3XNs research department GXN has designed a streetlight lamp head based on the newest solar cell and light technology. The luminaire generates more electricity than it uses. With the help of a specially developed prism sun energy is converted into efficient street lightning. Seven lamps were erected at Bella Center in Copenhagen in conjunction with the UN Climate Conference in December 2009.

Capturing Nordic Light
The street lamps are a result of the close co-operation between 3XN and the lighting firm, Scotia. The goal was to create a sculptural and CO2 neutral street lighting solution. This was achieved with the combination of 3XNs GOTHAM luminaire and Scotias solar cell lamp post. The lamp post is square and integrates upright standing solar cells which are strategically positioned to capture the Nordic light. The background behind the design for the lamp stems from ideas of Japanese origami and the natural shapes that emerge from geometry. The luminaire contains folds which in addition to being very aesthetic are very functional – even designed with respect to the wind. The luminaire works in conjunction with the mast to form a very sculptural expression with a veiled reference to the lamp’s futuristic LED technology, explains Kim Herforth Nielsen, Founder and Principal Architect of 3XN. The seven street lamps are located in Parking Lot 5 at Bella Center’s main entrance.

A Futuristic Family
GOTHAM is found in singled headed and doubled headed version. GXN is working on a number of other lamp designs that can be combined with the solar mast. The GOTHAM project combines the newest technology with a very futuristic expression. The development of the LED lamp lies as part of GXNs natural ambition to be cutting edge in green and innovative design – without compromising aesthetics.

About the GOTHAM Lamp Head
The luminaire uses LED light technology with a life of up to 50.000 hours. LED is very energy effective, but its outdoor LED use had been difficult to employ due to diffusion control issues. In connection with the development of GOTHAM, the Italian producer EWO developed a specialized prism which is placed in front of the light rays. The prism’s orientation determines the direct and precise diffusion of light.

About the Scotia Sun Mast
The Scotia Sun Mast family integrates highly efficient solar cells into a single, slender form that can either be topped with a street lamp or used on its own to generate power. The mast is designed with excellent low-light behaviour and, contrary to intuition, performs best at northern latitudes. An 8m mast situated in Copenhagen is estimated to save 170kg of CO2 a year, compared to a conventional street lamp.

Bella Center

Lamp head design: 3XN A/S
Solar mast idea and concept: Scotia ApS
Solar mast design: Scotia ApS
Electrical engineering: Grontmij Carl Bro
Installation: Kemp & Lauritzen
Technical supervision: Scenetek

GOTHAM Lamp Head
Design: 3XN A/S
Manufacturing: EWO
Lighting consultant: Scotia ApS

Mast
Design: Scotia ApS
Manufacturing: Riegens A/S
Solar cell development: Q-Cells