2024 - LuminaLink

Luminalink is a lighting structure that’s designed for the situation where elevators are used often but stairs are not used often.LuminaLink combines solar energy conversion and utilization technology with signal transmission and reception to provide features such as daily lighting,damage warning and hazard warning. It can improve the safety performance of stairs, improve the safety hazards of stairs in multi-storey and high-rise public buildings, provide people with more convenience and safety guarantees, and make people feel more secure when using stairs.

Integrating illumination with safety, linking staircases with salvation. LuminaLink, where ’Lumina’ represents not only the brightness brought by the light source, but also the redemption in times of peril; ’Link’ signifies not only connecting different floors, but also linking the victims with ’illumination’

With the continuous progress of society and the development of science and technology, elevators have become the standard configuration in modern buildings, greatly improving daily quality of life everyday. However, this has led to the gradual neglect of stairwells. Many stairwells now have voice-activated lights installed to save energy, but problems arise with their quality issues and maintenance.

With the continuous emergence of high-rise buildings, elevators have become the primary vertical transportation method for people. Unlike stairs, elevators offer greater convenience, particularly for individuals carrying heavy items or those with limited mobility. Consequently, stairwells are being used much less frequently.

Voice-activated lights have become increasingly popular in stairwells as a means of conserving energy and reducing emissions. However, the quality of these lights can vary and they are susceptible to external noise, leading to malfunctions or incorrect judgments. Additionally, due to the reduced frequency of stairwell use, repair and replacement of voice-activated lights often do not receive timely attention, resulting in an unstable lighting environment and even dark areas.

The stairwell serves as a transportation hub for the building and plays a crucial evacuation role in case of emergencies. However, issues with voice-activated lighting can result in insufficient illumination in stairwells, increasing safety risks for individuals traversing them. Moreover, the dimly-lit environment of stairwells can serve as a breeding ground for criminal activity, including tailgating, robbery, and even murder.

Our proposal imagines a space that transforms with your movement. As you interact with the environment, light filters in differently, revealing the true essence of natural light. Think of a worm burrowing through soft earth, its body shaping the path as sunlight filters through. Here, it’s the people who dictate the light, not the other way around. By actively engaging with the space, we can rediscover the power of natural illumination and reshape our perception of light itself.

<3. Space description>
In our proposal, there is no restriction on what people do here, there are no rigid seats or fixed tables. Our design encourages freedom. Here, warm light welcomes you to create your own space. Imagine people sprawled on the floor, lost in books, or simply napping peacefully. The space adapts to your needs. A single person can find a cozy nook, while a group can collaborate in a larger area.
The beauty lies in the dynamic interaction. As people move and engage with the environment, they define the space’s ”topography of light.” Light becomes a living element, responding to your presence and shaping itself to your activities.

<4. Fabric wastes as an opportunity>
Large amount of fabric waste is incinerated and landfilled. According to Korean government, 1,239 tons of fabric waste and 2,700 tons of plastic waste is generated per day. While 69% of plastic waste is recycled, only 0.02% of fabric waste is recycled. In other words, The amount of fabric waste is larger than plastic waste produced in Seoul per day.
Instead of ending up in landfills, we see this abundance of fabric waste as an opportunity. Our proposal envisions using these very scraps to create the ceilings and floors of the space. By incorporating recycled fabric into the space’s structure, we can transform this waste into a source of warmth and wellbeing for the workers.

<5. Details and production>
1 Visit the sewing street and collect fabric waste.
2 Weave fabric wastes.
3 Compress fabric wastes into one piece.
4 Cut it into an auxetic pattern.
5 Combine with the pulley structure.
6 Step on, the gravity on the floor lifts the ceiling.
7 Lights come through the gap.