rethinking the radiator

rethinking the radiator by rochus jacob from usa

designer's own words:

Rethinking the radiator is about helping people to reduce the average room temperature by 2° which could save a ton CO2 a year and cut cost by 45%. Modern technology allows the use of lighter and more efficient materials in smaller forms. By moving the radiator deeper in to the living space the interaction becomes more present which enables the user to keep the heat consumption more often at a lower and constant level.

The design refers to the analogy of a campfire which represents the social aspect and essential importance heating once had in our culture. Heat is a emotional value.

The interface is not numeric instead you can either slide the heat up or down to find your personal state of warm. New insulation standards liberate the radiator from his position under the window. The system works with hot water or steam just like regular radiators and can be integrated in to every existing infrastructure. In the summer, the radiator can be stored elsewhere to allow more living space.

rethinking the radiator

final_slides_16.jpg design details

final_slides_17.jpg technical overview