# Sunlight-Preserving Panels A Device is Being Developed For Increasing Natural Light in Cities By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-05-06 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/increasing-natural-light References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3029819/this-simple-device-harvests-sunshine-and-beams-it-down-to-dark-city-streets) With a [skyscraper building boom](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solar-tower-1) happening worldwide, from London to Mumbai and Bangkok to Panama City, increasing natural light in metropolitan areas is becoming an issue. A simple [sunlight-capturing device](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sula) from developers in Cairo could be the solution. The Egyptian researchers are working on a cleverly engineered plastic panel that harvests light from the sun and redirects onto the city streets below. The wavy shape of the plastic allows it to be increasing natural light. While skyscrapers can provide shade for hotter climates like Cairo's, the darkness can be unpleasant for urban inhabitants. In cooler parts of the world the shadows cast from such towering structures can add a sense of dreariness, especially in winter time. Researchers are optimizing their design and hope to have a prototype ready this year. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.5/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) > [Eco Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/ecoarchitecture) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Skyscraper Building Boom:** Opportunity for innovative solutions to increase natural light in metropolitan areas with a growing number of skyscrapers worldwide. - **Sunlight-capturing Devices:** Developing efficient and cleverly engineered plastic panels that harvest light from the sun and redirect it onto city streets. - **Natural Light Optimization:** Focus on designing and implementing solutions to maximize natural light in urban environments, improving the quality of life for urban inhabitants. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Architecture and Construction:** Industry opportunity to incorporate sunlight-preserving panels into building designs, offering a more pleasant and sustainable urban environment. - **Energy and Sustainability:** Industry opportunity to develop and market efficient sunlight-capturing devices that reduce the need for artificial lighting in metropolitan areas. - **Urban Planning and Design:** Industry opportunity to optimize natural light in urban environments by integrating innovative solutions into city planning and architectural designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Window-Imitating Smart Light Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vindow.md) - [Sky-Light Replicating Lighting Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nanoleafs-sky-expansion-pack.md) - [Sunlight-Imitating Indoor Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunbooster.md) - [Window-Emulating Lighting Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/window-chronicles.md) - [Squid-Inspired Smart Windows](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liquidfilled-panel.md) - [Heritage Building-Blending Solar Panels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-solar.md) - [Indoor Plant Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/indoor-plants1.md) - [Rain-Collecting Skyscrapers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bpas-architects.md) - [Biology-First Lighting Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skyview.md)