NÜR
"A sculptural meditation on the poetry of filtered light"
Mediterranean roots and the soul of esparto
Nür—an Arabic word meaning light—is the result of a deep research project exploring esparto grass and its traditional applications within Mediterranean culture. This humble yet resilient natural fiber has been a staple in the southern regions of Spain for centuries, where craftsmanship and functionality are woven into the fabric of everyday life.
Among its many historical uses, esparto blinds stand out as emblematic objects: simple, durable screens designed to shield interiors from the intense heat of the sun. Beyond their utilitarian role, these blinds offer a poetic approach to light, filtering it gently to create shifting atmospheres of shadow and luminosity that define the Mediterranean domestic space.
PROJECT DETAILS
Design: Carlos Jiménez & Sonia Lekuona
Client: Personal Project
Year: 2025
Photography: Marina M Luna & Carlos Jiménez
Work: Furniture design
A cross cultural dialogue with light
This sensitivity to light resonates across diverse cultures and eras. In the intricate wood latticework of mashrabiyas from Al Andalus, as in the delicate shoji screens of Japanese tradition, light is not merely controlled but shaped. It is transformed into a living material that defines space, intimacy, and perception. Nür draws from these historical precedents, revealing a shared human understanding of light as something to be softened, guided, and inhabited rather than simply blocked. By merging these influences, the piece proposes a universal language of serenity.
Materiality and the balance of adjustable slats
Nür reinterprets the traditional esparto blind through a contemporary lens, transforming it into a versatile room divider that functions as both a functional partition and a sculptural object. The piece harmonizes the warmth of solid wood with the tactile richness of esparto sourced from the Sierra de Mijas, a mountainous area in southern Spain where this ancient craft still endures. A sophisticated system of adjustable slats allows users to modulate the amount of light filtering through the fiber, creating adaptable environments that respond to the changing rhythms of the day.
MINIMALISM WITH A PLAYFUL CHARACTER
With Zum, we aimed to balance a minimalist silhouette with a distinctly playful character. Depending on the finishes we select, the pieces can either become a bold focal point or blend harmoniously into understated environments. This adaptability ensures that the collection remains visually relevant across diverse landscapes, from contemporary residences to vibrant commercial and contract spaces.
