discarded aluminum blinds transform into cylindrical lighting system

VENETIAN BLINDs BECOME A modular LIGHTING SYSTEM

Keker Collection by Reza Raeisifar repurposes discarded aluminum Venetian blind slats, originally designed to control and block light, as components for a modular system that directs and distributes illumination. By transferring a familiar architectural element into a new lighting application, the project uses recycled material to develop a family of adaptable lighting objects.

Keker began in 2018, when Raeisifar encountered an old, unused Venetian blind in a storage space and began exploring how its material and structure could be reused. The idea developed further through an invitation to propose a lighting design for the interior of the Afarinesh project at Shiraz University. The resulting system shifts the function of the aluminum slats from controlling incoming light to directing and diffusing an artificial light source, while using a limited amount of material.

Keker lighting layers green aluminum slats | all images ©Navid Atrvash unless stated otherwise

REPEATED aluminum SLATs SHAPE LIGHT AND SHADOW

The first iteration consists of three laser-cut acrylic sheets that form the structural framework. Longitudinally cut aluminum slats are inserted into grooves within the sheets, creating a repeated modular arrangement. An energy-efficient LED light source sits at the center and distributes light in 360 degrees, while the curved slats conceal the source from direct view. Their geometry produces changing patterns of light and shadow while maintaining visual comfort.

The construction system allows Keker to be configured into different forms and lighting types. Over time, the collection by designer Reza Raeisifar has developed into pendant, linear, ceiling, wall-mounted, and floor-standing versions, each retaining the same underlying construction principle. The first iteration of Keker was presented in 2019 at Ordibehesht Gallery in Tehran. In 2025, the different versions developed over the intervening years were brought together as a collection and presented at Design Gallery One in Tehran.

the making of Keker begins with recycled aluminum blind slats and the lamp’s primary components

preparing and arranging the aluminum slats for Keker’s modular structure

the main components before assembly: aluminum slats and structural elements

the aluminum slats are positioned onto the structure, gradually defining the form of the lamp

detail of the aluminum slats being assembled onto the laser-cut acrylic sheets

Keker’s modular structure during assembly as its final form begins to emerge

the repeated arrangement of slats creates Keker’s modular form and visual rhythm

exploring the form and arrangement of the slats during Keker’s development

a detail of the assembly process, securing the aluminum slats within the lamp’s structure

Keker Pendant; the slats create changing patterns of light and shadow | image ©Arash Akhtaran

Keker Wall Edition; the slats direct the light to create a dynamic radial shadow on the wall | image ©Arash Akhtaran

Keker Pendant; the lamp takes on a sculptural presence when illuminated with warm light | image ©Arash Akhtaran

project info:

name: Keker Collection

designer: Reza Raeisifar | @rezaraeisifar

photographers: Navid Atrvash, Arash Akhtaran