Architecture News

Singaporean and Californian design firm MAJU has introduced an innovative creation, the 'Jello Lamp,' which ingeniously translates the transient beauty of everyday forms into a durable and functional lighting fixture. This unique table lamp, brought to life through advanced 3D printing technology, draws its aesthetic cues from the delicate undulations of gelatin desserts and the expansive, rounded shapes found in balloon sculptures. By blending artistic geometry with environmentally friendly, plant-derived materials, the Jello Lamp reinterprets fleeting visual experiences into a lasting source of illumination.

Introducing MAJU's Jello Lamp: A Fusion of Fleeting Inspiration and Enduring Design

Designed by Hyu Lim of MAJU, the Jello Lamp is a remarkable piece of sculptural lighting born from the aspiration to immortalize ephemeral shapes. Lim's creative process involved observing common instances of softness and pliability, such as the buoyant grace of inflatable figures and the subtle quiver of a spoonful of gelatin. These observations were meticulously translated into a design that encapsulates these qualities within a robust, glowing object. Each Jello Lamp is custom-made using 3D printing in MAJU's workshops in California and Singapore. The commitment to sustainability is evident in the choice of plant-based, biodegradable PLA for its construction, a method that not only minimizes material waste but also reduces the need for extensive inventory. The lamp boasts a modular design, enabling users to easily exchange or upgrade its shades and bases over time, while an integrated cord organizer in the base ensures a tidy aesthetic. Measuring 9.5 x 9.5 x 12.25 inches and weighing approximately half a pound, it incorporates an energy-efficient 2.9W bulb, emitting a soothing 2700K warm light. This lamp is a distinctive addition to MAJU's expanding collection of modern home decor, all crafted from plant-based resources and infused with a rich tapestry of Eastern and Western design philosophies.

The Jello Lamp serves as a compelling reminder that even the most fleeting moments can be captured and celebrated through thoughtful design. Its playful yet sophisticated presence elevates any space, turning a simple light source into a captivating art piece. The lamp's construction from biodegradable materials also highlights a path towards more responsible manufacturing and consumption in the design industry, inviting us to consider the environmental footprint of our everyday objects without compromising on aesthetic appeal or innovation. It encourages a broader appreciation for the subtle beauty in our surroundings and the potential of sustainable design practices.

New photographic documentation provides a fresh perspective on Mecanoo's Natural History Museum in Abu Dhabi, showcasing its distinctive architectural features and how it integrates seamlessly into the Saadiyat Island landscape. The building's exterior, characterized by pale concrete walls that ascend in irregular steps, evokes a geological formation, creating a captivating visual presence from afar. At ground level, the structure opens up with shaded areas and expansive pathways, inviting visitors to explore its unique entrance before even stepping through the museum's doors. This design philosophy emphasizes a connection between the built environment and the natural world, setting the stage for the wonders within.

This 35,000-square-meter institution, which welcomed its first visitors in November 2025 with groundbreaking dinosaur exhibits, now reveals its full architectural splendor through images captured by Ossip Architectuurfotografie and Deed Studio. These photographs move from the intricately layered facade to the grand, central lobby and through the diverse galleries, offering a comprehensive look at the completed project. They provide an unprecedented clarity on how Mecanoo's vision for a landscape-inspired museum translates into a human-scale experience, establishing this facility as the largest natural history museum in the Middle East and a significant cultural landmark.

Architectural Harmony with Nature's Formations

The design team at Mecanoo conceived the museum as a harmonious blend of land and water, drawing inspiration from the region's wadis and naturally eroded geological structures. This approach resulted in a form that mimics natural terrain, with varying heights and openings that create inviting passageways. A recurring pentagonal motif, derived from cellular geometry, unifies the facade and the surrounding landscape, extending even to the paving underfoot, thereby binding the architectural elements to the natural environment. This intricate design ensures that the building is not merely an edifice but an extension of the very geology it celebrates.

Spanning an 82,000-square-meter site, the museum features three public thoroughfares that link the waterfront to adjacent cultural institutions, allowing access without requiring a museum ticket. These routes are thoughtfully designed, passing beneath expansive overhangs before broadening into lush, terraced gardens. This layout provides multiple entry points and extends the museum's public sphere to its very edges, ensuring a permeable ground level. Meanwhile, the upper levels maintain a robust, rock-like presence, contrasting with the open and accessible lower sections to create a dynamic and engaging architectural experience that encourages exploration and interaction.

Interior Light and Sustainable Design

The museum's interior entrance hall evokes the sensation of being carved directly from the dense exterior, featuring textured walls that rise dramatically around a vast central void. Strategic skylights channel natural light deep into the building, creating luminous pathways that highlight the museum's most imposing specimens and establishing a profound connection with the architecture. This thoughtful transition from the sunlit exterior to the more subdued ambiance required for exhibiting sensitive collections maintains a sense of the outdoor environment while preparing visitors for the immersive experience within, blending natural elements with controlled interior conditions.

Beyond the main lobby, the galleries are arranged around a central courtyard, offering a clear yet flexible path through the museum's extensive narrative. This design allows visitors to navigate a chronological journey from the universe's origins to contemporary global challenges, while openings around the courtyard provide the freedom to move between different exhibits based on individual interest. Furthermore, the robust construction of the exterior walls is a deliberate response to Abu Dhabi's intense climate. These thick masses and carefully positioned openings effectively minimize solar heat gain, while shaded outdoor areas offer protection from the sun. The use of concrete and steel for the primary structure, complemented by locally produced ultra-high-performance concrete panels, significantly reduces transportation impact. Additionally, interior planters create thermal buffering, and water-efficient irrigation systems support local plant species, underscoring the museum's commitment to sustainable design and climate adaptation.