A lantern made of solar cells
The Solar Lampion is influenced by traditional paper lampions and structures found in nature, such as the geometric spiralling found in pinecones. Integral to the design are the 30 solar cells which form the basis for the geometry.
Designed by Damian O’Sullivan to have a minimal structure, the lampion is built up of layers, or crowns, that have been cast in an aluminium alloy. Each of these crowns holds six inclined solar cells and every crown undergoes a 30 degree horizontal displacement from the one below it.
This pattern results in an organic cylindrical shape, allowing the lampion to be placed in any orientation and always catch the sun’s rays. The solar cells are coupled to LEDs, and these are fed by a rechargeable battery. A simple handle on top allows the lampion to be moved easily from the garden into the home, or suspended from a tree.
Contact: Damian O’Sullivan Design, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
For more information, see Transmaterial 3: A Catalog of Materials that Redefine our Physical Environment
