From Glass Pyramid to Solar Candle: Eastern Wisdom Shines at Paris Event

The Glowing Pyramid: A Beacon of Eastern Aesthetics at Maison&Objet

On September 4, 2025, the Maison&Objet fair opened in Villepinte, Paris, showcasing the innovative "Glowing Pyramid" installation. Designed by Zhang Jianmin, founder of CIGA Design, in collaboration with the World Green Design Organization, this visual centerpiece featured 1,000 solar-powered candles. Paying homage to I. M. Pei's iconic Louvre Pyramid, it also serves as a fresh voice for Eastern aesthetics on the global design stage.

Reflecting on the Journey of I.M. Pei's Glass Pyramid, which was once criticized but is now a cultural symbol, we see how it illustrated an Eastern balance between emptiness and form. Its transparent geometry suggested both modern minimalism and a connection to antiquity. Zhang Jianmin continues this dialogue through his work, focusing on light, simplicity, and sustainability.

Embracing Collective Human Care

While I.M. Pei's pyramid introduced Eastern aesthetics to the world, Zhang's installation extends this message by promoting collective human care. The candle—long a symbol of warmth in both Eastern and Western cultures—transforms into an emblem of ecological responsibility in Zhang's vision. Each candle is emissions-free, reacts to the wind, and flickers like a genuine flame without the hazards of fire or smoke. Visitors received these sustainable candles for free at the exhibition, embodying a shared commitment to environmental stewardship. One designer aptly noted, "This glow carries tenderness and environmental responsibility." Here, design functions as a bridge connecting cultures through light and warmth.

Natural Inspiration Meets Technological Practice

Unlike traditional electronic candles, Zhang's innovative solar candles capture the essence of real fire, blending rich golden tones, captivating light dynamics, and the aesthetic of dancing flames. By harnessing solar energy, this design avoids the safety risks and environmental impacts associated with more conventional candles, evolving nature's inspiration into safe and sustainable everyday use. This approach not only enhances our living spaces but does so without burdening the planet.

A Generational Relay of Originality and Vision in Paris

Choosing Paris as the stage for this design relay holds multifaceted implications. It honors I. M. Pei's legacy by reflecting on France's ecological leadership and presenting Eastern design at an international design summit. The transition from Pei's architectural triumph to Zhang's sustainable artistry highlights the trust and recognition of Eastern creativity while warming the friendship between China and France. The gift of a thousand solar candles illuminating Paris serves as a gentle reminder of sustainability and our shared duty to preserve our common home.

This article was first published on September 5, 2025, during the Maison&Objet fair in Paris.

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