Solarsphere

Everything in the system of the Earth can be placed into one of four major subsystems: land, water, living things, or air. These four subsystems are called "spheres": "lithosphere" (land), "hydrosphere" (water), "biosphere" (living things), "atmosphere" (air).

The project name Solarsphere was developed from these spheres. The project addresses children aged 5-10 years to learn about solar energy and how solar panels work. Solarsphere transfers the sustainable energy of the sun to a DC motor and runs a music box. Since Solarsphere is made out of acrylic glass, its inside mechanisms are visible. Like a physical flow chart, the relationships between electricity production (solar panel), energy consumption (motor), and output (analog music sound) are shown.

Every generation of children has their own toys, their own game dynamics. Solarsphere pays homage both to antique sound mechanics and to modern climate-friendly electronic technology. There's a contemplative way to play with it, observing how thermal energy is first converted into electric energy, then into kinetic energy that translates to sound in our ears.

The wire comb music box producing a soft melody is different for each Solarsphere and could be exchanged manually.

Another way to play with the Solarsphere is to use it like an instrument. Tilting it and experimenting with different lighting, you can accelerate or slow down the sound. In this way, Solarsphere becomes an interactive toy and even possibly a performance prop.