Second-Generation Solar Trees To Be Even More Awesome Than Real Trees |
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| By Michael d'Estries in Energy, Green Building, Solar, Tech Innovations | July 24, 2008 | |
Much praise has been heaped upon designer Ross Lovegrove since his solar trees first debuted in Vienna in October 2007. Essentially a solar-powered streetlamp — but also a work of art — the structure creates, as the designer puts it, “complex natural forms in a city that can benefit all of society.” They also save energy — and have managed to survive Vienna’s dark spells, with light still being generated even after four days without direct sun. From the article,
“When we were setting up the tree outside it was quite wonderful,” Lovegrove said. “Even when we had one stem, it was incredible, it seemed so insignificant but actually it really stood out and it proves this point that modern technology and design can really lift people’s spirits, it becomes an eye catcher because it’s sort of out of context. The Solar Tree is just a streetlamp but actually some of the small things which can have a big impact on our life are all open for reinterpretation.”
With the first-generation lamps firmly planted on some of Europe’s most famous streets, Lovegrove is now planning on the next-generation design. It will be called the “Adaptive Solar Tree” and, just like the real thing, will feature robotics that seek out sunlight or respond to changes in weather.
When the sun goes down the solar trees will return to their original position to give off a full spectrum of light to the street and pedestrians below.The new tree will also be able to respond to different weather, for example the branches will come together if the wind is too intense. Lovegrove also hopes to integrate an air purification bubble into the new trees, enabling them to clean the air around them, much like a real tree.
Smart streetlights that move to increase their efficiency or change with the weather? I for one welcome our new solar robotic overlords and hope the U.S. is next on the list to get some of these roadside.
via CNN
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Gustavion said,
This is neat, I’m not really sure the idea will take off much beyond artistic areas. I like the innovation though. We as individuals need to support forward thinking ideas like this. I came across a website http://www.simplestop.net that stops your postal junk mail and benefits the environment.
Jim Hayes said,
I can see these as shade devices as well in hot places like Vegas. In the summer people fight for the shady parking spot and actually stand under the shade of a light pole at street corners. to have these elegant fixtures following the sun to continue to provide shade in the day while lighting the area at night is an awesome concept. Bring them on. they are beautiful.
Coops said,
About time city planners and designers came up with functional infrastructure that doesn’t necessarily fulfill its purpose to the detriment of visual harmony.
Gideon said,
Hey Gustavion, stop spamming every discussion thread.
Krista said,
These look interesting. I wonder, however, are the lights eco-friendly in that they don’t cause glare? I’m all for alternative city planning, but we must not ignore the need for dark sky’s at night. We need to think about the birds that get lost during migration, because they are confused by the lights of our cities, not to mention sea turtles. So, are these lights really eco-friendly? Or are they ignoring another problem in our delicate ecosystem?
Christina said,
I agree with Krista, these look interesting but I don’t think they really solve our problem. Anyways I would much rather have real trees to take in all the CO2 from all the cars that pass by.
Ron said,
looking for an solar lamp that would blend seemlessly into and agro-tourism eco project in the caribbean.
Will be a significant order as the development spans 36 acres.
Kind Regards