Optical Metaphor is a brand created by Mykola Kabluka and Expolight company. The name of the brand is very symbolic. Optics describes the properties of light and explains the phenomena associated with it. Optical effects are, by default, associated with glass because they are created with it. Like a metaphor, the works of the brand reveal the essence of some phenomena through others. So, using solid but light-transmitting material, they show architectural spaces with optical radiation - light.

“There is a lot of science and experiments in our work. For this, we have also created our laboratory, formed teams of glassblowers, lighting engineers, and designers, and developed our production. We develop all our glass projects as part of a comprehensive interior lighting project, fine-tuning all the components. Our work is based on creative collaboration with architects and designers.” – said Mykola Kabluka.

This chandelier is located on Campus B14 in Unit City. It is a place of sustainability and modern technology. The campus is located near the contemporary main square of Unit City, which is designed in the style of Japanese minimalism. The chandelier is visible from the street from the square, so we wanted it to continue the philosophy of combining straightforward design, aesthetics, environmental friendliness, and technology.

Together with Yakusha Design, Optical Metaphor have developed the shape of glass tubes, which would give a concise form and show the play of light. It was selected the optimal length and width of the tubes so that they fill the space as harmoniously as possible with sunshine and also developed safety fasteners so that they do not move from the draft. Optical Metaphor team analyzed the angle of incidence of the sun's rays and placed glass prisms on the chandelier to maximize its shape during the day. The chandelier is visible from the square through the large windows on the first floor. The volumes were designed so that it was well-received locally and from the square - as a glass sculpture that blends harmoniously with the overall lighting concept of Unit City.

We were the only ones to represent Ukraine this year, and did it successfully. Moreover, most of these objects were created already during the war. Expolight won 7 awards in total in The LIT Design Awards this year and 7 Honorable Mentions. Most of these objects were created already during the war.