Aglo | Interaction Design
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Acknowledge credit to
LDP (Lighting Design Partnership)
Project
Project
Team Project
Design
Design
Interaction Design | Product Design |
Duration
Duration
1 month
Tool
Tool
Rhino | Lumion | Ps | Prototype
Challenge
Design a custom feature bollard for a luxury resort in Nepal that ensures safe movement along pathways with 10 lx illumination while minimizing light spill to protect the nearby wildlife sanctuary. The bollard should reflect the region’s cultural and environmental identity, use sustainable materials, and be easy to maintain with basic tools. It must seamlessly blend into the resort’s design, enhancing the natural ambiance and overall guest experience.
Overview
This project focuses on designing a custom bollard for exterior lighting at a luxury resort in Nepal. Drawing inspiration from Nepalese traditions, the bollard symbolizes a campfire, creating a welcoming and secure atmosphere. Made with sustainable materials like sal wood and aluminum, it features energy-efficient LED lighting and infrared sensors to enhance safety while minimizing light pollution. The design reflects the region’s cultural and natural identity, ensuring functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic harmony.
Research
Aglo | Aesthetic Response
Aglo | Sustainability Criteria
Aglo | Sustainability Criteria
Aglo | Diagram
Aglo | Lighting Outcome
Aglo | Lighting Outcome
Aglo | Interaction
Aglo | Material
Aglo | Overview
Aglo | Overview
Meghauli is one of the villages located in the South of Nepal, neighboring the Chitwan National Park, making it an ideal destination for wildlife safaris and birdwatching. It offers a unique blend of rich biodiversity and serene landscapes(Meghauli, n.d.).
In Nepal, the majority of the population (81.3%) practices Hinduism, while around 9% follow Buddhism. Other religions make up approximately 10.7% of the population(Evason, 2017). The country's diverse religious communities, combined with its natural beauty, enhance its appeal to visitors seeking rich cultural experiences (Karlobag.eu, 2024).
Based on Subedi's (2017) research findings, the main tourists are predominantly between the ages of 31 and 50, with their primary purpose being jungle safaris and scenic views. This insight suggests that the design of the bollard could be used to evoke a sense of wildlife while maintaining an atmosphere of refined luxury to enhance the visitor experience.
Meghauli is one of the villages located in the South of Nepal, neighboring the Chitwan National Park, making it an ideal destination for wildlife safaris and birdwatching. It offers a unique blend of rich biodiversity and serene landscapes(Meghauli, n.d.).
In Nepal, the majority of the population (81.3%) practices Hinduism, while around 9% follow Buddhism. Other religions make up approximately 10.7% of the population(Evason, 2017). The country's diverse religious communities, combined with its natural beauty, enhance its appeal to visitors seeking rich cultural experiences (Karlobag.eu, 2024).
Based on Subedi's (2017) research findings, the main tourists are predominantly between the ages of 31 and 50, with their primary purpose being jungle safaris and scenic views. This insight suggests that the design of the bollard could be used to evoke a sense of wildlife while maintaining an atmosphere of refined luxury to enhance the visitor experience.
Woods, specifically sal woods, are historically used for construction of temples such as Indresaura Mahadeva temple and Kasthamandap Temple in Kathmandu Valley. Traditionally, woods are used in architectural structural elements such as frameworks, beams pillars, doors and wooden joinery. Additionally, wood serves decorative purposes in both architecture and wooden carvings.
Wood carving industries in Nepal create ongoing demand for timber, and creates a waste generation of 50% during manufacturing. To minimize the waste, ensure sustainable forest management and ecological balance, programs like CFP (Community Forestry Program) are formed to help manage and provide responsible source of woods from local community forests.
The symbol of fire is important in both the Hindu and Buddhist tradition, which are the predominant religions in Nepal. Wood fire is also used for cooking in many Nepali households and is considered divine. It is the symbol that connects the physical and spiritual realm (Baral, 2023). Besides, the campfire also symbolizes togetherness and celebrations, brings tourists festive atmosphere that is unifying and joyful.
For our Aglo bollard, we chose to use a LED luminaire, and we selected the Aurora mPro™ Fixed IP65 Fire-Rated Dimmable Downlight (Fixed mPro™ Fire-Rated 6W 560lm 2700K Downlight – Auroralighting.com, n.d.). This luminaire has several excellent features and characteristics, making it an ideal choice(See Appendix 2).
For our Aglo bollard, we chose to use a LED luminaire, and we selected the Aurora mPro™ Fixed IP65 Fire-Rated Dimmable Downlight (Fixed mPro™ Fire-Rated 6W 560lm 2700K Downlight – Auroralighting.com, n.d.). This luminaire has several excellent features and characteristics, making it an ideal choice(See Appendix 2).
Wood waste is the category of discarded wood products from different sources such as wood packaging, demolition, construction and wood processing industry. Annually, approximately 50% of wood is turned into valuable products while the rest becomes wood waste (Pandey, 2022). Since these waste could be the secondary source of either raw materials of other products or the fuel for energy production through combustion, to reduce the amount of waste created by manufacturing industry, promote the recyclable use of wood resources and support the ecological conservation, Aglo’s woods are sourced from the slabs that typically regarded as wood waste. After a complete life cycle, the old replaced woods could also be used as fuel wood to maximize recyclability.
Despite the fact that there is currently no regulation for the utilization of wood waste in Nepal (Pandey, 2022), The Community Forestry Program (CFP) is formed to support local communities, enhances biodiversity conservation by giving them control over forests and incentivizing sustainable practices. It also preserves culturally significant tree species, promoting habitat conservation (Joshi, 2023). This can be seen in the figure 2 in the Appendix where the forest cover in 1992 (top) and 2016 (bottom) is almost doubled (i.e, 26% to 45%)(NASA Earth Observatory, 2023).
Wood waste is the category of discarded wood products from different sources such as wood packaging, demolition, construction and wood processing industry. Annually, approximately 50% of wood is turned into valuable products while the rest becomes wood waste (Pandey, 2022). Since these waste could be the secondary source of either raw materials of other products or the fuel for energy production through combustion, to reduce the amount of waste created by manufacturing industry, promote the recyclable use of wood resources and support the ecological conservation, Aglo’s woods are sourced from the slabs that typically regarded as wood waste. After a complete life cycle, the old replaced woods could also be used as fuel wood to maximize recyclability.
Despite the fact that there is currently no regulation for the utilization of wood waste in Nepal (Pandey, 2022), The Community Forestry Program (CFP) is formed to support local communities, enhances biodiversity conservation by giving them control over forests and incentivizing sustainable practices. It also preserves culturally significant tree species, promoting habitat conservation (Joshi, 2023). This can be seen in the figure 2 in the Appendix where the forest cover in 1992 (top) and 2016 (bottom) is almost doubled (i.e, 26% to 45%)(NASA Earth Observatory, 2023).
Aluminum is a sustainable metal that can be recycled indefinitely without the loss of quality, with high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance that does not require maintenance (Dynacast, 2023). It has high strength and durability even at high temperatures, and has a long lifespan that may last a few decades (with a cut off value in construction sector of 60 years)(Comhan, 2018).
Aluminum is a sustainable metal that can be recycled indefinitely without the loss of quality, with high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance that does not require maintenance (Dynacast, 2023). It has high strength and durability even at high temperatures, and has a long lifespan that may last a few decades (with a cut off value in construction sector of 60 years)(Comhan, 2018).
LED lighting is the most energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable lighting technology available (Hermoso-Orzáez, Rojas-Sola, & Gago-Calderón, 2018). Using LED lights is of great significance for reducing carbon emissions. Its long lifespan, low energy consumption, high durability, weather resistance and low maintenance costs (Upward Lighting, 2023) characteristics make Aglo environmental friendly and sustainable for long term use. What’s more, LED Lights’ low CCT and low operating temperature could prevent attracting insects that might affect lighting output (Greaney, 2020). Additionaly, Aglo could be capable of utilizing solar power supply system in response to the unstable power supply situation in Meghauli area (Sapkota, 2023).
LED lighting is the most energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable lighting technology available (Hermoso-Orzáez, Rojas-Sola, & Gago-Calderón, 2018). Using LED lights is of great significance for reducing carbon emissions. Its long lifespan, low energy consumption, high durability, weather resistance and low maintenance costs (Upward Lighting, 2023) characteristics make Aglo environmental friendly and sustainable for long term use. What’s more, LED Lights’ low CCT and low operating temperature could prevent attracting insects that might affect lighting output (Greaney, 2020). Additionaly, Aglo could be capable of utilizing solar power supply system in response to the unstable power supply situation in Meghauli area (Sapkota, 2023).
CCT: We have selected the LED downlight with a 2700K color temperature option, which aligns with our design requirements.
Voltage: The downlight operates on a 220-240V power supply, compatible with standard systems and adaptable to Nepal's 230V electrical standard (Electrical Safety First, n.d.).
High Energy Efficiency: The downlight delivers 94 lumens per watt, providing a total of 560 lumens at 6 watts, ensuring good lighting performance while conserving energy.
Life Cycle: Each downlight has a lifespan of 70,000 hours, ensuring long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs.
IP Rating: The LED downlight has an IP65 rating, making it dust-tight and water-resistant, suitable for heavy rain or flooding in Nepal (RC Lighting, 2021).
Dimmability for Precise Control: The Triac dimmable feature allows for precise light level adjustments to meet the 10 lux standard on pathways. A dimmable controller also enables interactive lighting effects, adapting to various ambient conditions.
Even Light Distribution: Three LED downlights integrated into one pole, each with a 60-degree beam angle, work with diffuser lenses to spread light more evenly. This improves light distribution, creating a warm, visually appealing environment (Guide | Diffuser Lenses, n.d.).
Lamp Installation:
During installation, the LED downlight is first placed in a protective cover, which is then secured to the pole with a slidability structure. This procedure guarantees that the components attach smoothly and securely, allowing for precise positioning and stability. The pole's top panel is designed to be removable, allowing for quick replacement of the LED if necessary, reducing the time and labor costs associated with maintenance.
Infrared Sensor Installation:
The infrared sensor is located inside the first module of the pole, positioned at the top to ensure optimal height for proximity detection.
CCT: We have selected the LED downlight with a 2700K color temperature option, which aligns with our design requirements.
Voltage: The downlight operates on a 220-240V power supply, compatible with standard systems and adaptable to Nepal's 230V electrical standard (Electrical Safety First, n.d.).
High Energy Efficiency: The downlight delivers 94 lumens per watt, providing a total of 560 lumens at 6 watts, ensuring good lighting performance while conserving energy.
Life Cycle: Each downlight has a lifespan of 70,000 hours, ensuring long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs.
IP Rating: The LED downlight has an IP65 rating, making it dust-tight and water-resistant, suitable for heavy rain or flooding in Nepal (RC Lighting, 2021).
Dimmability for Precise Control: The Triac dimmable feature allows for precise light level adjustments to meet the 10 lux standard on pathways. A dimmable controller also enables interactive lighting effects, adapting to various ambient conditions.
Even Light Distribution: Three LED downlights integrated into one pole, each with a 60-degree beam angle, work with diffuser lenses to spread light more evenly. This improves light distribution, creating a warm, visually appealing environment (Guide | Diffuser Lenses, n.d.).
Lamp Installation:
During installation, the LED downlight is first placed in a protective cover, which is then secured to the pole with a slidability structure. This procedure guarantees that the components attach smoothly and securely, allowing for precise positioning and stability. The pole's top panel is designed to be removable, allowing for quick replacement of the LED if necessary, reducing the time and labor costs associated with maintenance.
Infrared Sensor Installation:
The infrared sensor is located inside the first module of the pole, positioned at the top to ensure optimal height for proximity detection.
Integrating Infrared Sensors (IR) into the bollard stand that will detect the movement of people at a fixed distance of 1.65m (i.e, half of 3.3m; pedestrian road width) will help in animating or ‘igniting’ the flickering of the lights in the bollard to create a ‘flaming’ effect. The flickering will take effect for a 10 second time-frame after it is triggered, before it returns to the passive/default mode (of 10 lux).
The flickering lights that result in a ‘flaming’ effect along with the integration of the wooden-posts is employed to create an illusion of a campfire to welcome the pedestrians walking past it.
The use of dimmable light that increases in luminosity with the use of infrared sensors will not only help in decreasing the light pollution created by the bollard but also create a safe space against potential animal trespassing and decrease the use of electricity. (Fraser, 2021)
Integrating Infrared Sensors (IR) into the bollard stand that will detect the movement of people at a fixed distance of 1.65m (i.e, half of 3.3m; pedestrian road width) will help in animating or ‘igniting’ the flickering of the lights in the bollard to create a ‘flaming’ effect. The flickering will take effect for a 10 second time-frame after it is triggered, before it returns to the passive/default mode (of 10 lux).
The flickering lights that result in a ‘flaming’ effect along with the integration of the wooden-posts is employed to create an illusion of a campfire to welcome the pedestrians walking past it.
The use of dimmable light that increases in luminosity with the use of infrared sensors will not only help in decreasing the light pollution created by the bollard but also create a safe space against potential animal trespassing and decrease the use of electricity. (Fraser, 2021)
Follows the preliminary research on Nepalese culture, history and architecture, Aglo's concept resonates with Nepali cultural heritage, integrates symbols of fire and wood. Its design reflects the ‘campfire’, symbolizes the sense of safety and the spiritual significance of fire in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. By using sal wood, Aglo not only highlights cultural preservation but also embodies ecological mindfulness, further creating the expression of warmth and natural beauty.
Aglo prioritises sustainability through conscious material selection and energy-efficient components, aiming to reduce environmental impact throughout our product's lifecycle.
Aglo prioritises sustainability through conscious material selection and energy-efficient components, aiming to reduce environmental impact throughout our product's lifecycle.
Shorea Robusta is one of the major commercial species of Nepal. It is a hardwood that could grow up to 18-32 meters tall, with a diameter at breast height of 1.5-2 meters (Rahmani, 2024). Sal woods is widely distributed from the Shivaliks in Haryana throughout northern India, southern Nepal, West Bengal and from the Northeast to Myanmar. In southern Nepal, sal woods makes up 94% of the species in community forests (Sharma, L., N. 2022), turns into a representative of the region’s ecosystem. Due to its hardness and highly durable nature, sal wood is a valuable economic resource that used for a variety of purposes across several industries, including construction, furniture making, paper production, fuelwood and fodder (Thakur, J. 2023). Furthermore, sal wood is distinguished by its natural resistance to insects, rot, decay, and its durability under harsh weather conditions.
Traditionally, sal woods are used for construction of structural elements such as pillars, struts and beams as well as for windows, doors, grates and wood carving (Bonapace, C., & Sestini, V. 2003). Kasthamandap Temple in Kathmandu Valley is the representative wooden framed historical architecture that widely used sal woods as primary material for constructions, even gave rise to an old legend said that Kasthamandap was built using a single sal tree (Bonapace, C., & Sestini, V. 2003).
To protect Aglo’s sal woods that is exposed to the environment, an application of Water-based Varnish is added for better retention of wooden pieces of the ballast from fog, rain & UV rays to prevent the decrease in aesthetic appearance of the wood. The type of varnish protects the wood from scratches, fungi, shrinkage, and expansion. In addition, varnishing bare wood makes it waterproof, protecting it from humidity, excess moisture, and eventually rotting. As they do not contain Petroleum-based solvents, they are less toxic and comparatively more environmental friendly than the oil-based varnish (Steven, 2022).
Shorea Robusta is one of the major commercial species of Nepal. It is a hardwood that could grow up to 18-32 meters tall, with a diameter at breast height of 1.5-2 meters (Rahmani, 2024). Sal woods is widely distributed from the Shivaliks in Haryana throughout northern India, southern Nepal, West Bengal and from the Northeast to Myanmar. In southern Nepal, sal woods makes up 94% of the species in community forests (Sharma, L., N. 2022), turns into a representative of the region’s ecosystem. Due to its hardness and highly durable nature, sal wood is a valuable economic resource that used for a variety of purposes across several industries, including construction, furniture making, paper production, fuelwood and fodder (Thakur, J. 2023). Furthermore, sal wood is distinguished by its natural resistance to insects, rot, decay, and its durability under harsh weather conditions.
Traditionally, sal woods are used for construction of structural elements such as pillars, struts and beams as well as for windows, doors, grates and wood carving (Bonapace, C., & Sestini, V. 2003). Kasthamandap Temple in Kathmandu Valley is the representative wooden framed historical architecture that widely used sal woods as primary material for constructions, even gave rise to an old legend said that Kasthamandap was built using a single sal tree (Bonapace, C., & Sestini, V. 2003).
To protect Aglo’s sal woods that is exposed to the environment, an application of Water-based Varnish is added for better retention of wooden pieces of the ballast from fog, rain & UV rays to prevent the decrease in aesthetic appearance of the wood. The type of varnish protects the wood from scratches, fungi, shrinkage, and expansion. In addition, varnishing bare wood makes it waterproof, protecting it from humidity, excess moisture, and eventually rotting. As they do not contain Petroleum-based solvents, they are less toxic and comparatively more environmental friendly than the oil-based varnish (Steven, 2022).
Aluminum is a lightweight material, significantly lighter than others like steel. Its durability and natural corrosion resistance vary depends on alloy and thickness.
Aluminum is easy to machine and highly sustainable, with around 75% of all produced aluminum still in use due to its recyclability. These qualities make aluminum ideal for bollards, especially for removable designs or installations over steel security posts (Hilscher, 2023).
Aluminum is a lightweight material, significantly lighter than others like steel. Its durability and natural corrosion resistance vary depends on alloy and thickness.
Aluminum is easy to machine and highly sustainable, with around 75% of all produced aluminum still in use due to its recyclability. These qualities make aluminum ideal for bollards, especially for removable designs or installations over steel security posts (Hilscher, 2023).
The concept of our design is based on the relation of Nepal and its strong connection to the use of fire and wood. This can be seen in the upper part of the bollard which is designed to resemble the campfire-wood. Its representation of a ‘campfire’ is made to create a sort of welcoming feeling and security against the wildlife surrounding the location of the resort, as a ‘beacon of light’.
The name ‘Aglo’ is a shortened, abstract combination of "Aago" (“fire” in Nepali) and "Glow," which is simple but evocative in explaining the core concept.
The concept of our design is based on the relation of Nepal and its strong connection to the use of fire and wood. This can be seen in the upper part of the bollard which is designed to resemble the campfire-wood. Its representation of a ‘campfire’ is made to create a sort of welcoming feeling and security against the wildlife surrounding the location of the resort, as a ‘beacon of light’.
The name ‘Aglo’ is a shortened, abstract combination of "Aago" (“fire” in Nepali) and "Glow," which is simple but evocative in explaining the core concept.
Weather: Nepal mainly experiences the summer monsoon while winter monsoon rarely occurs. The summer monsoon begins in June with continuous rainfall for days and ends in September(Owuor, 2019) having a total annual rainfall of approximately 2,009.6 mm (79.12 inches), in Meghauli. With the wettest month being July, having an average rainfall of 573.3 mm (22.57 inches)(weather-and-climate.com, n.d.).
Floods: As the region experiences significant rainfall from June to September, it can lead to rising water levels in nearby rivers, such as the Narayani River, posing a flood risk to surrounding settlements like Mangalpur, Gunjnagar, Divyanagar, and Meghauli (The Kathmandu Post, 2020). The highest flood rate that was recorded in our site, Meghauli, was in 2019, where it reached 0.3m in height (Appendix 1; fig1); this dictates the height we chose for our bollard.
Ecological factors: Meghauli’s close proximity with wildlife habitats make the people be often subjected to crop damage and livestock losses caused by animals like rhinoceroses and tigers. While many residents support conservation, these conflicts can lead to resentment due to the economic hardships they face (Thapa & Tribhuvan University, 2016).
Weather: Nepal mainly experiences the summer monsoon while winter monsoon rarely occurs. The summer monsoon begins in June with continuous rainfall for days and ends in September(Owuor, 2019) having a total annual rainfall of approximately 2,009.6 mm (79.12 inches), in Meghauli. With the wettest month being July, having an average rainfall of 573.3 mm (22.57 inches)(weather-and-climate.com, n.d.).
Floods: As the region experiences significant rainfall from June to September, it can lead to rising water levels in nearby rivers, such as the Narayani River, posing a flood risk to surrounding settlements like Mangalpur, Gunjnagar, Divyanagar, and Meghauli (The Kathmandu Post, 2020). The highest flood rate that was recorded in our site, Meghauli, was in 2019, where it reached 0.3m in height (Appendix 1; fig1); this dictates the height we chose for our bollard.
Ecological factors: Meghauli’s close proximity with wildlife habitats make the people be often subjected to crop damage and livestock losses caused by animals like rhinoceroses and tigers. While many residents support conservation, these conflicts can lead to resentment due to the economic hardships they face (Thapa & Tribhuvan University, 2016).
Wood: The material used for both the exterior surface materials of the bollard and the surrounding decorative structures is wood, specifically sal woods (Shorea Robusta). It is both easy to access and rich in use from historical and cultural aspects. As Nepal has a rich history and tradition of wood use, particularly in architecture and craftsmanship(Shrestha, 2021), wood is the appropriate interpretation of the bollard design that can be directly observed and understood from the first glance.
Fire: “Fire” in Nepalese culture is a powerful symbol that connects the physical and spiritual realms, embodying the country's rich cultural and religious heritage(Baral, 2023). “Wood fire” is used for cooking in many Nepali households and is considered divine. Families often offer a portion of food to the fire before serving meals(Tripathi et al., 2023). Aglo incorporates timber slat appearance, intends to create a natural aesthetic through an arrangement that appears random but actually follows a triangular pattern, metaphorically evokes the imagery of fire, integrates the connection with nature and artificial lighting into a unified concept.
Wood: The material used for both the exterior surface materials of the bollard and the surrounding decorative structures is wood, specifically sal woods (Shorea Robusta). It is both easy to access and rich in use from historical and cultural aspects. As Nepal has a rich history and tradition of wood use, particularly in architecture and craftsmanship(Shrestha, 2021), wood is the appropriate interpretation of the bollard design that can be directly observed and understood from the first glance.
Fire: “Fire” in Nepalese culture is a powerful symbol that connects the physical and spiritual realms, embodying the country's rich cultural and religious heritage(Baral, 2023). “Wood fire” is used for cooking in many Nepali households and is considered divine. Families often offer a portion of food to the fire before serving meals(Tripathi et al., 2023). Aglo incorporates timber slat appearance, intends to create a natural aesthetic through an arrangement that appears random but actually follows a triangular pattern, metaphorically evokes the imagery of fire, integrates the connection with nature and artificial lighting into a unified concept.
Meghauli
Cultural Relevance
Ecological Impact
Significance of Fire
Choice of Light Souce
Woods
Aluminum
LED Lights
Product Feature
Wood
Aluminum
Aluminum
Exploded Diagram
Top Diagram
Front Diagram
Environmental Factors
Cultural Relevance
fig. 02 Daytime Simulation Scene
(Source: created by WeWe, 2024)
fig. 03 Nighttime Simulation Scene
(Source: created by WeWe, 2024)
fig. 11 Aurora mPro™ Fixed IP65 Fire-Rated Dimmable Downlight
(Source: https://auroralighting.com/product/aurora-fixed-mpro-fire-rated-6w-560lm-2700k-downlight/)
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Schedule a call with Leanna Yue.
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:
0452543766
Feel free
to contact me anytime
Schedule a call with Leanna Yue.
:
LeannaYueDESIGN@outlook.com
:
0452543766
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Schedule a call with Leanna Yue.
:
LeannaYueDESIGN@outlook.com
:
0452543766