Pedrali has unveiled Kawara, a new modular lighting collection designed by Japanese designer Yusuke Kawai, at the 63rd edition of Salone del Mobile.Milano. The launch marks a creative dialogue between Japanese heritage and Italian design, reflecting a shared sensibility across cultures.
© Pedrali
Inspired by the traditional Japanese kawara tiles found on the roofs of shrines and temples, the new collection captures the harmony of tradition and innovation. 'Kawara is coming from Japanese traditional roof tile, used for Japanese shrines or temples. Kawara is beautiful on its own, but also when combined with other tiles, it creates unique and distinctive character textures. It is from this harmony between tradition and modularity that the idea for a new lighting system was born,' explains designer Yusuke Kawai.
Constructed from extruded aluminium, Kawara is available in a range of anodised or powder-coated finishes and can be configured in pendant, horizontal, vertical, or floor versions. This flexibility allows the system to adapt to a variety of architectural and interior contexts, whether residential or commercial.
A strong emphasis on sustainability underpins the project. As Kawai notes: 'Today, sustainability is an imperative responsibility: it is not an option, but a necessity. It is from this awareness that the idea of modular lighting was born, a concrete and intelligent response to this challenge.' The modular approach minimises waste, maximises adaptability, and extends the lifecycle of the lighting system.
The collection offers two core design configurations. Users may opt for a single continuous aluminium extrusion, which gives the fixture a "technical, clean, and essential appearance." Alternatively, adjustable modules connected by small joining rings enable directional lighting and introduce a more dynamic and "playful effect."
Central to Kawara's visual identity are the grooves running along the rounded back of each module. These are more than decorative; they serve as a signature design element that unifies the collection. 'The true value of the grooves emerges when different modules are combined, regardless of the angles, they create a continuous look. This precious detail is designed to always connect, turning its versatility into visual harmony,' Kawai states.
Through its refined aesthetics and customisable modular system, Kawara offers a new way to interact with space, light, and form. It evokes a dialogue between shadow and illumination while embodying a respectful fusion of cultural values and contemporary needs.
More information:
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