Renowned British designer Lee Broom is set to captivate audiences with his latest creation, 'The Chant Chambers,' a striking installation unveiled at the London Design Festival 2026. This new work builds upon the foundation of his earlier 'Chant' lighting concept, which garnered attention last year with its 'Beacon' illumination along the South Bank. The expanded 'Chant' collection now encompasses a diverse range of forms, including grand chandeliers, sculptural wall sconces, linear pendants, and integrated architectural lighting solutions.
Broom, who recently contributed to Madonna's 'Confessions II' film, emphasizes that while some designs stand complete as individual objects, others are conceived as evolving collections. He notes, "Pieces built around fundamental geometric shapes inherently possess this adaptive quality. 'Chant,' with its pure form of a glass cube featuring a circular indentation, naturally lends itself to variations in repetition, scale, and arrangement. My continuous aspiration has been to craft lighting that genuinely occupies and defines a space, rather than merely existing within it; this philosophy guided the extension of this collection." The inherent cubic structure of these designs allows them to seamlessly integrate into interiors, blurring the lines between structural elements and decorative accents, creating an ambiance that is both evocative and refined. The introduction of a new smoked glass finish enhances this effect, with its deeper tones evoking the distinctive aesthetic of 1970s design.
Reflecting on his creative inspirations, Broom shares, "Despite my modernist leanings, I've always been drawn to a sense of reminiscence, particularly the late 1970s. That era's interiors possessed a unique character – decorative yet sculptural, often exuding a more masculine feel than conventional interior design. I have a particular fondness for smoked glass, mirrors, and wall-to-wall carpeting from that period." He further elaborates on the lighting of that time: "It wasn't always the central focus, yet there was typically a singular, powerful chandelier, or lighting would be skillfully woven into the architectural fabric of the space." In developing 'Chant,' Broom referenced the historical trajectory of glass blocks, from their Art Deco origins to their resurgence in the late 1970s and early 1980s, reinterpreting these influences through a contemporary lens. Broom acknowledges a consistent geometric quality in his work, explaining, "Even when I attempt more organic or textural designs, an underlying sense of balance, symmetry, or geometry always emerges. I find order deeply appealing, and this precision naturally informs my designs. It provides a foundational structure within which I can then experiment with materials, proportions, and illumination."
Broom's enhanced vision for 'Chant' prioritizes emotional resonance as much as functionality. He states, "My design process is largely driven by emotion. While form and function are crucial, the expanded Chant collection aims to evoke feelings of nostalgia and playfulness, all while maintaining a thoughtful and conceptual approach." The repetitive patterns of these glass forms across ceilings and spaces create a captivating, almost hypnotic effect. Broom expresses his hope that visitors will find the installation uplifting, experiencing a sense of wonder and being momentarily transported, prompting them to truly engage with and perceive the light, rather than simply observing it. This installation serves as a testament to the power of design to evoke feeling and create immersive experiences, urging observers to look beyond the surface and connect with the deeper artistic intent.