SOM was a finalist in a competition for a new generation of urban streetlights with a design that merged 21st century illumination with an urban classic shape. SOM’s streetlight utilizes compact electronics contained within a morphing form that flattens from a cylinder to an oval as it arches upward—with a twist for added strength.

Project Facts

Completion Year: 2004

Project Awards

2008 • Spark Awards • Furniture & Outdoor: Street Furniture Category, Gold Award

The design for the Integrated Light Pole uses innovative technology to create a practical, energy- and cost-efficient model for sustainable design that has the potential to be implemented on a widespread, local level.

The structure’s morphological form widens from a cylinder to an oval as it arches upward. This shape is then twisted and curved to increase its structural stiffness. The wide diameter of the pole allows all electrical components to be integrated within it. Embedded in the external sky-facing surface of the pole is a panel of photovoltaic cells that produce electricity that is stored in the light pole. The amount of energy generated on a typical day is sufficient to power an LED “walk/don’t walk” sign, an LED streetlight and a traffic signal. In most environments, this pole is self-sufficient and can be installed independent of electrical wiring.

LED Light Source:

• Provides energy savings that range from 40-60% compared to a high-intensity discharge light source that provides 9,500 lumens.
  
• Reduces maintenance and replacement costs due to long lifespan (50,000 hours).
  
• Does not utilize lead or mercury.
  
• Lighter than traditional lamp fixtures.
  
• Provides even light distribution with reduction in light pollution.
  

Photovoltaic Array:

• Produces up to 245 kwh of energy