AWARD YEAR
2017
CATEGORY
Home
GOALS
Affordable & Clean Energy
KEYWORDS
Appropriate Technology, Sustainable daylighting, Developing country
COUNTRY
Republic of Korea
DESIGNED BY
ID+IM Design Laboratory, KAIST
WEBSITE
http://idim.kaist.ac.kr/light-funnel
Light Funnel
The new type of appropriate daylighting device for off-grid areas of Africa
In Africa, ‘Manyatta’, the traditional clay house is common, especially for the Masai tribe. Because the house is windowless structure, people live in dark environments, even during the daytime. Commonly used paraffin candle or kerosene lamp are harmful and one-off. Solar cell lighting needs to replace its battery every 1 or 2 years. Moreover, it cannot be used during the daytime because it needs to be charged for night use.
The LIGHT FUNNEL is a new type of daylighting device designed for off-grid areas of Africa. It helps to maximize the natural light effect in the daytime with minimal house renovation. It consists of a transparent sphere and a reflective pathway. The user can easily install the LIGHT FUNNEL following the instruction printed on the surface. After putting it into the rooftop, the sunlight passes into the house through the water inside. It provides 3 times brighter light environment than without it. Also, once installed, it can be used almost permanently.