Ginkgo: A Smart and Interactive Garden Lighting Design

Revolutionizing Outdoor Lighting with Efficiency and Style

Oddly enough, Elaheh Tassavor found inspiration for her Ginkgo design in the blossoms of a Sacred Lotus that open and close in response to light. Recognizing a gap in the market for exotic, interactive, and smart backyard lighting, Tassavor set out to create an eco-friendly lighting solution for upscale homeowners. The result is Ginkgo, a collection of outdoor lights that combine functionality, versatility, and aesthetic appeal.

Ginkgo lights are composed of materials that are resistant to different environmental elements, allowing them to float on water or sit as table lights. The smart material used in their construction enables the lights to expand and close during the day and night. Sensors control the pedal movements, directing the lights' open palms towards the sun to absorb maximum sunlight and gain kinetic energy. Additionally, the lights can be wirelessly synced, giving users master control over the illumination.

The realization of the Ginkgo design involves the use of smart memory plastic/metal for the body and flexible solar panels for energy capture. Built-in batteries store the kinetic energy captured from the sun, ensuring continuous illumination even during cloudy days or at night.

The Ginkgo lights come in two sizes: the Mother light, standing at 650 mm, and the Ginkgo light, measuring 350 mm in height. The Mother light is sold individually, while the Ginkgo light can be purchased in sets of six, allowing users to customize the density of lighting in their garden.

Operating the Ginkgo lights is simple and intuitive. After assembly, the lights are powered by sunlight and automatically illuminate their path. Users can adjust the brightness by touching the pedals of the Mother light and the smaller Ginkgo lights. The pedal portion of the light can also be snapped from its stem, allowing for easy removal and placement anywhere in the garden.

The Ginkgo design project started in September 2014 and was completed in December 2014 in San Francisco. It was presented at the Academy of Art University School of Industrial Design as a competition class project. Throughout the design process, Tassavor conducted extensive research on the outdoor lighting market, observing its rapid growth and identifying the issues faced by customers. The challenge was to create a unique and energy-saving lighting solution that seamlessly blends with most gardens. By maximizing solar energy into kinetic energy, Ginkgo overcomes the limitations of traditional solar path lights.

Ginkgo Light's durability and resistance to diverse climates and environments make it a versatile choice for any outdoor space. Whether floating on water or adorning a table, these lights bring a touch of modern elegance to gardens. With their smart technology and synchronized control, Ginkgo lights offer an interactive and efficient lighting solution for homeowners.

Ginkgo Light has received recognition for its innovative design and functionality. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2015 in the Energy Products, Projects, and Devices Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements, contributing to a better world.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Elaheh Tassavor
Image Credits: Image #1: Illustrator Elaheh Tassavor Image #2: Illustrator Elaheh Tassavor Image #3: Illustrator Elaheh Tassavor Image #4: Illustrator Elaheh Tassavor Image #5: Photographer online source from MC Property Management and Home Improvement, Illustrator Elaheh Tassavor
Project Team Members: Elaheh Tassavor
Project Name: Ginkgo
Project Client: Elaheh Tassavor


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