It was in 2019 when IKEA teamed up with Icelandic-Danish artist Olafur Eliasson (co-founder of Little Sun) to design a solar panel lighting collection that can be attached to windows. Mimicking elliptical frames reflecting the rotation course of planets around the sun, these circular solar units were designed to store energy by the day and function as lamps by the night.
Though IKEA touted the release of the lighting collection in 2021, the brand certainly took a long time to launch it. A possible reason behind the delay could be the pandemic. When the concept came out, it looked like an artsy-fartsy claptrap, but it turned out to be a massive success on social media, courtesy of the spectacular design and purpose the collection served.
Four years after the prototype was unveiled, SAMMANLÄNKAD, the solar panel cum lamp collection is finally ready to launch in selected IKEA stores in April 2023. SAMMANLÄNKAD which translates to ‘connected’ in English, comprises two limited-edition solar-powered lamps.
There is a $98 LED solar-powered table lamp and an $11 LED solar-powered portable lamp (rates may vary depending on the current exchange rate) both made of high-quality plastic. The design of the table lamp as aforementioned is inspired by the earth’s orbit around the sun. The half-sphere placed on a round mirror conceals the light gathered during the day and is encompassed by the two metal circles. It can either serve as a table lamp or even function as a pendant lamp thanks to the adjustable metal frame and strap at the top. Furthermore, the light source can be removed and used as a torch, if required.
Next, we have the portable lamp. The egg-shaped light is equipped with a yellow strap to hold it. The strap also allows the user to hang it on the window to recharge in the sunlight. Both lamps have USB-A and USB-C ports that will help you charge other devices.
Also Read: Interview With Friso Wiersma – Lead Designer of IKEA
Helping you save energy and reduce your environmental impact, both lamps are capable of capturing the energy and creating light. The concept and the product are praiseworthy considering it raises awareness for equitable energy access.
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