Crafting Glow — Paper, Culture and the Language of Light
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With a shared passion for the craft of TEX-lamps and a curiosity for the intersection of paper and light, Studio D-ja hosted an intimate design talk at the D-ja Living Room within Nest for Soul, Punavuori, during Helsinki Design Week 2025.
Under the theme "Crafting Glow — Paper, Culture and the Language of Light," a diverse group of creatives gathered in the warm ambiance of TEX-lamps to exchange stories of their personal and professional encounters with these materials.
Through visual presentations and the tactile experience of handling paper samples, the dialogue journeyed through three core pillars: Light Experience & Creation, Paper as a Natural Material, and Cultural Identity.
The Panelists
The conversation brought together distinct cultural and disciplinary perspectives:
Pekka Airaxin (FI): Architect, CEO, and Co-founder of Asumma Homes.
Yukina Yamamoto (JP/FI-based): Japanese Calligrapher.
Lorenzo Marotti (IT/FI-based): Visual Artist.
You-Chia Chen (TW/FI-based): Textile Designer and Creative Director of Studio D-ja.
Yi-Chiao Tien (TW/FI): Interior Architect and Creative Director of Studio D-ja. (Moderator)
Works from left to right: Lorenzo Marotti (photo: Sanna Lehto), Asumma Homes (photo: Pekka Airaxin), Yukina Yamamoto (photo: Reetta Hiltunen)
I. Light Experience & Creation: From Function to Presence
The talk opened with a reflection on how light dictates our perception of space. Pekka challenged the modern trend of floor-to-ceiling windows, suggesting that light is most powerful when used with restraint. "I believe window sizes should be used with contrast. In my architectural practice, I often focus on one or two directions with exceptional light and views, keeping other spaces more restricted to heighten the experience."
For Calligrapher Yukina, light is a tool for focus. While she prefers practicing in natural light, she finds a unique connection to her materials in the dark. "When you cannot see well, you must connect deeply with the materials. I like to feel more than see."
Artist Lorenzo described light as a ritualistic companion, particularly during the Finnish winter. "The working process becomes a dialogue with light — dealing with restraint and waiting. Light is literally embedded into my artwork."
You-Chia summarised the intangible power of illumination: "If form is the body of a design, atmosphere is its soul. You cannot touch it, but you feel it entirely."
II. Paper & Natural Material: Strength in Fragility
The panelists then explored the physical and emotional properties of paper. While often viewed as a temporary medium, You-Chia argued that paper’s fragility is actually a structural advantage. "Its lightness and flexibility allow it to take forms that heavier materials cannot."
Lorenzo connected the "softness" of paper to a sense of sincerity in art. He embraces the scratches, stains, and imperfections of the process as a form of honesty towards the material.
The conversation turned to the beauty of aging. Yukina introduced the concept of "sleeping papers" — samples that have been aged for years to reach their peak quality. "I once received a 10-year-stained paper from my master. Like a fine wine, it becomes smooth and alive. The paper carries history."
Addressing sustainability, Pekka emphasised longevity in architecture. "Sustainability means building houses that last with minimal upkeep. Using wood (CLT or log) binds carbon for generations. It is about creating something sturdy that stays."
III. Culture: The Diverse Language of Light and Paper
The final segment highlighted how our heritage shapes our relationship with the environment. In Taiwan, as You-Chia noted, the heat dictates a design language of shade. In contrast, Yukina explained the traditional Japanese concept of Cho-wa — connecting with nature through the pursuit of shadow to create cool, serene spaces.
Interestingly, Pekka shared a Nordic perspective on the darker months: "I feel my creativity activating in the darkness. I am more focused and active during the winter.
The cultural history of paper also revealed fascinating geographic divides:
In Finland: Paper is historically tied to the pulp industry and economic necessity.
In Italy: Lorenzo noted that paper has a "technological" history tied to banking and the Papacy (e.g., the famous Fabriano mills), though it is sometimes overlooked as a high-art medium.
In Japan & Taiwan: Paper is woven into the fabric of daily life and ritual — from Origami and translucent Shojidoors to the ceremonial burning of paper objects for ancestors and the vibrant Lantern Festivals.
The evening was a testament to how light and paper continue to bridge the gap between function and emotion, nature and craft.
