Empowering the Next Generation of Lighting Designers
In a world where effective design increasingly emphasizes sustainability, BuzziSpace collaborated with the University of California, Davis, for its 15th Annual Luminaire Design Competition to help shape the makers of tomorrow.
We believe that innovation and sustainability are interconnected, and that meaningful change begins with the next generation of designers.
We were excited to partner with the University of California, Davis, for its 15th Annual Luminaire Design Competition. This event is part of the "Designing with Light" course taught by Faculty Co-Director and Associate Professor Jae Y. Suk, Ph.D.
This exciting collaboration is just one of many initiatives that support BuzziSpace’s ongoing commitments to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles. These initiatives promote creativity, environmental responsibility, and community development through education. Additionally, they contribute to shaping a more sustainable and thoughtful design industry for the future.
Fostering Tomorrow’s Makers
The 10-week course welcomed 14 highly motivated students for an in-depth exploration of state-of-the-art luminaire design and LED innovation. From initial research and sketching to prototyping and final presentations, students were encouraged to create light fixtures that blend beauty, functionality, and sustainability.
Participants were invited to explore their concepts through thought-provoking themes such as Wonder/Wander, Bound, Relieve, Appear/Disappear, and Clarify, each aimed at inspiring a unique emotional or spatial interpretation of light.
To support these budding designers, we provided a generous supply of our signature recycled felt materials, including BuzziFelt and colorful upcycled fabric blends. These BuzziMaterials allowed students to work with industry-quality resources while learning to design with both form and function in mind.
Expert Feedback from Industry Leaders
Throughout the competition, students shared progress with instructors and received valuable midterm feedback. As the course concluded, six outstanding designs were shortlisted by UC Davis faculty in collaboration with BuzziSpace. To choose the final three winners, we invited renowned American designer Cory Grosser to provide a fresh perspective. He evaluated each project and offered invaluable insights to the students.
The selection process celebrated bold thinking, material exploration, and the ability to push lighting design into new territory. After reviewing all entries, six finalists were selected based on criteria such as craftsmanship, creativity, aesthetic appeal, and innovation.
Honorable Mentions:
Atheris by Abigail Wong
This captivating pendant lamp is inspired by the mesmerizing beauty of venomous snakes. Drawing influence from the African bush viper (Atheris squamigera), the design features jagged, scale-like elements that evoke the fierce, dragon-like texture of the viper’s keeled skin. Suspended as if poised to strike, the form mimics the dynamic motion of a snake lunging from above, merging elegance with primal intensity.
The Buzzi Bloom by Faith Arnett
A poetic nod to nature’s simplicity. The Buzzi Bloom features a single oval shape that is repeated in a radial pattern, creating soft, petal-like layers. Opening upward and downward like a flower in bloom, the lamp casts warm golden light reflected from its metallic inner surface, creating a sense of organic movement and optimism.
Bracket Lamp by Gunnar
Rooted in nature, Bracket Lamp draws inspiration from the shelf fungus that grows along tree trunks in the forests where Gunnar grew up. The organic form of these fungi is reflected in the lamp’s layered, sculptural design. Designed with sustainability in mind, the lamp includes a wooden base upholstered in natural materials, a felt lampshade that fits seamlessly into the design, and a warm LED strip that encircles a central PVC pipe. The result is a unique piece that harmoniously blends natural textures with modern lighting solutions.
Winners
Topo by Abby Sommer
Topo draws inspiration from the flowing patterns of topographic maps. This piece combines layered dimensions with a bold, abstract silhouette, evoking the shape of a volcanic mountain and giving it a grounded yet dynamic presence. Each triangular segment features one-third covered in BuzziFabric, which adds texture and contrast while highlighting the sculptural structure. The design offers strong aesthetics and excellent proportions that will resonate well with the architecture and design community.
Kanagawa by Nathan Yee Ong
Kanagawa is a harmonious blend of Japanese minimalism and contemporary design, inspired by Hokusai’s iconic woodblock print, The Great Wave of Kanagawa. This pendant light captures the rhythmic flow and energy of the ocean with six vertically tiered waveforms that reflect the movement of cresting water. With its gentle curves and layered silhouette, the fixture brings both serenity and sculptural elegance to any space. Lastly, the soft, ambient glow evokes a sense of calm, transforming the dynamic essence of the sea into a functional lighting element.
Versa by Sam Piechota
Versa is a modular and adaptable lighting system that empowers users to unleash their creativity. Designed to be reconfigured as a floor lamp, table lamp, or pendant lamp, Versa encourages individuals to explore, engage with, and personalize their lighting experience. Inspired by the concepts of “wonder” and “wander,” this design emphasizes curiosity and interaction—qualities that are often lacking in standard lighting design. By providing users with the tools to create their own fixtures, Versa bridges the gap between designer and consumer, transforming lighting into both a functional and enjoyable experience.
A Rewarding Design Journey
The selected finalists received more than just praise; they were given a special behind-the-scenes visit to BuzziSpace’s production facility located near Seattle, WA. During the visit, they toured the workspace, met our makers, and observed how design concepts are transformed into real-world acoustic and lighting solutions. This experience provided them with a unique perspective on scalable product development, manufacturing techniques, and sustainability in commercial interiors—an eye-opening opportunity for many of them.
Lighting the Way Forward
By investing in student programs, donating sustainable materials, and offering mentorship through industry experts, we’re helping to illuminate the path for the next generation of designers—one bright idea at a time! Congratulations to all the participants, and especially to the finalists, for daring to dream with light. We look forward to seeing where these bright minds go next!
Looking to Incorporate BuzziFelt Into Your Own Design?
UC Davis 15th Annual Luminaire Design Competition : Highlights
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