PD26 Winner

Category:	Ceiling Lighting Units
Location:       Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Designers:      The Grids
Lead Designer:  Minji Kim
Manufacturer:   Hwayoung Lighting
Photographers:  P&D Korea Co., ltd.

The Grids Shadow-Free” redefines slim-profile architectural lighting through a patented refractive-amplification optical system that replaces conventional barrier-based diffusion with active light manipulation. Designed for next-generation manufacturability, the fixture integrates optical, structural, and thermal performance within a consolidated 20 mm housing, reducing material complexity while delivering higher efficiency and visual clarity.

At the core of the system is a dual-layer optical engine composed of a micro-diffraction and a precision-molded lattice grid. Working in tandem, these layers redirect and amplify light through controlled micro-scale refraction, transforming what is typically absorbed or scattered illumination into usable output. By relocating LED sources from the central plane to the perimeter frame, the design eliminates direct glare and prevents multi-shadow artifacts, producing an exceptionally uniform luminous surface.

This refractive architecture significantly improves the performance limits of ultra-slim fixtures. The system achieves a 41% increase in luminous efficacy while maintaining high color fidelity and visual comfort. The edge-lit configuration also enhances thermal dissipation, supporting greater brightness and long-term stability without increasing fixture depth.

From a manufacturing perspective, “The Grids” consolidates multiple optical and structural components into a simplified modular assembly compatible with both recessed and surface-mounted applications. The streamlined architecture reduces tooling variation and supports scalable production.
By integrating advanced optical engineering with a restrained architectural form, “The Grids Shadow-Free” sets a new benchmark for ultra-slim architectural lighting, redefining how light can be engineered, experienced, and integrated into modern interiors.