The Louver light stemmed from earlier prototypes exploring the window treatment of Venetian blinds. It evolved into shutters, and is lightweight and wall-mountable. It can also be self-standing for use on a table or desk.
The light can be adjusted two ways - either manually (using the tilt rod to open or close the shutters), or remotely (using an app or a remote control to adjust the quality of the light from the LEDs). It features LEDs that can vary between warm white and cool white, and options to adjust brightness/dimming. This version is 19” wide, 23” high, and a little over 1” deep. Some aspects can vary in future models, such as its overall size, the width of the louvers, and the type/stain of the wood.
A ‘smart window’ version could also be Bluetooth- or Wifi-enabled for more customized settings, and an app could allow the user to enter local GPS data and time zone, in order to simulate the actual outside light throughout the day. It could mimic the exact time of day outside, or it could allow for slight dayshifting (if you'd like to use it as an alarm clock and set your own sunrise, set a time for an electric sundown, or override the time-of-day feature to keep the light on longer).
The Luna Light pays homage to another historically rich window treatment, the stained glass panel. Its inherent lack of a view contributes to one’s suspension of disbelief. Another source of inspiration for this concept was the lighting style of film noir, with its striking cinematography.
The Luna Light evolved from an earlier stained glass exploration, shifting towards a more modern and simplified design, evocative of the slanted light that comes through Venetian blinds. It can vary in size, colors of glass, and patination of the solder and framing (silver, black, or copper), and it can be wall-mountable or self-standing.
This model can also come in a smart version, allowing the user to convert a windowless environment into one that’s healthier and more comforting.
The Lux Light stemmed from earlier prototypes exploring Japanese rice paper shoji panels, evolving in form to a more modern and streamlined design, inspired in part by the appearance of light coming through a window onto a floor. Similar to the Louver Light and Luna Light, it can be wall-mountable or self-standing, with the option for a smart version.
I explored a variety of designs, shapes, and sizes, for use in various-sized windowless spaces. Different versions of this concept could vary in size and functionality.
The Trace Light is more abstract. I was intrigued to explore how simple and minimal the window suggestion could go and still evoke the psychological cue or at least a playful hint of window, to satisfy the psyche. The Trace design suggests a window in etched acrylic. When it's turned off, it virtually disappears, offering only a trace of the window design.
The type of light can be tunable white, or alternately it could come with RGB color, to offer the user more variability in the color of their space, for different moods or ambient effects. It can be set on a table or desk with its etched pane leaning against a wall, or it can be wall-mounted.
As for added functionality, it could include a dimmer, and could also offer the option of a timer that could periodically blink or shut off, to remind the user to take a break and possibly step outside for some natural daylight and Vitamin D.
The Air Light doesn't try to disguise the lack of a window. On the contrary, it draws attention to it. Inspired in part by the taut string installations of the artist Fred Sandback, the Air Light is a minimal outline of a window, in simple white neon.
As for benefitting the body and the mind, it focuses on more cognitive and action-oriented health benefits, generating awareness and shutting off at scheduled intervals to remind the user to take a break and step outside.
My Thesis process synthesized many aspects of research and design. From early concepting and sketch models, to exploration of the market and existing products; investigation of lighting technologies, informative conversations with experts, and construction of final prototypes. My blog page on this site links to my thesis blog, where my process is described in more detail.
