Light on Water: Lakes Collection Launches at Design Miami/ 2022

Albi Serfaty marks Aqua Creations' inaugural Design Miami/ exhibition with a contemporary take on freshwater resources. 

Focusing on endangered bodies of water and aquatic geography, Aqua Creations celebrates the beauty of the natural world, honors what has been lost and highlights the need for critical action, in hopes of a brighter future and environment. The Lake Collection pieces draw inspiration from the shape and current state of freshwater lakes such as Lake Doiran, (located in Greece and North Macedonia) and Lake Chad (located in Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria).

“For 30 years the studio has taken inspiration from the sea’s underwater life, shapes and forms. Now, it is time to give back. Creating awareness with The Lakes is the studio's first step towards making an impact.”

— Albi Serfaty, Director

The centerpiece of the installation is Lotus Lake, inspired by the current state of freshwater Lake Doiran. Made entirely by hand, the Lotus Lake symbolizes a harmonious alternative future. The piece explores the play of light and color through its 17 silk shades which can move individually from each other, while the mirrored stainless steel structure evokes the presence of water. Integrated with the latest technology, Albi Serfaty kept loyalty to the brand, working with the studio’s signature silk, maintaining the organic nature that is distinct to the studio.

Other pieces included in the booth include a floor lamp, table lamps, a wall light, a ceiling lamp, and a mobile. Functioning as luminous artworks, each lamp contains the distinct characteristics of the yet-to-be-launched Lakes Collection; moving silk shades that use the wall as their backdrop for its various colors. The mirrored stainless steel finish of the pieces evoke the presence of water. The glow of the multicolored silk shades draws the viewer in by creating a sensory and emotional experience.

“The design process of Light On Water was about more than creating light; it is an opportunity to start a wider conversation about the imbalance in freshwater lakes around the world.”

— Albi Serfaty, Director

New technology

The collection features a new technology developed within the studio: the ultra thin shades that are covered with pleated silk illuminate a space without disclosing its light source. The shades have the option of featuring a different silk color on each side, and brings a luminous glow that creates the lamps’ own colored background. The highly customizable pieces are a technical achievement that opens a horizon of design possibilities.

With The Lakes Collection featured in media and publications worldwide, Aqua Creations moves forward in its mission to highlight critical social and environmental issues that extend beyond design.

 

Albi Serfaty got interviewed by L'Officiel (Austria) about environmental conscious design, the studio's mission. Ralph Lauren Magazine (Switzerland), featured Aqua Creations in an article about the fine line between art and lighting and highlights Albi's beliefs, design inspiration and dedication. Read about the design and making process of the Lotus Lake in Architektur & Wohnen Magazin (Germany). FOXYLAB Magazine (USA) put together a comprehensive read that covers everything between the conception of Aqua and our recent works and projects.