Philips Design’s Metamorphosis Concepts view the home as a filter to limit air pollution, electromagnetic smog, industrial noise, penetrating our living and working space while letting in natural light, air and sound.
Recent research compiled by Philips Lighting explores the concept of metamorphosis, which unpacks how we have become detached from the natural world, both in terms of our surroundings and how we perceive and manage our time. The project examines the spaces we inhabit both physically and virtually, tracing the historical processes that have led to this separation of life governed by sensory experience to life governed by information.
The Metamorphosis research explores the areas of light, sound, air and body. It views the home as a filter to limit air pollution, electromagnetic smog, industrial noise, penetrating our living and working space while letting in natural light, air and sound. The design concepts aim to enhance personal well-being by reconnecting us with the natural environment, an increasingly rare commodity in a today’s urbanized world.
The concepts channel natural qualities and form a barrier against the unnatural elements we are bombarded with. They respond both to the condition of atmosphere, light and sound outside as well as the people that share the spaces with them. Using human behaviour analysis software and a network of remote bio-metric sensors, the concepts respond dynamically to the environment. Rather than creating “artificial” air, sound or light, they transport the natural external world into the places we live, work and recover.
Shimmer concept: Shimmer is an architectural product concept designed to facilitate well-being through surprise, movement, natural noise management, air movement and natural light dispersion. The “stripes” are based on flexible elements that emit natural light and channel air. They can transform to change the interior characteristics of a space in response to people and the atmospheric/lighting conditions outside. The elements of the system are a composite laminate consisting of a light diffusing material; air/vapor capillary system, flexible audio membrane and structural and decorative elements. Space is transformed as the “stripe‟ elements are flexed, changing the volume, affecting the airflow and the sound characteristics. The tension is altered by a system of cables connected to small motors with a gearbox, allowing natural light conditions to be transported from the outside into the interior space.
LIGHT: The concepts that use natural light diffusion techniques are designed to channel the whole light effect spectrum – daylight, moonlight, starlight, shadow flicker and so on. These effects are largely subliminal and indirect; the aim is to reconnect people with natural cycles and the uplifting effects of natural light.
Healing Bed concept Insights gained from research about how people heal on the sunny side of the hospital inspired the concept of bringing natural light into the hospital room or home (light and warmth can improve the healing process) via a natural diffuser. Through a fiber-optic bed canopy, natural light is transported from outside to the Healing Bed. Using UV, infra-red and other frequency spectrum filters, the canopy brings daylight and moonlight into the bedroom. Specific therapeutic light frequencies can be filtered for health benefits. The Healing Bed senses biometric signals and produces relaxing natural light effects and sound to enhance the waking experience.
Sun Beam concept Natural Light diffuser and reflectors and an array of reflective surfaces scatter natural light piped in via fibre-optic cable. By changing the angle of the reflective elements light can be directed to additional reflectors in the room or to solar powered appliances which are powered with daylight. The active filters change the level of diffusion to affect the “mood” of the light.
AIR: Up to 30% of new and remodeled buildings worldwide may be linked to symptoms of “sick building syndrome”. Research has shown that monotony, regularity and uniformity may contribute to this condition. Indoor air quality can be up to ten times worse than the quality of the air outside homes, offices or schools.
Air Tree concept Indoor air quality, such as homes, offices and schools, can be up to ten times worse than the quality of air outside. Air Tree is designed to “breathe” in rhythm to the airflow outside, maintaining a healthy level of filtered air with subtle changes in humidity. Unlike an air-conditioner or fan that regulates air by channeling constant streams of air, this concept creates variation in the interior atmospheric condition. Movement of the “mobile” relates to the weather outside and is intended to create a subliminal connection to nature. The mobile dispenses vapor over a large area in an a rhythmic manner – much like the weather outside.
Solar Blowbot concept The “Solar Blowbot” concept is based on unpredictable gusts of air and spontaneous natural movement – much like the wind rustling in the trees. The Blowbot is a solar powered robotic device that senses human presence and activity. It moves around the home generating breezes which are channeled through an inflatable textile bladder. It is powered by solar reflectors and has been designed to “visualize” air by dramatically inflating and deflating to create directional gusts and breezes. Unlike fans and air conditioning systems which are predictable, monotonous and rhythmic, Blowbot simulates the unpredictable and chaotic qualities of nature.
SOUND: Environmental noise compromises our health and well-being and will continue to increase in magnitude and severity due to population growth and urbanisation. The loss of natural soundscape diminishes people’s experiences of the natural world, while industrial noise increases stress in the natural environment. While noise-cancellation technology has existed for a long time, it has not been used to create a product to specifically manage the “noisescape” – in other words develop a well-being product that eliminates un-natural sound and filters-in natural sound.
Sound Barrier Research shows how different sounds affect our mood and ability to heal. The Sound Barrier concepts are not speakers for audio systems – they are noise filters that show their activity by changing shape. The concepts are all based on the home, office or hospital space functioning as a filter that enables nature to enter our living space while external environmental pollution (noise, chemical, light etc.) is filtered out. The concepts are designed for the home, office or hospital space and create a „nature‟ filter to overcome the barriers which separate us from the natural environment.
BODY: Our sedentary lifestyle is a cause of serious health problems. The furniture in our spaces does not support the needs of our body. This results in poor postures and potentially long term health effects, such as joint pains, rheumatism and arthritis. Poor posture also results in sub-optimal breathing and effects our overall health and stress levels.
Wave Daybed concept Wave Daybed is an ever-changing bed based on the natural resting-positions, and transforms to compliment your posture and position. It takes the shape of your body, forming the shape until you change position again.
