AGO Lighting has come together with ECAL Bachelor students in Industrial Design, under the guidance of Swiss designer Adrien Rovero, to conceive a collection of lighting installations to be used in public places such as museums, hotel lobbies, coffee bar and so on. Focusing primarily on the spatial aspect of light, our approach was to design lighting structures based on components supplied by AGO and inspired by the fabric of Seoul, rather than creating mere lamps.
Collaboration (2025) with Adrien Rovero
We believe that lighting defines spaces. The importance of light in every space is essential, which is why we favor lighting as the starting point when building a space. Moreover, most of AGO Lighting collections offer lighting options that can be specified by architects and designers.
The challenge we set ourselves was to reimagine the chandelier – an object that lends a distinctive status to a space, while fulfilling its initial purpose of diffusing functional light.
ECAL students had to explore and identify potential landmarks scattered around Seoul many vibrant districts – from Jongno, the historic center of Seoul, and coveted Gangnam, to Mapo and Dasan-ro industrial heritage.
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Based on their findings, they designed various lighting typologies, taking into account the specific characteristics of each venue and setting; such as a light-pole system inspired by the typical Euljiro District electric street pylons overloaded with cables; a lamp at the crossroads of avant-garde streetwear and futuristic clothing; a planter with an integrated luminaire to highlight plants at the botanical garden; a lighting structure that can host a full table or up to a three-seater sofa underneath its lights; and a high table that bring people together under its gentle light.
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Presented for the first time at Seochon Lounge, operated by Hanok Heritage Preservation Division of Urban Regeneration Office and Swiss Embassy in Korea in collaboration with Design Press. To explore all the final projects in detail, visit the project website:
This project was made possible with the generous support of the Summer University program of the Board of Higher Education (DGES) – State of Vaud.
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