Output details
34 - Art and Design: History, Practice and Theory
University of Sunderland
Solar Cell Seating - A site-specific glass and technology work
Watkinson’s practice-led research aims to investigate the creation and placing of contemporary glass public art as street furniture, into the city using sustainable materials, whilst also retaining sensitivity to the local environment. This research has included a feasibility study funded by the Technology Strategy Board into the design and manufacture of public seating illuminated by LEDs, which are powered by photovoltaic cells (PV cells) incorporated into the seats themselves. The resulting prototype with its simplicity of design makes it a versatile and user-friendly solution to the public seating needs of town planners and urban designers in the 21st century.
Solar Cell Seat, (1.2m high x 2m long) is sited at St Peter’s Campus, Sunderland (supported by the Technology Strategy Board, 2009). 'Solar Cell Seating' featured as a 'Project Story' in 'The Design Student's Handbook', edited by Jane Bartholomew and Steve Rutherford, Pearson Education Limited, 2013, ISBN 978-4082-2028-3.
The work is featured in the book ‘Urban Landscape Furniture’ by Hong Kong publishing house Hi Design Publications, ISBN 9789881970701.
