Designer Interview: Rianne Mast, Creator of The White Sun
I have been in touch with talented designer, Rianne Mast in the Netherlands who recently showcased her incredible new concept to me, The White Sun.
A dynamic space designed for shelter, space and collaboration sees a change in the form of the ceiling and facade which can enlighten the inner section with fresh air or can block unwanted sunshine. The change will result in the removal of barriers between the users and the environment.
Upon seeing The White Sun design, I envisioned a multitude of urban placement opportunities in Australia: Throughout public places in the CBD, on campus at universities, poolside at luxury inner city hotels and spread over outdoor ground floors and outdoor spaces of commercial and residential skyscrapers.
Architecturally brilliant, The White Sun could also work in an indoor environment as an art installation in public gardens and urban precincts whilst also acting as shelter.
“The current idea of the White sun is a concept to show the dialog between the user (inside) and the environment (outside),” explains Mast of her concept. “Possible environments could include inside at a fair, but even better outside at festivals, parks and as presentations of art. The White sun is scalable so it can be used in many ways.”
Mast was inspired to create The White Sun during her studies of technology VS nature with biomimetica. What can I learn as a designer from the nature and her movements and combine these knowledge with modern technology? was the burning question which brought her concept to design life.
“In this study I figured out that the nature is full of surprises and one of the most wonderful solutions of the nature are the examples of the Fibonacci number, like the Pineapple and the flower.” explains Mast. The use of the Fibonacci mathemtical formula that directs the dynamic of The White Sun dome. “These solutions of nature provide a high efficiency, directing the motion of the White Sun in a natural and charming sense.”
The materials used in The White Sun will be recyclable and durable while being primarly UV resistant PVC (plastic) making it ideal for the Australian climate where the sun can be extremely harsh. Lightweight metals have been used for the structure and Mast is investigating the use of high tech materials like carbon fibers over the next couple of months.
“All materials which are used must be light weight, strong and flexible for an organic shape and usable for movements,” explains Mast. “A electronic system provides the motion and has the possibility to react on changes in the environment, like changes in weather and the behaviour of the users.”
So during high temperatures and increased sunlight, The White Sun will react and open encouraging and will close when it rains, during cold weather or later in the evening. There is also an option to use flexible solar panels on top of The White Sun for the internal lights and movement if required.
The details of The White Sun are impressive and Mast describes it quite delightfully:
A room is as a piece of clothing, like a second skin which protects the body from external influences. Though, the direct dialogue between the user and his home is missing, while a constant interaction is always present. Once a home and its interior become less static and therefore more dynamic, the dialogue will be created. The developed dynamics which is created enables the user the comfort and elegance which is desired. The basics for the search for living natural constructions were the connection between dynamics, space and interaction.
To contact Rianne about her concept, email mast.rianne@gmail.com or visit www.riannemast.nl for further insight.
Images: Artists’ Impressions, Rianne Mast