1.Latro
Latro
2010
2010
In 2010, scientists from Yansei and Stanford University
pioneered a technique by where 30-nanometre wide gold electrodes were
inserted into the photosynthesising organs – chloroplasts – of algal
cells, thus managing to draw a small electrical current from algae
during photosynthesis. As advances in nanotechnology lead to
increasingly energy efficient products, plant life such as algae will
become attractive sources for tapping energy. Latro is a speculative
design concept responding to this potential future market.
Latro (latin for thief) incorporates the natural energy
potential of algae and the functionality of a hanging lamp into its
design. Synthesising both nature and technology in one form, Latro is a
living, breathing product. Algae are incredibly easy to cultivate,
requiring only sunlight, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water, offering a
remarkably simple way of producing energy. Breathing into the handle of
the lamp provides the algae with CO2, whilst the side spout allows the
addition of water and release of oxygen. Placing the lamp outside in the
daylight, the algae use sunlight to synthesize foods from CO2 and
water. A light sensor monitors the light intensity, only permitting the
leeching of electrons when the lux level passes the threshold – avoiding
algae malnourishment. Energy is subsequently stored in a battery ready
to be called upon during hours of darkness. Owners of Latro are required
to treat the algae like a pet – feeding and caring for the algae
rewarding them with light.
2. Trap Light
Trap Light
by Mike Thompson & Gionata Gatto
2011
by Mike Thompson & Gionata Gatto
2011
Trap Light is the result of an exciting collaboration between Gionata Gatto
(Pedalator, Urban Buds) and Mike Thompson (Latro, Blood Lamp), proposing
a radical new approach to lighting design. By utilising
photoluminescent pigments to capture escaping light, Trap Light converts
waste energy back into visible light.
Photoluminesence is a process in which energy absorbed by a
substance is gradually released as light. Using the Murano glass blowing
technique, the designers were able to embed photoluminescent pigments
into the glass body of the lamp. Through this process, Trap Light
becomes both shade and light source, emitting, absorbing, and
re-emitting light. 30 minutes ‘charge’ of recycled light from a
traditional incandescent or LED light bulb provides up to 8 hours of
ambient lighting.
With Trap Light, the designers illustrate, that by taking a
fresh approach to traditional production methods and existing materials,
they can create an engaging, new lighting experience whilst making the
most of energy.
3. Blood Lamp
Blood Lamp
2009
2009
What if power came at a cost to the individual?
The average American consumes 3383kwh of energy per year.
That’s equivalent to leaving the light on in 4 rooms for a whole year.
The simple flick of a switch allows us to power appliances and gadgets
24/7 without a thought to where it comes from and the cost to the
environment.
For the lamp to work one breaks the top off, dissolves the
powder, and uses their own blood to power a simple light. By creating a
lamp that can only be used once, the user must consider when light is
needed the most, forcing them to rethink how wasteful they are with
energy, and how precious it is.
+ info :
Mike Thopmson
info@miket.co.uk
+31 (0) 638584931
Kronehoefstraat 1, Eindhoven, NL
+31 (0) 638584931
Kronehoefstraat 1, Eindhoven, NL
