# Ritual Sculptural Candle Holders AB+AC Architects Designed the Alma Mater Candle Holders By Amy Duong | Published 2025-07-02 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alma-mater References: [abacarchitects](https://abacarchitects.com/)  Lebanese-Italian design firm AB+AC Architects has just created the [Alma Mater](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alma-light-totem-i) collection. It is the firm's first collectible design collection and it is comprised of [brutalist Totem and Ring candle holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/candl-stacks). Each piece is made from iron and it is inspired by geometries. The Totem stands tall, and the Ring has a circular form. Studio co-founder Arianna Bavuso told [Dezeen](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toteme-store), "The Latin phrase 'alma mater,' meaning 'nurturing mother,' reflects our inspiration: the cyclical relationship between the sun and the earth – a rhythm of giving and renewal. Each piece in the series is conceived as a ritual object, a vessel where light, matter, and time interact. Whether standing or in use, these pieces are meant to hold space, encouraging a moment of pause in both private and collective environments." Image Credit: Ines Silva Sà ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 25% | Freshness: 44% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Geometric Brutalism:** Inspired by architectural geometries, geometric brutalism transforms traditional design into artistic, collectible objects that redefine aesthetic value. - **Ritualistic Home Decor:** Integrating ritualistic aspects into home decor emphasizes mindfulness and intentional living, creating opportunities for designs that foster emotional and spiritual connections. - **Functional Sculptural Art:** Blending functionality with sculpture art, these pieces challenge the conventional boundaries of utility and artistry, offering fresh perspectives on object usability. ### Where This Applies - **Artisanal Home Goods:** Incorporating fine art into everyday home goods creates unique market offerings that appeal to consumers seeking culturally enriched living spaces. - **Sustainable Design:** The use of materials like iron in innovative ways invites exploration into sustainable design practices that prioritize longevity and environmental consciousness. - **Luxury Collectibles:** The rise of luxury collectibles combines exclusivity and artistry, attracting investment-driven clientele interested in distinctive and valuable design pieces. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Architectural Candle Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/core-candle-holder.md) - [Luxurious Sculptural Candle Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sculptural-candle-holders.md) - [Fire Connection-Inspired Candleholders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charles-kalpakian-1.md) - [Interestingly Shaped Candle Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poise-candle-holder.md) - [Warm Ambient Candle Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reflet.md) - [Spherical Modular Candles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/circle-of-light-candle-collection.md) - [Fire-Inspired Artful Candelabras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forge-candelabra.md) - [Artfully Sculptural Incense Holders](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aw030001na.md) - [Architecturally Inspired Candles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sfumato-candle.md)