There is little doubt today that musical instrument Harp was derived from bow and arrow; an unusual mix for peaceful and magical sound coming from an instrument inspired by a weapon that was primarily used for hunting and survival and later for both defence and war. (Images presented on sheet A-1). Both instruments have survived to the present day and both continue to inspire skill and focus in sporting events and the other in musical compositions about worlds of fantasy, dream and adventure. Harp’s ancestor known as Lyre is known to be one of the oldest if not the oldest string instrument in history.

Rethinking The Future Awards 2022
First Award | Signages Design (Concept)

©Shanghai Halo Architectural Visualization Co. Ltd

Sound is a vibration and so is light. Both are forms of energy that travel in wavelengths, sound travels in matters such as air or solid material and eventually fade away. Light travels through air and vacuum in space. Then why not combine the two in form and substance and create a lantern in the shape of a harp which represents two of the most important elements defining existence such as light and sound?

©Shanghai Halo Architectural Visualization Co. Ltd

The proposed design makes references to a bow on top of the fixture as well as the physics of an actual harp instrument when it comes to structure for the vertical support/base. (Sheets A-2 and A-3). There are three braces that are topped by a finale in the shape of sphere/globe. Depend on the lighting Types (Sheet A-4), the finale/globe can be solid or a light bulb/fixture. These braces reminds us of strings of harp while as they reach to the top and cross the curved piece, it reminds us of multiple arrows of a bow except the lethal point of arrow is replaced by a globe or light.

The design reminds us of history while it is a modern piece. Its head light can also be different as seen on sheet A-5.

©Shanghai Halo Architectural Visualization Co. Ltd

There are various types of uses as well as finishes as seen on A-4. The possibilities for application of such lantern fixtures are many such as parks, private estates, public institutions and sites which have significant historical importance to their communities and cultures.

The initial design for this fixture began with a project to create an entry pylon/sign for a retirement village “Monte Vista Grove Homes” in Pasadena, California. This retirement homes complex is for many who have been missionaries, church pastors and those who served in the Peace Corps all over the world.