Taiwan’s only competition focused on lighting product design, the 2025 Deng-Hsuan Award, organized by the Taiwan Lighting Fixture Exporters’ Association and co-hosted by the Taiwan Optoelectronics and Compound Semiconductor Industry Association, held its awards ceremony on August 29 at the GIS NTU Convention Center.
Yu-Chin Wu, a fourth-year student from the Ming Chuan University Department of Product Design, was selected from 322 entries nationwide and advanced to the top 12 finalists with her work Aero Glow – The Luminous Capsule, receiving recognition as a finalist.
Guided by professors Kai-Ping Liu, Hsiang-Ping Wu, Chen-Zhen Fu, and Chung-Kuang Tao, Aero Glow – The Luminous Capsule is a situational lamp that modulates light intensity by controlling the flow of liquid through air pressure—no motor required—achieving low-carbon, poetic lighting effects. Inspired by the rhythms of breathing and water flow in nature, the lamp’s internal structure uses a dual-layer airbag system and plant-based liquid, forming an air-pressure-controlled shading system. The design integrates creative design, smart technology, and environmental consciousness.
Users can control the movement of the liquid by inflating or deflating, thereby blocking or releasing light, producing a soft, lively dimming effect. The design not only emphasizes lighting functionality but also focuses on the interaction between viewer emotions and spatial atmosphere. Its overall form is simple and restrained, highlighting the flowing rhythm of light and shadow, embodying the concept that “light is not released instantly, but gradually emerges.” The design emphasizes low energy consumption and minimal mechanical complexity, using air instead of motors, achieving an environmentally friendly and minimalist technical aesthetic.
The Deng-Hsuan Award aims to promote the integration of lighting design and industry. This year’s theme, “Smart. Sustainable. Co-Creation”, encouraged young designers to explore the diverse possibilities of light. The competition drew 322 entries from 38 schools across Taiwan, with only 12 finalists. All award-winning and shortlisted works were given opportunities to connect with industry partners, creating a platform for talent exchange and showcasing creativity in Taiwan’s lighting sector.
Image and text source: Ming Chuan Weekly ( https://www.week.mcu.edu.tw/53367/ )