Stellar Inspiration: Milkyway Outdoor Lighting

Limay Türkkan & Anil Tontus Illuminate Spaces with Galactic Design

The Milkyway outdoor light is a top-mounted LED luminaire, designed to provide both aesthetic appeal and technical solutions for outdoor lighting needs. The designers were inspired by the sky and the stars, aiming to represent the real light source of the night sky. The Milkyway light is a part of the Milky Way galaxy, with each star visible to the naked eye contributing to the overall illumination.

What sets Milkyway apart from other outdoor lights is its combination of functionality and aesthetics. The design reflects the brand identity of the designers, while also providing customers with a wide variety of technical solutions for their lighting problems. In addition to the main LED light source, the luminaire features an RGB LED line around the top, offering adjustable ambient light with different color choices.

The Milkyway light is made from two main materials: an aluminium alloy main body and a PMMA optical cover. Inside the luminaire, there is a constant current LED driver acting as a power supply. The LED modules, mounted on a metal sheet to reduce heat and prolong the LED chips' lifetime, are housed under the optical cover. The main body is produced using aluminium injection die casting and is available in a broad range of colours thanks to powder coating. The PMMA cover is produced by plastic injection molding.

The design of the Milkyway light is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. Its simple mounting details allow users to easily change the top of the luminaire with minimal effort and time. This attention to detail in both mechanical and optical aspects results in a high-standard product with an IP66 rating, reinforcing its simple and modern design. The production details, combined with the material selection, make it a sustainable and eco-friendly product.

The Milkyway outdoor light was designed in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2014, following extensive research into natural light sources and the galaxy. The design process was not without its challenges, particularly during the development phase. The designers had to balance their creativity with production factors and available technology, working closely with optical and mechanical teams to solve problems through a multidisciplinary approach.

In recognition of its innovative design and functionality, the Milkyway outdoor light was awarded the Golden A' Lighting Products and Fixtures Design Award in 2015. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.