KONSTANTINOS KALLIPOLITIS PROPOSES A SOLAR LIGHTING SYSTEM INSPIRED BY THE SEA TURTLES

 

“The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), is an oceanic turtle distributed throughout the world. The loggerhead sea turtle is found in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Greece is the most popular nesting site along the Mediterranean, with more than 3,000 nests per year. Every summer, in the Gulf of Lagana, in the island of Zankinthos, the female loggerhead comes ashore to lay eggs. Loggerhead sea turtles are classified as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature” (Wikipedia).

 

We are proposing a solar lighting system for outdoor use.

 

Concept description. 

The basic design concept is based on the structure of the shell of the loggerhead sea turtle. Turtle’s shell, is divided in a grid and is covered by plates, called scutes. In a similar way the upper surface of the light unit, also consists of cells arranged in a hexagonal grid. The cells in our case take the form of holes that are placed in the center points of the hexagonal grid, and have the shape of an hexagon, but in different dimensions, depending on the position of each cell – bigger in the center, smaller in the edges. The light comes through an opal polycarbonate diffuser, which covers the holes. The whole surface is covered by flexible solar panels.

An atmospheric lighting effect is created by a hidden lighting source on the basis of the fixture.  

 

As the shell of the turtle protects all its vital organs, similarly, all the electrical parts such as the batteries and the light source of our fixture are protected inside the body of the luminaire.  As loggerheads turtles are considered an endangered species the design acquires an ecological perspective.

 

The turtle lighting system can be used for outdoor purposes and in particular for event planning purposes in remote places, in landscape design, defining and emphasizing certain paths and spaces. It can also be used in certain environmentally sensitive/protected areas, where we would like to offer an ecologically friendly lighting system.

 

The turtle solar lighting system is an outdoor light fixture, powered by solar energy. Its top surface is covered with flexible solar panels that charge a battery inside the fixture. There are two lighting sources. The first one lights up the upper side of the device and the second one is a hidden light source on the base, providing indirect illumination. The light source consists of led lights. 

 

Materials.

The body of the luminaire is made of die-cast aluminium with high corrosion protection.

Dual-layer epoxy and polyester powder-coating in silver-grey finish for best possible resistance.

Luminaire cover made of opal polycarbonate diffuser.