At this year’s Maison&Objet trade show in Villepinte, Paris, Chinese designer Zhang Jianmin, founder of CIGA Design, unveiled the “Glowing Pyramid,” a striking installation of 1,000 solar-powered candles. Created in collaboration with the World Green Design Organization, the installation pays homage to IM Pei’s iconic Louvre Pyramid while offering a contemporary interpretation of Eastern aesthetics.
Dialogue Between East and West
IM Pei’s glass pyramid, once criticized in 1989, became a symbol of balance and modernity. Zhang’s creation continues that dialogue, using light, simplicity, and sustainability to express Eastern design principles in a global context.
Candlelight as a Universal Symbol
The solar candles, distributed free to visitors, embody ecological responsibility while maintaining the warmth associated with traditional flame. Emission-free, wind-sensitive, and smoke-free, they merge Eastern and Western symbolism with sustainable innovation. One French designer described them as “a glow carrying tenderness and environmental responsibility.”
Bridging Nature and Technology
Unlike electronic candles, Zhang’s design replicates the natural rhythm of fire—its golden hue and flickering movement—while harnessing solar energy to eliminate hazards and reduce environmental impact. This fusion of natural inspiration and technological practice redefines sustainable living design.
Paris as the Global Stage
The Paris debut carries symbolic weight: honoring IM Pei’s architectural legacy, reflecting France’s ecological leadership, and showcasing Eastern innovation at an international design summit. From Pei’s architectural breakthrough to Zhang’s sustainable artistry, the installation underscored Sino-French friendship and the universality of responsible design.
About CIGA Design
CIGA Design is a Chinese design brand recognized globally for its originality and innovation. Through products and installations, it seeks to express Eastern aesthetics while addressing contemporary sustainability challenges
