The project is an interactive light that captures the moment in which Prometheus stole knowledge from the Gods so he can share it with mankind. It is designed using two basic geometrical shapes: the sphere and the cube.
The sphere represents Prometheus light, the knowledge, it serves as a protective shell, releasing it only when the light is turned on.
The exterior is covered with wood veneer representing the view/projection of mankind, the first step in understanding.
The interior is covered with gold foil representing the complexity and true nature of knowledge. The light from the sphere is warm because it is only a fraction.
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The cube represents the source, the Gods themselves. It is constructed using black acrylic. The top of the cube is fitted with a strip of LEDs, generating cold light, pure light.
The light from the LEDs also represents the boundary between the two worlds, the two levels of existence/perception.
Prometheus ILight
The sphere is 60 cm in diameter and deviated using the Golden Ratio, resulting a 37.08 cm in high segment. The position of the segment in relation to the sphere is also generated using the same ratio. The segment is then divided in 5 separate parts that open once the light is turned on and stay open until the light is turned off.
The motion is generated using a 2Nm 24 VAC spring return actuator, used in ventilation and air conditioning systems. (6 sec. Open / 2.5 sec. Close).
The actuator is connected directly to a master spur gear that turns 5 pinions (the 5 separate parts of the sphere) with a ratio of 3/1. The actuator starts at 0° and is limited (throw the master gear) at 8.33° using a 3 point contact with the steel cable supports. At the return, the shape of the pinions acts as a stop, locking in place with the master gear, ensuring a perfect close. The actuator comes with a 5 years warranty, is maintenance free, overload proof and weighs approx. 600g.
The position of the pivot points are chosen in such a way that the 5 segments will pull away from each other, rather than rubbing against one another at the edge when opening and closing. The 5 pinions are mounted on 5 ball bearings. The teeth of the spur gears are designed to each maintain a 4 point contact at all times.
The angle of rotation for the master gear is 8.33° resulting a 25° angle of rotation for the pinions.
The ceiling cup is a black acrylic cube (14 cm side); it is constructed using a ratio of 7/30 in relation to the sphere. It is fitted with a strip of LEDs mounted in an aluminum profile and also houses: - a 24 VAC transformer (for the actuator) - a 24 VAC to 12 VDC Converter (for the LEDs) - a led potentiometer circuit (for the LEDs).
The base material used is acrylic, heat molded and laser cut. With thickness raging from 2mm to 8mm, assembled using adhesive welding.
The exterior of the sphere is covered with 0.9 mm Wenge veneer.
The interior is covered with 24K gold foil that acts as insulation from the heat generated by the light bulb.
Construction
