Saturn | Luminaire
An abstract reconnection of time with light
Life on earth works follows a circadian rhythm that works on the basis of light. Sunlight was used to tell time. Our activities relied on the presence of daylight. As humanity progressed and developed its own sources of light, the connection between light and time was broken.
The Problem Statement
Various concepts were explored to satisfy the problem statement. Different mechanisms and movements were tested to arrive at one which could subtly tell time while still achieving the main purposes of a suspended luminaire, which are to provide light and serve as a ornament which enhances the beauty of its surroundings.
To design a luminaire that tells time and serves as an attraction of the space it is placed in
Reconnecting light and time while creating a statement
Saturn is a suspended luminaire made to be the attraction of any space it is placed in. It is a conversation-starter that enhances the look of its surroundings with its contemporary design. It gives off a soft neutral glow which does not hurt your eyes while viewing it.
Saturn reconnects light and time with its unique three-dimensional approach to a standard clock. Its light emitting arms fully rotate around the stationary center like the arms of a clock would rotate to tell time.
How does it tell time?
The fully rotating arms (arcs) move like that of a clock, with the uncovered parts of the smaller and longer arc displaying hours and minutes respectively, when viewed at from the front or back.
The two perpendicular rings at the centre of the light remain stationery and indicate the 12, 3, 6, 9 marks.
How does it work?
Four stepper motors sit in each arm and rotate them. The motors are controlled by the micro-controller in the mount housing.
Through-bore slip rings in each arm allow for complete rotation without the entanglement of wires.
Combining an abstract concept with a technical product, this project was a great exercise in figuring out how to give a physical form and function to the connection between light and time.
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