Tools for Humanity @world
This is a layer of subtle light created by the combination of traditional Hanji (Korean paper), processed acrylic, and back-lit illumination from behind. The soft area light source infused into the grid-patterned frame structure adds depth to the space, completing a unique modern Korean mood.
Using a special material that fuses Hanji, which preserves the unique breath of Korea, between two layers of transparent acrylic, the strands of Hanji's texture are captured as if preserved in the structural solidity of the acrylic. A backlit LED layer, precisely designed behind it, does not emit light directly but instead permeates through the fibers of the Hanji, softly spreading throughout the entire space. Beyond its functional role as lighting, this wall dominates the overall mood of the space and serves as the central object of the area, interpreting the most traditional Korean sentiment through a minimal and futuristic grammar.
Behind it, a precisely designed backlit LED layer calmly filters light through the fibers of the hanji paper instead of emitting it directly, gently spreading it throughout the space. Going beyond the functional role of lighting that simply brightens the darkness, this wall, which softly dominates the entire mood of the space, is the central object of this area, translating the most traditional Korean sensibility into a minimalist and futuristic grammar.
The underground space where this project took place had a rigid, limited atmosphere typical of a conventional office environment. Amidst these bleak and monotonous conditions, we thought intensely about how we could change the atmosphere of the space in the most intuitive and effective way without massive construction. At the end of that deliberation, this 'Hanji Acrylic Backlit Wall' was born. Without structurally tearing down the entire space, we wanted to fill it with the warmth and soft light of Korean sentiment, instantly transforming a cold underground office into a deep and cozy space.
