‘Projections of Serenity’ Lamp
Projections of Serenity is a handcrafted lamp designed to evoke a sense of calm through the interplay of Islamic geometric patterns and light. Drawing from both personal experience and research on art therapy, the project translates the emotional and psychological comfort of these patterns into a portable, immersive object that supports mental well-being.
Having grown up surrounded by Islamic architecture, I’ve always found its geometric patterns deeply soothing. Their symmetry and intricacy have a meditative quality that consistently brought me a sense of serenity. While exploring their therapeutic potential, I came across a study demonstrating the positive effects of Islamic patterned art therapy in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress (Hajra et al., 2021). As a Design for Health student, this inspired me to create a design intervention that channels this visual language into a calming experience for others.
Initially envisioned as a large-scale installation inspired by Anila Quayyum Agha’s immersive light-based works, the concept evolved into something more intimate and portable—a lamp that could recreate the same atmospheric impact in a personal space. I was particularly interested in how different materials interact with light, experimenting with options such as acrylic, metal, paper, and wood to find the right medium.
Due to lab access constraints, I adapted the design using hand-cut Bristol paper and colored cellophane. These materials allowed me to replicate the intricacy of Islamic patterns while playing with light and color. The lamp is a cube structure with five patterned sides and a reinforced base, through which a light source is placed. Each face of the cube is carefully hand-cut with a modified Islamic pattern, backed with translucent cellophane to create vibrant projections.
After testing several light sources, a rotating RGB star projector proved most effective, casting dynamic, colorful patterns across walls and ceilings. The movement and color variation added depth to the experience, enhancing the emotional and visual impact of the projections.
The final lamp offers a tranquil, immersive environment wherever it is placed. Feedback from peers confirmed the emotional intent of the design—many described the projections as calming, meditative, and mesmerizing. Projections of Serenity merges cultural aesthetics with therapeutic design, creating a meaningful object that not only illuminates space but also soothes the mind.