TYPE-XIII Atelier Oï project
The “TYPE-XIII Atelier Oï project” is a collaborative initiative between the Swiss-based design studio, atelier oï and A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE, exploring a new concept that combines ’a piece of cloth’ and ’a piece of wire’ into innovative lighting products.
This project emerged from a mutual understanding between atelier oï, renowned for its work across diverse fields such as architecture and product design, and A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE, which continues to push the boundaries of clothes-making by engaging with different disciplines and industries. Prioritizing the process of making things, this project has evolved through an ongoing exchange of ideas, merging different perspectives and techniques.
Two distinct lighting series from this project were first unveiled during Milan Design Week in April 2025 in an installation format. By extending the potential of “a piece of cloth” beyond the realm of clothing and into lighting design, the project garnered significant attention.
The portable “O Series,” presented in an installation format at Milan Design Week 2025.
The portable “O Series,” presented in an installation format at Milan Design Week 2025.
The portable “O Series,” presented in an installation format at Milan Design Week 2025.
The “A Series” presented at Milan Design Week 2025 is a pendant lighting series made using seamless knit fabric, a hallmark of A-POC. The interconnected knitted shades can be cut at different points to create various shapes, or joined together as a double, or triple light fixture, allowing for customization to suit different spaces.
The “A Series” presented at Milan Design Week 2025 is a pendant lighting series made using seamless knit fabric, a hallmark of A-POC. The interconnected knitted shades can be cut at different points to create various shapes, or joined together as a double, or triple light fixture, allowing for customization to suit different spaces.
The first product release of this project, the portable “O Series”, is being launched with three different lampshade styles.
O Series
The O Series is co-developed with Ambientec, a Japanese manufacturer specializing in portable lighting. This series allows the users to move the light freely through their daily lives, harmonizing with diverse spaces and environments.
This series draws inspiration from the beauty and delicacy of flowers. Just as people arrange flowers in a space to match the season or welcome guests, we envisioned a lighting piece that can be freely arranged according to one's mood and surroundings. The organic pleats gently diffuse light, illuminating the space softly while quietly enhancing daily life—like a single blooming flower.
For this series, atelier oï designed an elegant oval wire frame, while the lampshade incorporates a recycled polyester “Steam Stretch” material, the textile technology utilized in A-POC ABLE’s clothes-making process. Steam Stretch is an innovative technique that pre-weaves design elements into a piece of cloth, which then shrinks upon exposure to heat, creating a delicate yet robust three-dimensional pleated texture. The fabric shade is detachable from the wire frame and can be changed according to the environment. This adaptable design brings new value and joy to everyday living spaces. The light color can be adjusted across four levels, ranging from a warm incandescent tone to a natural daylight white.
The interplay of organic-shaped fabric, light, and shadow within the frame produces a uniquely beautiful expression, gently enhancing the ambiance of any space.
From atelier oï
A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE is a fascinating brand that shares a deep focus on materials, much like atelier oï. What makes this project so exciting is how atelier oï’s and A-POC ABLE team works with structures and textures and opens up a fresh co-creative process.
With the lines between disciplines becoming more fluid, there’s a real chance for both to explore new directions—moving from historical influences to objects and even spatial design. This echoes the innovative spirit of Issey Miyake, where A-POC ABLE has always pushed the boundaries of working with materials.
Take something as simple as fabric: how it’s pleated or structured can completely transform its look and feel. Light plays a big role here too—it doesn’t just illuminate; it shapes, creating contrasts of shadow and glow.
What’s really special about this project is the constant back-and-forth of ideas, like a game of ping-pong. Each exchange builds on the last, pushing the project further and offering new perspectives. It’s this shared exploration that makes the partnership so stimulating.
atelier oï
atelier oï, founded in 1991 in La Neuveville, Switzerland, by Aurel Aebi, Armand Louis, and Patrick Reymond, embodies a team spirit and a deep connection to materials. With a transdisciplinary team of 40, the trio merges architecture, interior design, product design, and scenography, reinterpreting natural phenomenon and artisanal craftsmanship. Their global recognition includes multiple awards and collaborations with various international brands, alongside humanitarian projects in Cambodia.
