Dual Amber-White Lamp

2-Mode lighting that changes sign information using color

Lighting, Fall 2017

Concept

In addition to illuminating a pathway, I wanted to create a fixture that would nudge passers-by in a certain direction along a pathway. For example, a venue could use the lamp to nudge customers in during open hours and then have the lighting direct customers toward exits near closing time.

Prototyping

I experimented with the light cast on a pathway using different fixture shapes, opening shapes, and opening placements. I also tried a spinning shell to create shadows that moved up a pathway. However, to avoid the unwanted maintenance that comes with moving parts, I instead settled on a tubular lamp with two light sources. 

White Light and Amber Light

In addition to a typical warm white light, this luminar has a string of amber LEDs. Amber light excels in night applications because it preserves one’s night vision. Inspired by the shifting appearance of color under white and amber light, I used the difference to change information of signage near the fixtures. 
The follow picture-pairs are of the same objects, just under either white or amber light.
 

Colors appear differently depending on the spectrum of the light source

The two modes, white or amber mode, shift the emphasis of a sign

The two modes display different instructions: changing arrow directions

The two modes switch text information

This lamp can be remotely switched from white “night” setting to amber “late night” setting. With a single switch, all signs can change their direction or even their wording just based on the color of the light source. More than just suggesting a direction, this dual-mode framework can change any set of instructions given to passers-by.