Nina Edwards Anker and nea studio (which she founded in 2006) find inspiration in natural elements—think: snow melting, crystals, and birds in flight—and experiment with eco-friendly materials, resulting in contemporary statement pieces and solar lighting installations. The Solar Chandelier, in particular, caught our eye with dramatic shadows that give it a life of its own.
Solar Chandelier
Hanging from strands of transparent wire, Solar Chandelier is made of photovoltaic modules that power LED bulbs to illuminate translucent materials. The materials, size and height of the chandelier are customizable. The chandelier illuminates automatically at dusk. Solar Chandelier represents a way of investigating solar cells as perceptual devices for mediating light into designed spaces. This eco-friendly lighting design incorporates environmental technology while providing ambient lighting and projecting shadow patterns. With a passing breeze, the chandelier also functions as a wind chime. The amorphous thin film photovoltaic panels reflect the surrounding views in their mirrored surfaces. The visual aspect of the thin film material thus serves the design aim of the piece, which is to connect with the exterior environment.
Vanity Table
Inspired by melting snow and icicles, this small and versatile vanity table easily fits into the corner of most bedrooms or entry spaces. The shiny table surface incorporates a bowl for holding cosmetics or keys, etc. It can also hold water for flowers, or function as a small desk holding pens, etc. Fabricated in Brooklyn, NY.
Algae Lamps
Algae is molded into translucent cylindrical lamp shades that glow from the interior. The algae pieces can be grouped into different lengths to form a chandelier.
Latitude Light
The Latitude Light is a global product customized for specific locations. The lamp’s geometry can be automatically updated in a digital file so that the tilt of the photovoltaic panel changes according to latitude. By tilting the panel at different angles, the lamp’s capacity for electric power generation on an annual basis is optimized in its perpendicularity to the sun’s rays for different latitudes. The 3D-printed lamp needs to bathe in daylight for eight hours a day, with the PV panel facing the sky. Latitude Lights light up automatically at dark. Formed by two elemental interlocking cubes, the lamp is based on the simple concept of receiving and giving light. It can function on an optimal level around the globe by adjusting its shape parametrically according to latitude. Latitude Light is the winner of the 2017 A’ Design Award. It is representative of NEA Studio’s focus on sustainable design, material research, and technological innovation.
Twisted Sofa
This modular textile-covered L-shaped sofa incorporates daybed and seat on the backside. Outdoor version also available. Modular version of Twisted Sofa is available in a range of colors, sizes and fabrics at Dune in NY; shipped and delivered in five separate pieces that can fit into a standard elevator, to be assembled on site. The showroom is located 200 Lexington Avenue, at the New York Design Centre.Landscape Sofa can be purchased at Dune.
Cocoon, in Long Island, NY, is half opaque and curved house facing its neighbors to the north and west, and half crystaline and transparent facing the east and south. The solar house is LEED certified, using local building materials, as well as passive heating and cooling strategies. Cocoon won the Build 2019 Home and Garden Awards for Best New York Eco Residential Project.