EnGo: The Smart Street Light Revolutionizing Urban Spaces

Creating Unique Visual Environments and Fulfilling Everyday Needs

EnGo is not your average street light. It is an interactive off-the-grid lighting solution that serves as a social hub, providing power and Wi-Fi for mobile devices. The design team's goal was to create a unique and contemporary visual environment that fulfills the everyday needs of urban dwellers.

The inspiration for EnGo came from the calm natural shapes found in nature and the different effects of natural light. By harnessing the power of sunlight and the abundance of movement in urban areas, EnGo maximizes its energy efficiency and sustainability.

What sets EnGo apart from other street lights is its ability to adapt to the needs of the community. The main LED reflector can be powered either by solar cells or a pad system that harvests kinetic energy from the footsteps of passersby. This flexibility allows EnGo to operate independently of the grid, reducing energy consumption and costs.

EnGo also features changeable LED ambient lighting, which can be used to set different moods and create unique visual experiences. Additionally, the large surface below the panel presents a unique advertising opportunity, allowing the product to generate income for the community.

The realization of EnGo involves the use of high-quality materials such as steel, aluminum, and solid wood, depending on the desired color of the unit. The design team has also taken into consideration the technical specifications, offering height options of 4m, 6m, or 8m for the reflector, as well as additional battery boxes and charging spots.

EnGo's functionality is user-friendly and intuitive. It can be installed in any orientation to maximize sunlight exposure. The battery packs inside the bench or underground charge devices via Wi-Fi using the Charge Spot feature. Interaction with EnGo is done through a dedicated app, allowing users to control the lighting and access other city services. Passersby can also set the ambient lighting using a separate app.

EnGo goes beyond lighting. Equipped with various sensors, it tracks atmospheric and traffic conditions, providing valuable data to city planners. Linked units light the way when needed and save energy when not in use. The inclusion of NFC stickers on the Charge Spot offers additional advertising opportunities.

The EnGo project, which started in 2015, is a collaboration between a start-up company from New York, USA, and a team from Belgrade, Serbia. Through extensive research, the design team identified the limitations of current solar LED street light solutions and aimed to address them with EnGo. They found that existing solutions were either too expensive or lacked an appealing design language. Additionally, solar panels were not fully utilized due to restrictions on orientation and angle.

The design team faced several challenges in creating EnGo. They aimed to develop a modular and adjustable unit that could be produced at a low cost and easily transported and installed on-site. The design had to strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional options that could be customized based on the client's needs, location, and usage.

EnGo has received recognition for its innovative design and contribution to quality of life improvements. In 2018, it was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Street and City Furniture Design category. This prestigious award acknowledges designs that demonstrate creativity, resourcefulness, and technical excellence.

EnGo is not just a street light; it is a symbol of progress and sustainability. With its unique design, renewable energy sources, and interactive features, EnGo is revolutionizing urban spaces and enhancing the lives of city dwellers around the world.