Sky-Set light by Dace Sūna

The Sky-Set lamp is crafted from opalescent glass, which captures the changing colours of the sky — from the cool blue tones of the day to the warm hues of sunset. To create the colour transition, Dace Sūna took advantage of the Rayleigh scattering effect — a phenomenon that allows us to see the sky as blue. Thus, the object speaks both of the delicate balance of our atmosphere, which makes life on Earth possible, and of our perception, emphasising the role of humans in preserving the atmosphere.

The round shape of the object was inspired by dendrochronology — a scientific discipline that studies climate history and environmental changes using information contained in tree rings. Like trees, the Sky-Set light reflects our changing relationship with the Earth. As a result of forest fires and pollution, the air is filled with particles that colour the sky in apocalyptic shades, and the colourful light of Sky-Set is a reminder not only of the miraculous beauty of our atmosphere but also an urgent call to reconnect with our planet and protect it.

Like Dace’s other works, Sky-Set combines nature and science, exploring the interaction between space and light. This functional object continues the designer’s 2022 installation of the same name — both works use light to speak about the wonder of our atmosphere and the need to preserve it.

About 89th Second

The Sky-Set light can be viewed at the Latvian design exhibition 89th Second alongside the Freckle Chair by Gateris Works, which is the designers’ tribute to «lower-grade» wood, and the sculptural PineSkins Pouf created by Studio Sarmīte, which is covered with an innovative pine bark material. «Our exhibition shows how one symbol—the pine tree—can be interpreted in very different ways and how wide is the scope that design can address. This is our chance to demonstrate the contribution we can make towards building a sustainable future,» comments Dace Sūna.

The title of the Latvian exhibition, 89th Second, refers to the Doomsday Clock, which currently stands at 89 seconds to midnight: a symbolic measure of humanity’s proximity to a human-made global catastrophe. The works on display invite audiences to reflect on our shared responsibility towards nature and the environment, showing how design and creativity can contribute to addressing global challenges.

89th Second is part of the European Union’s official exhibition Design Beyond Things, which invites visitors of Expo 2025 Osaka to reflect on the lexicon of contemporary European design at a time of profound social change and urgent need for a new hope for the future. Selected by curators Patrizia Catalano and Miriam Giordano, the exhibition brings together works by 30 of the most innovative and creative designers from 17 EU member states, emphasising design’s transformative power — from circularity and sustainable production to reclaiming local and global identity.

The exhibition Design Beyond Things in Osaka will be on view until September 13. It will take place in a hybrid format: some works will be presented physically, while others will be shown digitally. The EU Pavilion will showcase works by thirteen designers, while the contributions from Latvia and Lithuania will be exhibited in the Baltic Pavilion.

The participation of Latvian designers in Design Beyond Things is organised by the Latvian Design Centre, which is responsible for the conceptual and practical implementation of the exhibition in the Baltic Pavilion at EXPO 2025 Osaka, Japan. The project is financially supported by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Latvia, and the State Culture Capital Foundation.