Light behind the grid was an exercise on translating the culture of a prison’s microcosm to a line of lighting fixtures.

Teresa is the name given in Brazil to the ropes braided using ripped bed sheets. These cords are used to exchange goods between different cells, escape the prison walls or even as means of committing suicide. Another work group inside the prison was teaching the inmates to sew and screen-print t-shirts. Therefore, we had a lot of residual fabric lying around. 

Inmates do not have to wear uniforms in common prisons in Brazil. They use normal clothes, brought by their families. Black is the only colour they can not wear. It is reserved for the uniforms of the prison guards. We collectively decided to make the first prototype using this colour. 

A curious fact: 50 meters ofTeresa were needed for the shade – long enough for them to escape the cell – made up a strong statement for our first finished prototype.