At Jiva Spa at The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, David Trubridge’s Flax becomes the focal point of the reception.

A single Flax is suspended on the central axis of the room, set within a stepped recess in the ceiling above the open floor between the seating and reception desk. At 1500 mm in diameter, the pendant is substantial in relation to the room’s otherwise normal ceiling height, giving it a strong presence without overwhelming the space.

Its open bamboo structure sits close to the ceiling, allowing light to escape both upwards and downwards. The perforated form creates a delicate pattern of light and shadow across the surrounding surfaces, bringing a quality reminiscent of the jali screens found throughout Indian architecture into this contemporary interior.

Rather than simply illuminating the reception, Flax becomes part of the architecture. Its scale, position and open structure give the centre of the room a clear focal point, while the filtered light adds to the calm atmosphere of the spa.