suspended ripple light screen translates fluid water currents to waves of light and shadow

a THREE-PANEL ILLUMINATED ROOM DIVIDER FOR DOMESTIC WORKSPACES

Designed by Jialiang Guo, the Ripple Light Screen is a suspended, illuminated spatial divider conceived for residential workspaces. Addressing the boundary between professional tasks and domestic routines, the three-panel prototype integrates low-voltage illumination with layered materiality to simultaneously partition and light interior environments.

warm light reveals the wave pattern and circular openings across the three panels | all images ©Jialiang Guo

WOODEN RIBS EMULATE WATER CURRENTS AROUND CIRCULAR VOIDS

The screen’s graphic composition by designer Jialiang Guo is informed by fluid dynamics, specifically the movement of water diverting around stones in a stream. Across the tripartite assembly, concentric curves radiate from circular voids into continuous, undulating horizontal lines. Structurally, CNC-routed or steam-bent wooden contours are mounted proud of a taut fabric substrate, generating physical depth across the screen plane. Integrated warm light sources cast grazing light across the relief, projecting soft, overlapping shadow gradients across the textile backing that shift in intensity and contrast alongside changing ambient daylight.

an angled view shows the wooden elements, fabric backing and illuminated lower edges

the three suspended panels shown in a brighter interior, revealing the wood grain and wave pattern

detail of the wooden edges and the shadows they cast across the fabric

the prototype suspended above seating, shown alongside a standing figure

project info:

name: Ripple Light Screen
designer: Jialiang Guo | @jialiang_guo_design

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