McClellan, Badiyi & Associates Architects: Winner of World Design Awards 2022. 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.

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?

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.

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. 

Project Details
Firm
McClellan, Badiyi & Associates Architects

Architect/Designer
Bahram Badiyi

Project Name
Harp Lantern

World Design Awards Category
Lighting Design

Project Location
Pasadena, California, USA

Team
Bahram Badiyi-Principal in Charge of Design

Country
United States

Photography ©Credit
©Shanghai Halo 3D Visulaization Co.

   

McClellan, Badiyi and Associates Architects was formed in 2008-2009 by Bahram Badiyi and Robert McClellan. The two principals established their headquarters in Pasadena, California. The experiences of the principals reflect an extensive history of design and construction in United States and abroad. McClellan, Badiyi’s maturity of experience and wealth of design and construction knowledge is the solid foundation for providing superior design and planning solutions that are iconic, sustainable, efficient, functional and comply with the client’s program and budget constraints. The firm’s experience extends over, commercial, institutional and residential projects for both private and public clients.