Abloom
Abloom is an overhead light designed for elementary classroom reading nooks. Its whimsical flower-inspired design, combined with vibrant, color-changing hues, creates a cozy and inviting space that encourages children to sit and read. Offering a smarter, healthier alternative to harsh fluorescent lighting, Abloom promotes both physical and mental well-being.
Design Problem:
Traditional
Fluorescent
Lighting
Headaches and eye-strain
Disrupts circadian rhythm
Negative mental health effects (ex. depression)
Decreased concentration
Lower test scores
Leading Questions
How can lighting reduce the harmful physical effects of overexposure to fluorescent lights?
In what ways can lighting make an elementary school environment feel more inviting and whimsical?
How can light transform a classroom into a space where students and teachers feel transported beyond its walls?
Preliminary Sketches
Once I decided to design a light for elementary school classrooms, I envisioned a form that was both whimsical and inviting. Drawing inspiration from natural elements like plants, insects, and stars, I sought to create a design that sparks curiosity while providing a sense of comfort for children.
Concept Ideation
Material and Form
Exploration
The prototyping process involved multiple iterations to explore various forms and materials. I experimented with paper, yarn, Styrofoam, plastic sheets, fabric, and more, testing different petal shapes along the way. Ultimately, I chose to pursue a fabric-based design due to its ability to drape and flow organically, perfectly complementing the concept's natural aesthetic.
Transparent multicolored PVC sheets
Fabric and wire/wireform
Transparent PVC with fabric and paint
Prototyping
After completing the material study, I began experimenting with various petal shapes using a color-changing light bulb.
Construction
The model was created by constructing each wire petal frame, hand-sewing fabric onto each petal, and crafting the top structures from pink foam. The petals were then attached to the frame using brad nails.
LE Color Changing Bluetooth Light Bulb
Eight petals constructed out of aluminum wire, three layers of tulle, and one layer of chiffon and pink foam structure
Scale
The scaled model is half the size of the final design, meaning the full light would stand 4 feet tall (excluding the hanging height), which can be adjusted as needed.
49.5 inches
48 inches
Average height of an elementary school student: 49.5 inches
Petal height: 48 inches
Dynamic Lighting
Teachers can adjust the color and brightness of the reading nook light, enabling the classroom environment to better suit students’ needs and moods. This dynamic lighting system is inspired by the findings in “Lighting Affects Students' Concentration Positively: Findings from Three Dutch Studies” (Sleegers, PJC, et al.).
Energy Setting
Cold blue light
Calm Setting
Warm white light
Focus Setting
Story Setting
Cool white light
Mood lighting