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Blazer by Ninglu Zhang wins Bronze A’ Design Award for its tool-free felt construction and tailoring-inspired form.

Blazer, an award-winning lighting design by Ninglu Zhang, has received the Bronze A’ Design Award in the Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Category. Selected by an international panel of esteemed jurors, Blazer stood out among global submissions for its innovative construction, expressive form, and sustainable approach to lighting design. Blazer is a pendant lighting fixture crafted from a single flat sheet of felt that can be assembled entirely without tools. This unique construction method not only minimizes material waste but also makes the fixture highly efficient to manufacture, transport, and install. Once folded into shape, the piece forms a sculptural silhouette that gently curves to create both structure and luminous volume. Its design references the crisp front cut of a tailored blazer, translating fashion-inspired geometry into a spatial lighting expression. Bold red felt gives the lamp a striking presence, while the black snap fasteners punctuate the form and introduce a rhythmic visual detail. When illuminated, the layered felt softens the light and creates a warm ambient glow that enriches residential and exhibition spaces alike. The combination of textile tactility, clean geometric folding, and soft diffusion allows Blazer to offer both functional lighting and an emotional visual experience. Ninglu Zhang developed every aspect of the project, including material research, form exploration, prototyping, and fabrication refinements. The design was executed in Iowa, USA, between August and December 2020 and later exhibited internationally in Milan in June 2022. Zhang’s work emphasizes human-centered spatial experiences and the expressive potential of simple materials when reshaped through thoughtful design. The Bronze A’ Design Award is granted to outstanding works that demonstrate exceptional creativity, innovation, and design quality. Winners undergo a rigorous blind peer-review process conducted by prominent academics, influential members of the press, and experienced design professionals. As a Bronze award recipient, Blazer will be exhibited internationally and featured across A’ Design Award publications, media channels, and rankings, contributing to global recognition of Zhang’s design practice.

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