Martin Andersen is a Norwegian artist who has brought sun back to the winter town of Rjukan. Rjukan is a small town in southern Norway that receives no direct sunlight during winter. To combat this problem, Andersen installed giant mirrors on the mountainside near the town.
The mountains surrounding the town normally block out the sun during the winter. Andersen's heliostats reflect the sunlight from atop the mountain and down into the town below. The result is natural sunlight throughout the window for the first time in history. The heliostats are powered by the sun and are programmed to track the sun so as to be as efficient as possible. Martin Andersen's art project was created to boost the winter blues (seasonal depression) commonly associated with a lack of sunlight during the winter.
Sun-Stealing Art Projects
Martin Andersen Uses Heliostats to Bring Light to a Small Norwegian Town
Trend Themes
1. Sun-stealing Art Projects - Art projects using technology to harness natural light and combat seasonal depression.
2. Heliostats in Urban Planning - Urban planning utilizing heliostats to bring natural light into otherwise dark urban areas.
3. Sustainable Sunlight Solutions - Innovative solutions for harnessing natural sunlight to combat seasonal depression and provide sustainable sources of light.
Industry Implications
1. Art - Artists and art organizations can utilize heliostats or other technology to enhance their work and create unique installations.
2. Architecture and Urban Planning - Urban planners and architects can incorporate heliostats and other technology to bring natural light into dark urban areas and improve quality of life.
3. Energy and Sustainability - Companies can focus on developing sustainable solutions for harnessing natural sunlight to power lighting in homes and businesses.