philips design: metamorphosis

‘metamorphosis’ concepts all images courtesy of philips design

dutch electronics company philips‘ latest project ‘metamorphosis’ explores how we have become separated from our natural world in terms of surroundings and how we perceive and manage our time. their research finds a way in which we as a society can reconnect with nature within the urban context. while seasons and time awaken instinctive responses in us, the spaces in which we currently live and work, do not reflect the changes outside to allow these effects to take place. ‘metamorphosis’ demonstrates how we have become detached from nature and the effect it has on our sensory experience and lifestyle.

investigating themes of air, body, light and sound, the metamorphosis probe project team created concepts which interpret the home as a filter to limit air pollution, electromagnetic smog and industrial noise penetrating our living and working spaces, while still allowing natural light, air and sound to flow into our interior spaces. these design proposals work as a filter between people and the natural world from which, over time, people have become detached.

healing bed concept

through a fiber-optic bed canopy, the ‘healing bed’ concept transports natural light from the outside, bringing daylight and moonlight into the bedroom and down to the bed itself. this is done through UV, infra-red and other frequency spectrum filters. the bed senses biometric signals and produces relaxing natural light effects and sound to enhance the waking experience. specific therapeutic light frequencies can be filtered for health benefits.

solar blowbot concept

the ‘blowbot’ is a solar powered robotic device that senses human presence and activity. the unit moves around the home, generating breezes which are channeled through an inflatable textile bladder. it is powered by solar reflectors and has been designed to ‘visualize’ air by inflating and deflating to create directional gusts and breezes.

air tree concept

designed to ‘breathe’ in a rhythm to the airflow outdoors, the ‘air tree’ maintains a healthy level of filtered air with subtle changes in humidity. unlike an air-conditioner or fan that regulates air by directing and channeling constant streams of air, this concept creates variations in ones interior atmospheric condition.

sound barrier concept (in)

the ‘sound barriers’ are not speakers for audio systems. instead, they are noise filters which indicate their activity by changing shape. the idea is based around the home, office or hospital space, functioning as a filter that enables nature to enter our living space while external environmental pollution (noise, chemical, light etc.) is all filtered out.

sound barrier concept (out)

wave daybed concept (flat)

this bed changes according to people’s natural resting-positions, and transforms to compliment your posture and position. ‘wave daybed’ takes the shape of your body, conforming to your body, until you change position again.

wave daybed concept (conforming)

‘metamorphosis’ concepts

sun beam concept

the ‘sun beam’ concept is a natural light diffuser with an array of reflective surfaces which scatter natural light piped in via fibre-optic cable. by changing the angle of the reflective elements, light can be directed at additional reflectors in the room or to solar powered appliances which are powered with daylight. the active filters change the level of diffusion to affect the ambiance / ‘mood’ of the light.

sun beam concept (detail)

‘metamorphosis’ concepts

drawing of ‘metamorphosis’

philips design probes – ‘metamorphosis’