At Milan Design Week 2026, Preciosa Lighting returns to the Brera Design District with Drifting Lights, an immersive installation that reflects the brand's evolution from a historic Bohemian glassmaker into a contemporary force in architectural lighting design.
© Preciosa
Michael Vasku (left) and Andreas Klug (right) are the co-creative directors of Preciosa.
Presented at Tempesta Art Gallery, the installation builds on Preciosa's three-century legacy of crystal craftsmanship while introducing a technologically advanced and spatially driven approach to light. As Michael Vasku, co-creative director, explains, the company today is the result of a long industrial and cultural trajectory: 'Preciosa was established pre-World War II… and after many changes, smaller independent companies merged together to form Preciosa,' which now operates globally with over 4,000 employees.
This layered history continues to inform the brand's identity. 'We pride ourselves in the materials we use… especially crystal, as this has been part of our company heritage for many years,' Michael says, adding that innovation must remain aligned with tradition: 'We are continuously looking for ways to make sure that the technology matches the desired effect… while still maintaining the values and the sacredness of the material.'
© PreciosaA preview visualisation of the 'Drifting Lights' installation that Preciosa will present at Milan.
That balance is central to Drifting Lights, which is the name of the installation and the product itself. The installation features 60 suspended glass panels arranged in a large-scale composition, where light moves fluidly across surfaces, revealing intricate air bubbles embedded within the glass. Using RGBW technology and 3D spatial mapping, the work creates a dynamic sequence of colour and motion, forming what the brand describes as a calm, emotional narrative.
For Michael, the project reflects Preciosa's core design philosophy. 'The design, the material and the technology, and how these merge together,' he explains, are fundamental. 'The designs are influenced by the technology and the technology by the design,' he adds, noting that lighting must always respond to its architectural context. In many cases, Preciosa collaborates with architects early in the design process, shaping how a building is experienced both during the day and at night.
© PreciosaDrifting Lights collection visualisation in situ.
This architectural perspective is particularly evident in Milan, where the brand uses the global platform to explore ideas beyond the constraints of commissioned work. 'It is very important to have a global stage… to stay up to date with design trends, interact and exchange ideas,' Michael says. At the same time, Milan offers creative freedom: 'We can explore projects that push boundaries and test new sensory, spatial and lighting technology limits.'
Unlike client-driven projects, which often require strict adherence to technical and functional criteria, installations such as Drifting Lights are conceived as immersive experiences. 'It's not just an installation that you can walk past and film,' Michael notes, 'but something that makes visitors actually feel part of the experience.'
© Preciosa
Sustainability and longevity also play a key role in Preciosa's approach. According to Michael, dedicated teams continuously assess the environmental impact of materials and production processes. Because lighting often becomes integrated into architecture, he emphasises that it must "stand the test of time," both technically and aesthetically.
As with all of Preciosa's Signature Designs, Drifting Lights is fully customisable, offering flexibility in scale, configuration and finish for bespoke applications. This adaptability reflects the brand's broader focus on collaboration and tailored solutions.
© Preciosa
Looking ahead, Michael frames Preciosa's future as an open dialogue with the design community. 'An invitation for architects and interior designers to visit our Design Lab and explore possibilities of bespoke crystal lighting,' he says.
With Drifting Lights, Preciosa brings together heritage, innovation and spatial storytelling, positioning light not only as a functional element, but as a central medium in shaping contemporary architectural experience.
Opening dates and times for Milan installation:
- Monday 20th and Tuesday 21st April - 10am – 10pm
- Wednesday 22nd April – closed to the public – 11am – 10pm open for exclusive guided tours by invitation only
- Thursday 23rd – Saturday 25th April – 10am – 10pm
- Sunday 26th April – 10am – 6pm
More information:
Preciosa Group Headquarters
Smetanova 1623/45
466 01 Jablonec nad Nisou
[email protected]
www.preciosalighting.com
Czech Republic
Preciosa's previous contribution in Milan:
Can you hear the music at Milan Design Week 2022
Crystal Beat at Euroluce 2023.
Take a look inside Preciosa's Design Lab:
