O' is an attempt to reconcile the needs of both the natural and the urban environments. "Darkness and disappearance will be the contribution of 'O' to nature and public spaces." - Alejandro Aravena
The more the planet becomes urban, the more we appreciate the value of natural spaces. The cities offering the best quality of life are those that were visionary enough to keep portions of untouched nature within their footprint and transform them into public spaces. The problem is that the forces which govern nature and modern urban life, even if guided by good will, tend to pull in opposite directions. One of the strongest intrusions in the natural order (and yet one of which remains almost unnoticed) is the disappearance of darkness in our cities. In the attempt to make parks safe, we not only invade them with poles and cables; but we forever alter the circadian rhythm, which is crucial for the existence of species, both animal and vegetal. Our strategy is twofold: on the one hand, it is to design a light for public spaces that can be as imperceptible as possible when it is not used; light without a lamp. On the other hand, it is to use different types of sensors so that light appears just when needed, light only on demand.