring material efficiency and minimising waste. Precise laser cutting reduces offcuts, supporting a circular economy by maximising raw material use and enabling leftover brass to be recycled. Brass is durable and naturally develops a patina over time, enhancing aesthetic appeal and extending the fixture's lifespan, reducing replacements. The evolving colour of the brass creates a dynamic piece that grows with its environment. Local manufacturing minimises the carbon footprint, supports local economies, and ensures strict environmental standards. Additionally, brass is fully recyclable, and the design allows easy disassembly at the end of its life, facilitating recycling and repurposing. My commitment to sustainable practices extends beyond the product's lifespan, contributing to a circular lifecycle.
Prize(s) Winners in Pendant Lighting
University RMIT University
Lead Designers Ellyn Wong
Other Designer's names Rose Boddam-Whetham, Harry Zanios
Photo Credits Jingning Xu
Completion Date June 2024
Project Location Melbourne
Project Link View
