The Factory of Light by Aesop is a multi-room installation presented at Milan Design Week 2026 inside the cloisters and sacristy of Santa Maria del Carmine. Designed by Rodney Eggleston of March Studio, the project uses reclaimed scaffolding and translucent trompe-l’œil tarpaulins to construct a layered architectural environment that reimagines fragments of Milan’s streetscape. The structure forms a sequence of spaces that guide visitors through changing light conditions, combining physical materials with projected imagery and reflective surfaces.
The installation centers on the introduction of Aposē, a trio of handcrafted lamps developed by Aesop as its first entry into lighting design. The experience unfolds across four zones that document stages of production, including brass forging and glass blowing by family-run workshops. A final space presents the lamps within a darker interior, where illumination is isolated and controlled. Additional elements include video panels and large-scale arrangements of perfume bottles that amplify reflection and light distribution across the environment.
Sensorial Light Installations
The Factory of Light by Aesop presents Aposē lamps in Milan
Trend Themes
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Sensorial Lighting Environments — Immersive sequences of controlled illumination and projection that transform circulation spaces into narrative-driven experiences indicating potential for personalized, context-aware lighting systems.
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Material-reclaimed Architecture — Reused industrial elements and trompe-l’œil textiles deployed as layered spatial frameworks pointing to low-cost, sustainable modular construction methods with aesthetic value.
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Craft-tech Product Hybrids — Handmade brass and glass objects integrated with digital presentation and reflective staging suggesting new product categories that marry artisanal provenance with smart functionality.
Industry Implications
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Hospitality and Branded Environments — Luxury hotels and cultural venues increasingly favor immersive installations that reshape guest flow and atmosphere, implying opportunities for bespoke lighting-as-experience offerings.
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Retail and Flagship Design — Flagship stores that stage production narratives and craft-led displays are rethinking product presentation to create longer dwell times and higher perceived authenticity.
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Lighting and Home Furnishings — Manufacturers combining artisanal fabrication with controllable illumination modes are positioned to disrupt standard fixtures with high-design, provenance-rich smart lamps.