Architectural Cases

Italian lighting brand Leucos and design studio RedDuo have launched Glowtile, a groundbreaking modular lighting system, at the 2026 Matter and Shape exhibition in Paris. This innovative system combines glazed ceramic tiles, exquisite hand-blown glass, and sleek anodized aluminum, offering unprecedented flexibility in interior design. Glowtile transcends traditional lighting fixtures, functioning as a versatile building block for creating illuminated walls, bespoke furniture pieces like chairs, or even artistic installations that cast light upwards from the floor, transforming the ambiance of any room.

Glowtile: An Artistic Lighting Solution Unveiled in Paris

Between March 6th and 9th, 2026, the Matter and Shape fair in Paris became the stage for the debut of Glowtile, a visionary modular lighting system born from the collaboration between Italian lighting powerhouse Leucos and the innovative design studio RedDuo. This pioneering creation features two primary tile types: a 15x15 centimeter square and a 30x10 centimeter rectangle, each meticulously crafted from glazed ceramic. Integrated within each tile are unique egg-shaped light diffusers, fashioned from delicate hand-blown glass and framed by elegant anodized aluminum rings. These components can be artfully arranged on walls or ceilings in various patterns—from precise grids to imaginative staggered layouts—offering designers and individuals the freedom to craft bespoke illuminated surfaces. The Glowtile system comes in three sophisticated finishes: the serene Chalk Blue, the inviting Oyster White, and the architectural Mineral Grey, allowing for seamless integration into diverse aesthetic schemes. Each individual module, with its central glowing dome, emits a soft, warm light, beautifully diffused by the hand-blown glass. The inherent artisanal quality ensures that no two pieces are identical, imbuing each Glowtile installation with a unique trace of human craftsmanship.

Glowtile represents a significant leap forward in the fusion of art and functionality in lighting. Its modularity and aesthetic versatility empower individuals to transcend conventional design boundaries, encouraging playful exploration and personal expression. This system redefines how light interacts with space, offering not just illumination, but an interactive design experience that transforms environments into dynamic works of art.

In the bustling heart of Milan, AACM – Atelier Architettura Chinello Morandi has meticulously designed the Ekadea Ceramic Workshop, a space that masterfully manipulates the interplay of light and shadow to create an enveloping experience for its visitors. From the moment one steps across the threshold, the studio's form begins to unfold, revealing a journey through carefully articulated curves and filtered illumination. These organic walls rise from the ground, subtly delineating different zones, guiding movement, and establishing a sense of enclosure. A meticulously crafted wooden framework, featuring both open, perforated sections that offer tantalizing glimpses and solid panels that provide pockets of seclusion, establishes a rhythmic progression throughout the workshop. The light within is not harsh but diffused, soft, and delicate, casting intricate patterns of shade that magnify the tactile quality of the surfaces and the meticulous work of the artisans. Above, a vaulted ceiling further refines this atmospheric quality, softening any abrupt contrasts and weaving a tapestry of chiaroscuro that accentuates the texture of the timber, the fluid lines of the architecture, and the raw character of the materials. Here, shadow is not an absence, but a deliberate presence, embracing and safeguarding the space, imbuing it with a profound sense of intimacy.

As one transitions from the city's ceaseless energy into this haven, the pace naturally slows, a subtle stone step at the entrance acting as a ceremonial marker for the descent into the central workspace. At the core of the studio, a worktable crafted from okoumé plywood commands attention, serving as both a practical surface and the focal point around which the space revolves. Traditional shōji screens delicately obscure other activities, allowing glimpses of the tea ceremony and the potter's wheel without sacrificing their private, ritualistic nature, all set upon a foundation of rice-straw tatami that defines their sacred boundary. The fluid, curved walls and strategic openings expertly direct the eye, fostering visual continuity between different areas while preserving a sense of personal space. Practical niches, integrated seamlessly into the walls, offer storage for tools and materials, enhancing the studio's functionality. This project by AACM is a testament to the desire for a tranquil retreat from the urban rush, striking a delicate balance between protection and openness, between time-honored traditions and contemporary design. It is a space where time seems to expand, where the subdued lighting elevates the apparent simplicity of every form and detail.

The Ekadea Ceramic Workshop stands as a beacon of thoughtful design, demonstrating how architectural elements can foster a sense of calm and concentration. It encourages a deeper appreciation for the craft, reminding us that beauty often resides in subtlety and the careful consideration of every detail. This space not only facilitates artistic endeavor but also serves as a sanctuary, promoting mindfulness and a connection to the material world, enriching both creators and visitors alike.