Design inspired by nature – a bespoke lighting project for a beauty clinic
GaYa Beauty Clinic is a space where the philosophy of natural beauty permeates every detail – from the treatment offering and the approach to patients, to the unique atmosphere and the view of greenery outside the window. This idea also found expression in the interior design and lighting, created by Maria and Jacek Rypuła – founders of Gie El and architects leading the Genius Loci studio. Their concept developed step by step, sensitively responding to the history of the building and the needs of the space. Its natural complement became the lamps designed especially for GaYa – organic, subtle, and at the same time full of character.
Light as an integral part of the interior
Here, lighting design was not treated as a separate task, but as a natural continuation of the interior arrangement process. The spaces themselves emerged organically, step by step, without a rigid plan imposed from the start. A key moment in the design process came with the uncovering of a fragment of wall – its rawness captivated the designers and set the direction for subsequent decisions. Although they had an intuitive sense of how the whole would take shape, they allowed the space to guide them and reveal itself layer by layer.
Over many months, they observed how the interiors responded to daylight, darkness and seasonal changes. This convinced them that the clinic required multiple low-intensity light sources – not so much traditional ceiling fixtures, but a glow reminiscent of candlelight.
Constraints that sparked inspiration
The clinic is located in a historic building with low ceilings and a central power supply point, which the architects chose not to alter so as not to disturb the raw structure of the walls.
Rather than viewing these conditions as a limitation, they turned them into an opportunity. From the central supply point, cables were drawn geometrically across the ceiling, distributing the light to the sides. In this way, the ceiling – so important in a space where patients spend time lying down – gained a surprising, graphic character.
From cables to fixtures – details that complete the whole
Every element was carefully considered. The cables were specially sourced from Italy – finished in a beige, melange cotton braid with a texture reminiscent of a delicate plait. Soft and subtle, harmonising with the interior’s colour palette, they became an integral part of the composition. Even the mounting components were custom-designed – steel brackets with precise openings hold the cables at the right distances and tension, without the need for numerous screws. They resemble jewellery, woven into the harmonious ceiling composition.Sculptural lamps of hand-bent aluminium
The shades themselves were created from hand-bent aluminium sheets. Each one is different – more or less rippled, compressed or spread – resembling plants in various stages of bloom. Gathered in clusters, they call to mind bouquets of flowers hung upside down, or herbs left to dry. The lamps were powder-coated in a colour that resists clear definition. Depending on the room, the light, and the observer, it might appear beige, brown or grey, infused with metallic specks that enhance the three-dimensional effect.The lamps were fitted with low-intensity, warm light sources, carefully concealed within the shades so that the bulbs remain invisible even when looking directly at the fixture. The result is lighting that radiates a soft, atmospheric glow – not dominating the space, but enveloping it, fostering relaxation and intimacy.
Design in dialogue with GaYa’s philosophy
The lighting project for GaYa Beauty Clinic demonstrates how closely Gie El interweaves two disciplines – lighting design and interior architecture. Here, light is not an addition but an integral part of the space. It tells a story of how subtle detail can transform the perception of a place, and how light becomes a tool for shaping mood and experience. The organic forms, handcraft, and uniqueness of each lamp reflect the philosophy of natural beauty – one that resists uniformity. Just like the lush nature outside the clinic’s windows, the interiors and lamps alike soothe, intrigue and envelop those within – creating an atmosphere that lingers in memory.