Architect Pitsou Kedem‘s projects mirror his way of life: a constant search for light, silence, and matter. From his studio, which he founded in 2000, he explores a profound and expressive vision of minimalism defined by rich materials, respect for context, and a desire to bring order to chaos. His buildings are an invitation to pause and a balm for the senses. In an enlightening conversation, he shares with us his sources of inspiration, the principles that guide his work and the routines that shape his life. Through his eyes—those of a photographer and architect—we discover a way of seeing and understanding light as raw material, as an element that shapes reality and gives it depth.

Pitsou Kedem tells us how, from the moment he set foot in the monument erected by the sculptor Danny Karavan in the Negev desert, everything changed. It was in that habitable sculpture made of concrete, with geometries drawing a play of light and shadow, that his love for architecture was born.

In his buildings, Pitsou gives space for the materials to breathe, and in his mind, he does the same with his thoughts. That’s why he always carries a book in his backpack and every day finds time to sit in a café and read. By immersing himself in the lives of others, he is able to disconnect, clear his head, and sharpen his focus.

James Turrell and his artistic approach to light and space helped Pitsou reconcile two facets of himself: the need for order and the search for warmth. His first encounter with Turrell’s work was at the Israel Museum, home to “Space that sees,” an environmental sculpture that opens up to the sky and invites meditative contemplation of the movement of clouds and light that bathes the space. In his projects, he seeks to recreate such material and formal restraint that leaves room for emotion and thought.

He feels the same way when he contemplates Turrell’s work as he does every time he visits his greatest source of inspiration: nature. Climbing in the Norwegian fjords, the silence allows his thoughts to wander as he observes the light “painting on the blank canvas that is the landscape”. Back in the studio, he pours that feeling into his projects, designing them so that they do not impose themselves, so that they allow those who inhabit them to express their inner beings.

A strong belief guides their work: light is to a space what raw material is to a structure. It is used to build, to shape. In the studio, he approaches each building as an opportunity to let light penetrate and bring meaning and textures alive, highlighting volumes. For him, architecture is “the human experience in space” and light is his ally in enriching it. That is why he considers that his 25-year career can be summed up in a minute in cinema: the scene in the film The Brutalist in which the protagonist uses a flashlight to show how light will fall on the future building.

His language is made up of dichotomies, tensions, and well-resolved balances. He is well aware that without darkness we cannot appreciate light. That is why he pursues a kind of minimalism that is neither neutral nor cold; it is exciting, expressive, enriched by the contrast between light and shadow, between colors and textures. If he had to choose just one piece of advice to give to a young architect: “Find your language and stay true to it until the end. Even if there is noise out there. Even if others tell you that it is extreme, that it is exaggerated. Believe in your architectural truth”.

In a profession often dominated by ego, Pitsou runs in the opposite direction: he seeks to work with people who are eager to share their ideas because, for him, teamwork is essential to awaken a kind of creativity that only comes from dialogue and diversity. Just in the same way emotion arises from the dialogue between light and matter within a space.

“I am not an architect who also takes photos; I am a photographer who also builds.” This is how Pitsou defines himself, and that way of looking at the world—and architecture—through the lens that was the origin is still present in his work today. And it is not just the gaze, it is the whole process, what precedes and follows the shot. The wait for what is seen to be exposed: by the light that falls on the building just before capturing it, by the light that penetrates the negative and imprints it, by the chemicals that will gradually print that snapshot in the darkroom. With the attitude of a photographer, he draws the building: little by little, letting it reveal itself.

There is a certain poetry in coming back that the departure lacks. Leaving is exciting, yes, but from The Odyssey to Spirited Away, great stories have taught us that what we humans long for the most is being back. We know this; we feel it every day. That is why good design is so important in that space we call home. Architecture, materials, and lighting must be carefully considered so that we finally feel at refuge once we arrive.

In the bedroom, this premise becomes even more relevant as it is the only place where rushing is forbidden. Here we indulge in reading, contemplation, and thought, and we transition between day and night, sleep and wakefulness, activity and rest. Light guides us in this transition, making it pleasant. In every room of a house, but especially in this one, well-designed lighting transcends function and addresses the senses: it helps us slow our heart rate, relax our shoulders, and gently drift toward the end of the day until we finally fall into a deep sleep.

Such light must be warm, ethereal, and enveloping. It must blend into the surroundings without imposing itself. It must be like that of Vibia’s Flamingo Mini luminaire, with which its designer, Antoni Arola, manages to remove the barrier between lighting and space. The model is ideal because its creation is an exercise in lightness. The LED light source is separated by multiple layers of translucent diffusers, causing it to be projected onto the screen rather than surrounding the source. The effect is dreamlike. The light is deconstructed and, in deconstructing itself, it can be inhabited. It accompanies in a silent and delicate way that journey towards the end of the day.

In the bedroom of this house designed by the studio 5 Sólidos, inspired by Japanese minimalism, the light provided by Flamingo Mini interacts with the architecture, the materials, and the exterior landscape to achieve the desired sanctuary effect. By projecting light onto the diffusers—demonstrating the power of reflection over brightness—it allows for shadow, for that penumbra that softens the space and brings serenity. Suspending two of them on either side of the bed, they subtly light up the concrete and wood, adding to the interplay of textures.

Flamingo Mini is also an exercise in adaptation and respect. Its compact design responds harmoniously to the proportions of the room, and the modular nature of the diffusers allows to play with their quantity and size so it can be adapted to the tastes and desires of those who live in the house. Its presence is elegant, with a touch of mystery that is perfect for immersing us in our inner world. Its balanced silhouette, the result of a graceful interaction between elegant horizontal planes and fine vertical lines, conveys that sense of balance to our inner selves.

Throughout the day, its diffused light accompanies rhythms and moments, matching the natural light that enters through the large window in the bedroom designed by 5 Sólidos, a viewpoint overlooking the wild nature that surrounds this house on the outskirts of Medellín. During daylight hours, it provides general lighting, which changes to a more ambient and focused light as the sun disappears and night falls. Thus, this luminaire acts as a natural extension of the architecture: a silent presence that breathes at the same pace as the space and its inhabitants.

In a space as personal as the bedroom, the light from Flamingo Mini sets the pace for rest, enveloping us in a warm silence, inviting us to slow down and let our thoughts wander: it transforms the routine of going to sleep into a source of well-being. It achieves all this because, as befits careful lighting, it moves in the realm of subtlety and delicacy. It connects us with the primitive source of light, fire, but at the same time with the most refined poetry. Thanks to Antoni Arola‘s design, light is deconstructed and, as a result, we allow ourselves to be deconstructed, letting go of our burdens until we enter the world of dreams, feeling safe there, in our bedroom.

Credits:
– Project by 5 Sólidos
– Photography by 5 Sólidos

We’re talking to the British designer about his creative process and his interests, beyond lighting and architecture.

Umut Yamac is best known most for his light fittings, going beyond functionality, these are authentic light sculptures, pieces that combine a highly precise and architectural focus with a more poetic, artistic and delicate side. Array is proof of this approach, a collection of hanging light fittings for Vibia, the first collaboration between both of them, that appear to envelop the light. They are made by hand from fine threads woven tensioned between two aluminium rings. The series combines an even downward lighting with a glowing up-light. The resulting lamps are subtle and airy, yet spectacular and versatile, beautiful conical and cylindrical shapes volumes suspended in space. We are talking to him about his work, his memories, passions and interests. Through this guide format Yamac introduces us to the places, objects and experiences that inspire his creativity.

Umut has two great passions, neither are specific places or destinations, nature and travel. Both are reflected in his work and provide a great source of inspiration. “I spend a lot of my time walking my dog along the marshes close to where I work, no matter the weather. I really enjoy these obligatory breaks during the working day, and I’ve discovered that living in the moment in the great outdoors allows me to hone an idea and work it through, or even to come up with a solution,” he reflects. Travelling also gives me great pleasure; being in a different setting where you’re not familiar with the people, the language of the environment. “Leaving the day-to-day behind, getting out of my comfort-zone makes me more observant and receptive to the unknown.”

“James Turrell is probably the artist who has influenced me the most. I met him early in my career. His ability to direct and control openings and voids are not only fascinating experiments in physics, but they also demonstrate the extraordinary power of light and allow us to appreciate its magic.” The designer especially admires the works that Turrell created during what is known as his Mendota period, when he leased the Mendota Hotel in Santa Monica as his studio during the 1960s, over several years he the space used the space experiment, altering its architecture and the way it the light entered.

“I’m always looking for warmth and depth when exploring materials and textures. Warmth in terms of the quality of light, and a tactile quality but also familiarity. And depth, not only in the physical sense but conceptual and in terms of layering. One of the fascinating properties of light is its capacity to pass through materials, imbuing them with a luminance while also adding a sculptural quality.” Yamac understands art to be a fundamental part of design and creates products focused on the interaction between the user and the object, while paying particular attention to detail and sensations. He explores concepts such as tension, colour, volume and movement through his work.

Discovering new artists by listening to the radio (“Especially the BBC 6 Music station and the Gilles Peterson, Iggy Pop, Guy Garvey and Lauren Laverne programmes”) and (with his weakness for melancholy) going back again and again to Nick Cave and PJ Harvey. “That emotion is really useful to me during the process of making components and prototypes. But that doesn’t stop me from a little Sabrina Carpenter every now and again,” he laughs.

London’s Southbank Centre played a really important part in his adolescence. It all started with skateboarding, as its underground spaces were taken over by skaters during the 1970s. “As a student I started to explore the other areas of the centre: cinema, the art gallery, the theatre and the concert hall. As well as the unique location on the Thames River I’d also point out the thinking behind it and its inclusivity, which represents the very essence of London,” he explains.

He’s a great fan of Asian cuisine and Mexican spiciness, but Umut particularly enjoys Indonesian food because it brings back happy memories of his childhood in North London with friends and family.

He collects books and small desktop and mechanical toys. He likes the wooden or metal ones that fit inside his pocket. “They work on the principle of physics but have a playful side that’s evident when touched, something that I aim for in my designs,” he explains. And it’s true that his work combines art, engineering and storytelling, creating pieces that are both functional and impacting with a certain playful spirit.

“I believe that kindness and being open are often ignored or underestimated, however they’re critical for successful teamwork. What’s more, a new member of staff must go through a highly concentrated and detailed process to be part of the team,” he concludes.

It’s these small gestures; a daily walk, listening to music or collecting executive toys that appeal to Umut Yamac and help define his particular take on design: amiable, experimental with a touch of poetry. Simplicity and the everyday feed his work and his individual sensibility, with which he not only invents light fittings but more accurately works of art.

Every goal reflects a motivational attitude and ambition to achieve this improved version of oneself, as an individual as well as part of the Vibia team. Sharing the same objectives to keep on learning and get enthusiastic about new professional projects is important, as is dedicating free time to things that make you feel good. A balanced life aids motivation; looking forward to the New Year holds the key to happiness.

We couldn’t end the year without highlighting the most read articles and Vibia’s most noteworthy achievements that have been published on our blog The Edit, where we share everything connected to the brand with you, through stories that explore light from different perspectives: new collections, lighting solutions, built projects, corporate events, reflective commentary, etc.

Our starting point is, as always, our desire to improve people’s lives through the creation of unique atmospheres that promote comfort, combined with design, technology and lighting that can transform the spaces we inhabit. We illustrate how that is achieved through the different categories of The Edit.

And we also want to highlight a summary of the most read articles published under each category, as well as the most important events for Vibia where its lighting has illuminated cultural and artistic experiences, underlining the connection with creativity and visual expression in the most varied and inspirational contexts.

Vibia materialised its ‘Shaping Atmospheres’ concept this year at Euroluce, in Milan, in a sensory display designed by Francesc Rifé, where visitors experienced the sensation of being enveloped within an atmosphere that demonstrated how lighting can awaken the senses, transform space, and offer countless flexible solutions.

The office refurbishment for the multi-disciplinary design studio Il Magma, in Italy, channels its lighting design through the choice of the Plusminus collection. Bearing in mind its unique versatility, it turned out to be the perfect choice for this reinterpretation of the workspace, a shared multipurpose space with functional and aesthetic requirements that demand a creative and informal lighting approach.

Designed by Martín Azúa, the Bind collection is a perfect example of a light fitting that provides the freedom to create lighting compositions, suitable for any project requiring flexible and dynamic spaces. The combination of accent and diffused lighting, along with the creation of horizontal planes at varying heights, generates highly attractive luminous and aesthetic effects.

Within the more thought-provoking contents of our blog, we couldn’t leave out articles that highlight the functional side of light, especially during the winter months. As circadian rhythms slow down, the days are shorter and inside spaces become more intimate. All of which explains the importance of redesigning lighting for daily routines that generate physical and emotional wellbeing through warmth and comfort.

One of the highlights of 2025 for Vibia was being part of the Italian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Within the historic 16th Century Tese delle Vergini building, the light fittings reinforced its architectural importance while simultaneously contributing to the flow of the exhibition with a striking interplay of light and shadow, creating a theatrical effect filled with emotions.

Creating a connection between music, architecture and emotions through a light fitting like Array is only possible thanks to a language that communicates beyond words. A sensation that was experienced by attendees of pianist Hugo Oliveira’s concerts at Coletivo 284, in Lisbon, witnesses to a unique poetical and enveloping atmosphere.

All the above content illustrates how light embraces, shapes, and connects with our wellbeing, whether it be in an office, at a concert, at an exhibition, or as part of our daily lives at home. We at The Edit want to continue promoting this connection through our articles, designed to inspire and transform your spaces through lighting.

Each time of year redefines our habits, and natural light has a strong influence as it follows the circadian rhythms throughout the day. Within this sensory journey, the body and mind synchronise with their surroundings, generating both physical and emotional wellbeing. As autumn arrives, the days grow shorter and the nights longer; the absence of natural light invites a more introspective life that turns inward, towards the interior of spaces. This shift calls for a rethinking of lighting, and with it, a new way of experiencing everyday moments.

Architecture and design accompany this transition which, on one hand, expresses the search for spaces that act as personal retreats and, on the other, a retreat into a slower passage of time, at a different rhythm. It is here that the power of light in intimacy comes into play—offering warmth that contrasts with the cold outdoors and embraces each ritual, enhancing a new sense of comfort and wellbeing.

Opening a book at dusk, preparing an infusion, relaxing on the sofa or gathering around the table to talk—these small daily gestures are now transformed and lived with a different spirit. They are illuminated by a softer, more companionable glow that not only lights but also accompanies.

These areas of the home now feel like shelters of time, releasing memories and allowing lighting to act as a guardian of memory. The luminaires become true objects of desire around which the sensations that autumn reveals are articulated. Comfort and wellbeing are sought more than ever within the home, and lighting is the one element capable of helping us find—and enjoy—them.

Collections such as Knit, designed by Meike Harde, with its magnetic texture, encourage the pleasure of feeling the warmth of light and keeping it close. Its soft luminosity, filtered through a translucent diffuser, invites intimacy. The serene presence of its pendant, floor and table versions envelops the space, transforming it into a true place of wellbeing.

The Plusminus collection, in its sphere and cone versions, proposes a warm 360º diffuse or directed light—ideal for domestic settings where life unfolds during the colder months.

Designed by Diez Office, it also offers exceptional versatility, allowing each luminaire to be composed and fixed according to the needs of every project.

Representing timeless design at its best, Skan, created by Lievore Altherr Molina, stands out for the elegant lines of its silhouette that redefine luminous simplicity.

Its warm projection across surfaces acts as a gentle bath of light, adding an intimate and pure sensitivity to the atmosphere.

At this time of year, everyday objects such as luminaires take on a new role—one that goes beyond lighting the home to become companions and witnesses of new rituals. Silent moments of intimacy that connect us with what is essential—enjoyed more deeply, without noise or haste, yet always wrapped in the luminous beauty of these collections.

Featured Products:
– Knit
– Plusminus
– Skan

For Martín Azúa, aesthetics and function are intimately connected and he avoids introducing anything into a design that is unrelated to its function. The goal with Bind was to create a collection that fades into the background, providing effective, intuitive lighting without demanding too much attention.

Referred to by Vibia as an “Atmosphere Creator,” the collection offers total freedom of composition, blending accent and diffuse lighting to craft nuanced atmospheres. A hybrid between technical and decorative lighting, it features ceiling surface and suspended track lighting, a conductive bar representing the central element from which multiple luminaires can be connected. Positioned freely and oriented to direct light in various directions, luminaires become tools to direct the gaze and define activity zones.

During the design process, the system also evolved to include suspended elements, including Vibia’s Skan, Slim, North, Tempo and Tube pendant collections. The option of tunable white light allows the designer to shape the perfect ambience down to the last degree.

Bind moves beyond the concept of a traditional lamp to create a comprehensive lighting strategy, a technical system that adapts to the evolving needs of the user, resolving compex lighting requirements in the simplest possible way. Light is no longer a static element but an evolving tool that responds to our circadian rhythms.

Like Vibia, Azúa believes that the quality of light is directly related to the quality of our spaces. From intimate corners to dynamic spaces, Bind allows the designer to curate scenes that connect with the user on an emotional level, guaranteeing a sense of comfort and wellbeing, no matter what the occasion.

Offering diffuse, accent, and reflected lighting effects, Circus provides designers with the flexibility to explore creative compositions, establish visual hierarchies and shape nuanced and immersive atmospheres. Designed by Antoni Arola, it embodies a new, integrated approach to lighting design.

The development of Circus was an evolving process. The initial idea was to create a system with different elements that could be combined in various ways to meet a wide range of lighting needs. In other words, a single collection capable of providing everything from general lighting to focused, accentuated, and more organic illumination.

To achieve this, a simple rail became the central framework—conducting electricity to allow components to be secured at various points and angled in different directions. Initially, the rail was more complex, but through extensive refinement it was gradually simplified. It was evident from the start that there was an element of suspension, lightness, and movement. The different rails, cables and suspended elements naturally evoked the image of a circus trapeze.

An essential aspect of the collection is its versatility. Arola envisioned Circus as a school of light—a system where different elements act like notes, allowing users to compose their own environment through light. Rather than being defined for a specific setting, the system is adaptable to any architecture, use or mood and, with just a few elements, people can create a variety of effects.

The collection offers direct light from small spots, indirect light reflected off reflective disks, closer direct light from hanging spots, diffused light from spherical diffusers, and directed light from traditional conical shades. The interplay of different sources and effects creates depth, visual hierarchy, and dynamic compositions, allowing designers to shape unique atmospheres. Circus also features coloured light, which, for Arola, can enhance the dynamic between natural and artificial light in meaningful ways.

In short, Circus was built on the belief that the quality of light directly impacts our sense of well-being. Technical and decorative light have historically been treated separately in lighting design, but Circus naturally merges them, representing a shift in mindset towards a more holistic attitude. It is a system with room to grow—a foundational collection designed to support many more elements as the culture of light evolves over time.

Contributing to stable, sustainable company growth and development emerged as a key objective for 2025. The team suggested the need to consolidate the Vibia brand following the launch of the latest general catalogue, embracing upcoming challenges and opportunities with enthusiasm, empathy and commitment.

Personal and professional growth took center stage, aligned with Vibia’s key strategic pillars: customer experience, customer-centric business, and wellbeing. By investing in knowledge, skills, and innovation, the team reinforces its commitment to staying ahead in a fast-evolving industry while creating a thriving environment for both customers and employees.

The need for creativity and innovation remains at the forefront of Vibia’s work for 2025. Committed to exploring new ideas and embracing diverse perspectives, the focus will be on creating opportunities for innovation to thrive, helping to deliver better outcomes for customers and contributing to creating beautiful atmospheres that enhance well-being and quality of life. One of the key points highlighted by collaborators was the goal of integrating technology with business priorities, as well as improving cross-company knowledge and understanding of digital tools.

As we look toward 2025, sustainability remains a core focus at Vibia. By integrating sustainable practices, energy-efficient technologies and innovative design and manufacturing processes, the team aims to create lighting solutions that are both functional and environmentally responsible.

Finally, teams across the company emphasised the critical need for enhanced cross-departmental collaboration to address the challenges of the year ahead. By fostering clearer and more open communication—both within the company and with external partners—Vibia seeks to strengthen partnerships and enable more effective teamwork.

Many professionals highlighted the value of recognising and leveraging the diverse talents within the organisation. By sharing challenges and solutions as a team, and remaining open to diverse perspectives, Vibia’s workforce will be better equipped to adapt and thrive in the future.