ICFF Field Report: Sunflower-inspired eco-lighting
(Credit:
Caroline McCarthy/CNET Networks)
One of the most noticeable trends at this year's ICFF was the prevalence of nature-inspired design, whether it be pillows with birds printed on them or wall fixtures with antlers. There was also, predictably, a heck of a lot of "green" design and LED lighting. This prototype, called the Corona Solar Light, was one of my favorites.
Designed by Shane Kohatsu and Emi Fujita, these are long skinny outdoor lights that resemble sunflowers or some other kind of tall, long-stemmed plant. In the "head" is a solar panel, which charges the light during the day so that the LED-infused "crown" (get it? Corona?) will be illuminated at night.
Corona lights can also be removed from their "stems" and attached to walls or placed on tables. Cool, right? Unfortunately, they can't turn to face the sun like real sunflowers would, but I suppose there's still some R&D to be done in the rapidly evolving field of luminescent biomimicry.
Caroline McCarthy, a CNET News staff writer, is a downtown Manhattanite happily addicted to social-media tools and restaurant blogs. Her pre-CNET resume includes interning at an IT security firm and brewing cappuccinos. E-mail Caroline. 
~WW