Image Credit : Bai Jiwen Courtesy of DP Architects
Project Overview
Cradle2Cradle started as an art/light installation that participated in the recent Singapore iLights Marina Bay 2018 festival.
Inspired by 'Newton's Cradle', our kinetic-light installation blurs the boundaries between science and art. Through public interaction, the device demonstrates the conservation of momentum and energy using a series of swinging spheres. These same spheres illuminate upon impact and energy transference, resulting in a mesmerizing display of light and logic.
Project Commissioner
Project Creator
Team
William Kwan-Terry, Kenny Chia
Project Brief
Inspired by 'Newton's Cradle', our kinetic-light installation blurs the boundaries between science and art. Through public interaction, the device demonstrates the conservation of momentum and energy using a series of swinging spheres. These same spheres illuminate upon impact and energy transference, resulting in a mesmerizing display of light and logic.
With sustainability as the theme of the iLights Marina Bay 2018 festival, we were concerned with the question of how do we create an interesting lighting structure that is attractive to the eye while bearing an important, memorable message on sustainability?
Two sets of these 'Cradles' are employed to increase public participation as well as visual impact. Mirrored surfaces line the base and ceiling of the installation, enhancing the visual experience through light and reflection. Through the use of emerging micro-generator technology, kinetic energy produced from the cradles is harnessed to supplement the power required to illuminate the spheres.
Essentially, Cradle2Cradle is a power-generating light installation designed to promote public involvement so as to spread awareness about emerging sustainable technology.
Project Innovation/Need
Cradle2Cradle blurs the boundaries between art and science through its innovative use of Piezoelectric generators and design.
Inspired by ‘Newton’s Cradle’, its design encourages both children and adults to play with the two sets of suspended spheres. As they stand at one end, they can lift a sphere and drop it. As the sphere falls, it harnesses its kinetic motion into electric energy and lights up. It then hits the sphere and the impact is delivered through the rest of the spheres, causing the piezoelectric generators within to activate, lighting the spheres.
Without any interaction, Cradle2Cradle remains inert and unlit. Thus, the project brings new awareness to the issue of sustainability in a fun and innovative way that is family-friendly.
Design Challenge
The design challenge was how to design a light installation that was not only aesthetically appealing but also encourages interactivity from the viewers. The light installation also had to be sustainable and appropriate for the iLights Marina Bay 2018 Festival’s theme of sustainability.
When the design was finalised, it was decided that the swinging spheres should be the focus. Thus, the structure was designed to appear almost invisible from a distance, so as not to draw attention away from the swinging spheres. Thin rounded steel members, cross-braced to provide the necessary strength, yet thin enough to ‘disappear’ achieved this aim. Steel was also used to make the ribbed floor plates that provide grip even when wet and the polished ceiling panels that enhance the visual impact of the light display as it mirrors the swinging spheres below it and the surrounding environment.
The braced structure, ribbed floor panels and polished ceiling envelop users, at once creating a sense of space and immersion as one steps within these ‘walls’. These very ‘walls’ disappear at a distance.
Sustainability
In order to properly mimic the pendulum effect of a Newton’s cradle, solid acrylic spheres were used. Lights were installed within a fitting that secured these spheres to their swinging rods. This allowed the light to be integrated within the spheres while minimizing their impact on the density and geometry required of the spheres. The acrylic spheres were treated with a frosted finish to allow for the light to diffuse homogenously.
Piezoelectric generators are also strategically placed at key points in the installation that are subject to mechanical stress (such as at the pivot points of the end spheres). These generators then harness energy produced from the mechanical stress to supplement the power required to illuminate the spheres.
The size and placement of the spheres were designed with several key considerations in mind. They include ease of use, visual impact, active interaction and safety. These considerations also led to the decision to have 2 rows of spheres, each row offset from the other. Having two rows at different heights encouraged both children and adults to interact with the artwork.
Interactivity is therefore an essential part of the installation as without it, the installation is static and ‘lifeless’. Only upon contact do the spheres light up and transmit movement imparted by the user.
Pop-Ups, Display, Exhibit & Set Design
This award celebrates innovative and creative design for a temporary building or interior, exhibition, pop up site, installation, fixture or interactive element. Consideration given to materials, finishes, signage and experience.
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