Akis Lighting Collection
A reflection of light, spirit, and craftsmanship.
Story Behind to Akis Design
Akis is a lighting collection I created during my MA in Product & Furniture Design at Kingston University London, under the mentorship of Özlem Yalım and with PR support from Tepta Lighting. It was exhibited at the Herman Miller London Showroom as part of the Kingston School of Art MA Show.
The name “Akis” means reflection in Old Turkish. This concept forms the essence of the collection, which includes two pieces:
Akis – designed for museums and exhibitions
Mini-Akis – designed for domestic, calming spaces
Both pieces use sequin fabric to create reflective, immersive light effects. The inspiration stems from a story in Mevlâna’s Masnavi, where two types of beauty—the reflected and the reflective—combine to create something even more vivid and meaningful.
The Tale of Reflection
In Mevlâna’s story, a Sultan gives Chinese and Anatolian artists separate rooms divided by a curtain. The Chinese fill their space with intricate paintings, while the Anatolians polish their walls to a mirror-like clarity. When the curtain is lifted, the reflection reveals both works—yet more beautiful, more alive.
“The true beauty lies not just in what is seen, but in what reflects it.”
This tale became the philosophical foundation of Akis. The light and the material in the product represent the reflectedand the reflective. The result: a harmony that is deeper than either on its own.
Material, Light and Spiritual Form
At the core of Akis is a question:
How does light interact with material, and what does that say about us?
In Akis, the user becomes part of the experience. The light must be placed carefully; too much light leads to overexposure and destroys the reflection—just like in life, where too much noise can cloud inner clarity.
Sequin fabric recalls starlight—now lost to light pollution
The reflective surface must be prepared—a metaphor for the soul in Sufi tradition
“Light is beautiful, but the shape of what reflects it gives it meaning.”
Technical Highlights
Materials: Sequin fabric, black velvet fabric
Light Source Compatibility: External Spot Light
Dimensions:
Akis: H 970 mm × W/D 970 mm
mini-Akis: H 295 mm × W/D 295 mm
Construction:
MDF frames with hinged joints, covered in fabric.
Akis and mini-Akis uses sequin fabric for the upper part, black velvet fabric for the lower part.Functionality:
Akis is designed for immersive spatial installations and user interaction with light reflections.
mini-Akis features three dynamic modes:
– Fast mode
– Slow mode
– Mixed mode
allowing adaptation to different ambient settings.
Interested in Akis Collection? Contact with me for availability or custom installations.