IKEA has announced its latest collaboration, SAMMANLÄNKAD, in partnership with social business Little Sun. The collection, which launches April 2023, combines beauty, art, and design with solar technology – with the result being two mesmerising solar-powered LED lamps.
SAMMANLÄNKAD aims to help customers experience solar energy within the home, spotlighting its potential as an alternative energy source to power everyday objects. It comes after IKEA and Little Sun set out to explore how home furnishing design can incorporate solar power.
With its design inspired by the sun and the earth’s movement around it, the SAMMANLÄNKAD LED solar-powered table lamp’s design is effortlessly sleek. The light source is in the shape of a half-sphere, which is enhanced by the reflection of a mirror to create a shining sun. Meanwhile, the metal frame of the lamp holds the light source and is also adjustable, allowing for versatile use as a pendant or table lamp. The light source can also be removed from the stand to be used as a torch.
The smaller, portable lamp offers a practical option for outdoor settings, making it ideal for using within the home or on the go. Its yellow strap means it can be held and hung on a window or backpack during daylight hours for charging.
Little Sun, founded by world-renowned artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen, is an organisation dedicated to giving more people access to solar energy in communities without regular access to electricity, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Olafur Eliasson, artist and co-founder of Little Sun, said: “The collaboration with IKEA supports our mission to raise awareness for energy access and reminds us that we have the potential to co-shape our world.”
“If we are to transition to a world powered by renewable energy in the next decade, we need everyone to recognise the opportunity of solar energy. Sunlight is seemingly invisible, but solar energy allows us to make the invisible visible”.
Both lamps are equipped with solar panels and rechargeable batteries. The table lamp can also be charged through an outlet using its USB-A and USB-C ports, when not charged by the sun. With fully charged batteries, the lamp’s battery can also be used to boost the battery of your mobile phone.
James Futcher, creative leader at IKEA of Sweden, added: “With this collaboration, we wanted to spark a conversation around solar energy and put the power of the sun in the hands of the many people. Our shared belief is that the possibilities of thoughtful design lie in its ability to create awareness and make a difference.”
“Design, beauty, and simplicity together make these products something that people will have in their lives, giving them the power to embrace the idea of solar energy powering our future”, says Felix Hallwachs, Managing Director of Little Sun.”
“It’s only a small nudge that we can deliver, and many nudges are needed. But we are excited to see how much solar energy we can spread in the world.”
The SAMMANLÄNKAD collection will launch in IKEA stores April 2023.
