'power purse' by solarjo, 2005 is a bag which has photovoltaic cells which can recharge small devices such as a mobile
phone or mp3 player
image © designboom

while in saint-etienne, designboom visited the musée d'art et industrie where 'so watt!'
is being shown. the exhibition explores ideas which deal with today's energy issues.
there are a range of projects on display, from architectural models to personal energy saving devices.
the objects take a look at the production of energy and different approaches of contributing
to a more environmentally friendly society.


'H-racer' miniature car with horizon fuel cells, 2006
image © designboom

the 'H-racer' functions on hydrogen and is manufactured from water using a micro
production station powered by solar panels. the car's hydrogen conversion into electricity
is done without combustion engines and emit only pure water. it is a miniature version
of what is being developed by some major automobile manufacturers. this toy was designed
to help raise funds for the research and development and the promotion of this type of technology.


'radio FR250' and 'radio FR350' by eton corp, 2007
image © designboom

these radios produce their own energy through a hand crank. the 'FR350' is completely watertight
and the 'FR250' includes a lighting device and mobile phone charger. eton manufactures these radios for the general public with special consideration for use by the american red cross.


a view of some of the energy saving models which were on display
image © designboom


inside an alcove where there was an installation made from electrical cords designed by gaëlle gabillet
image © designboom


electrical cords are constructed in such a way to create bulbs of light which were bound to make a larger web by gaëlle gabillet
image © designboom


a detail of one of the woven light covers by gaëlle gabillet
image © designboom


suspended 'flower lamp' by göran nordahl from 'front', 2005
image © designboom

with the 'flower lamp', it is not only the light which evokes energy but the actual light form itself.
the light's 'petals' open and change when the energy consumption in the house is low.
the flower lamp encourages energy saving behaviour as it only reacts when users are behaving
in a positive way towards the environment.


a display of vintage electricity and hydro advertisements, from the musée EDF electropolis-mulhouse collection
image © designboom

french designer gaëlle gabillet was responsible for the scenography of the exhibition.

saint-étienne international design biennale: http://biennalesaint-etienne.citedudesign.com
cité du design: http://www.citedudesign.com