Time in Soil

What if light could reveal the memory of the land?

Soil is shaped over countless years, carrying the layered traces of lives, landscapes, and constructions. Unlike in ancient times—when it lived close to us in walls, pottery, and daily life—our dialogue with this material feels distant in the modern city. Time in Soil is a portable table lamp whose shade is made from soil, reflecting the unique context and memory of its origin.

Soil was collected from iconic scenes in New York City — Central Park and a building demolition site — and embedded into the lampshade. Seen up close, traces of crushed red bricks, a dominant building material since the 1800s, and fibers of decomposed leaves reveal fragments of the city’s landscape. To create a close distance and a direct dialogue with soil in the shade, the lighting was designed as a table lamp.

Starting from the concept of a lamp that reflects “time”, the shade was cast in resin mixed with soil to capture the moment when its elements, like grains in an hourglass, are dispersed and settle under gravity. This process naturally creates delicate soil gradations, which I translated into a form inspired by a cocktail glass — a silhouette intended to harmonize with everyday interiors, particularly dining settings such as bars and restaurants. The metal parts are bronze, chosen not for luxury but for their classic, antique resonance that aligns with the concept of time. The lamp is rechargeable via USB-C with a lithium-ion battery.

The landscapes and stories seen within the earthy lampshade may differ from person to person, shaped by each viewer’s own memories and imagination. What expression would the soil of your own city hold—and what story would you find in it?