Stories Behind: Asia

The Asia collection, designed by Antoni Arola, evokes the two planes of a pitched roof, a primary form with strong conceptual significance. Combining the formal simplicity of traditional East Asian architecture with the delicacy of moulded glass, it is defined by clean lines and a subtle, intimate presence. The collection gently transforms spaces, filtering light from within to create a warm, balanced atmosphere.

The collection’s origins lie in its very name. The brief was to design a lamp called “Asia”, a word that opened up numerous avenues of exploration and led to a rigorous process of experimentation.

“We all have a very rich and interesting image of Asia in our minds. Starting from there, we experimented extensively in the studio and developed proposals that were perhaps more overtly ‘Asian’ in form. But in the end, we almost lost sight of Asia itself.”

Arola worked with numerous elements, exploring and combining them to construct an imagined vision of Asia. One of these was folded paper, a form he kept returning to because of its inherent simplicity.

“Sometimes, solutions as basic and simple as these are overlooked at first because they seem too insignificant. But when we revisited that whole world, we realised that these two planes created something very simple: a linear shade.”

Realising that there were very few linear table lamps for domestic spaces, Arola began to focus on developing a linear luminaire with a less technical character, more closely associated with the home.

“The simplicity of the two planes, like a pitched roof, reminded me of the fascination I have always felt for Japanese architecture.”

From this initial concept emerged the Asia collection: an essential luminaire whose folded structure evokes the architecture of Shinto shrines, a Japanese tradition characterised by the use of simple, elementary forms.

“The Ise Shrine is a very important Shinto shrine, one of the most sacred in Japan. There is something special about these Japanese shrines: their structure seems very simple, but in reality it conceals great complexity.”

The same principle defines the Asia collection. The simplicity of its shade and base conceals a highly developed technical system, in which the light source, structure and rotation mechanism have been meticulously designed for intuitive use. Indeed, the shade can rotate through 360 degrees without the cables interfering with its movement.

“That simplicity is not easy to achieve. A great deal of careful engineering goes into making everything appear effortless. It is something I value highly, and a philosophy we share with Vibia.”

The collection is built around layers of materials, with glass playing a particularly prominent role. An inner cylinder of transparent glass houses the light source. Initially made from malleable borosilicate glass, it was subsequently refined using quartz for its greater transparency and quality.

“At first, plastic seemed as though it might make sense because of its translucency, lightness and ease of use. But we decided to opt for a noble material and incorporate glass, both in the light source and in the shade itself.”

The lacquered glass diffuser gently filters the light, creating warm, serene illumination. Light appears to expand from the inside out, producing a dual lighting effect that combines diffused and directional light.

“It was a challenge. It looks simple, but it wasn’t. Finding the right tone, colour and light took a great deal of effort. But when you see the quality of the material, you realise it could not have been done any other way.”

The collection was conceived to adapt naturally to different settings, offering a simple, effective solution for a range of everyday uses.

“There is direct downward light, useful for working or eating, and diffused light that provides ambient illumination without exposing the light source. This combination always works.”

Asia’s slender structure accentuates the sophistication of its materials and its visual lightness. Available in pendant, table and floor versions, the collection works both as an individual piece and in compositions. It allows suspended configurations that complement the surrounding architecture, or more precise points of light for intimate scenes.

“It works very well in groups. The design is light and slender, so combining several units does not feel heavy or overcrowd the space.”

Asia strikes a balance between past and present, combining formal simplicity, refined materials and advanced technology. Simple and discreet, it is characterised by the lightness of its lines and the serene quality of its glass diffuser, which evokes the delicacy of rice paper. By combining light diffusion and projection, it adapts to the architecture, the use and each moment, creating serene, nuanced atmospheres.

Discover Asia

Stories Behind: Asia

“We all have a very rich and interesting image of Asia in our minds. Starting from there, we experimented extensively in the studio and developed proposals that were perhaps more overtly ‘Asian’ in form. But in the end, we almost lost sight of Asia itself.”

“Sometimes, solutions as basic and simple as these are overlooked at first because they seem too insignificant. But when we revisited that whole world, we realised that these two planes created something very simple: a linear shade.”

“The simplicity of the two planes, like a pitched roof, reminded me of the fascination I have always felt for Japanese architecture.”

“The Ise Shrine is a very important Shinto shrine, one of the most sacred in Japan. There is something special about these Japanese shrines: their structure seems very simple, but in reality it conceals great complexity.”

“That simplicity is not easy to achieve. A great deal of careful engineering goes into making everything appear effortless. It is something I value highly, and a philosophy we share with Vibia.”

“At first, plastic seemed as though it might make sense because of its translucency, lightness and ease of use. But we decided to opt for a noble material and incorporate glass, both in the light source and in the shade itself.”

“It was a challenge. It looks simple, but it wasn’t. Finding the right tone, colour and light took a great deal of effort. But when you see the quality of the material, you realise it could not have been done any other way.”

“There is direct downward light, useful for working or eating, and diffused light that provides ambient illumination without exposing the light source. This combination always works.”

“It works very well in groups. The design is light and slender, so combining several units does not feel heavy or overcrowd the space.”

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