Imagine if sitting at a stoplight created ambiance instead of idle time. This idea, together with the desire to divert old traffic lamps from landfills, is the vision behind Greenlight Concepts’ beautifully recycled traffic-light lamps. Crafted from reclaimed traffic lights, these fixtures tap into the waste stream to bring “Yielding Yellow” and “Go Green” a whole new meaning.
Trash became the inspiration for these treasures when architect Daniel Kriven saw a San Francisco city crew updating old “Walk / Don’t Walk” signals with LED versions. Kriven tracked down the tossed materials, his colleague Nicholas Lee and, from brainstorm to brilliance, Greenlight Concepts was born.
“Lamps,” says Lee, “seemed like the logical solution. After all, we would be re-using the lenses for what they were originally intended. Of course, we were bringing them up close and personal, giving them a new sense of scale and appreciation.”
The beautifully textured glass that is central to each piece evokes a unique setting. Each green, red or yellow lens has an intricacy that, given its utilitarian origins, is surprisingly intentional. Sculpted into GLC’s pendant and bucket lamp designs, the lenses invite you to sit long; a mood far removed from their original purpose.
At $90-299, Greenlight Concepts’ lamps reflect the reality that it costs less to throw the traffic lights away than reuse them transformed. Luckily, Kriven and Lee are up to the challenge of acquiring the recycled materials – even hunting down lenses from old train signals to provide a “clear” option – and bringing new illumination to an urban obsolete.
It’s good design that makes you stop, but reclaimed materials that give you a green light.
Mood lighting of a very different kind. The irony is pleasing.
> Imagine if sitting at a stoplight created ambiance instead of idol time.
_Idle_ time, dummy.
I think in the first sentence you want “idle time” not “idol time”.
this idea is great. especially because it will be easier to make since the lenses are all the same size.
Idol time?
These are stunning. Fantastic work.
Idol time… a libation of fumes for the gridlock gods…
I appreciate this type of inventiveness. I love the concept! Keep on Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling.
I hope to see more work like this done. There is almost an unlimited source of reusable materials that we can spare from the landfills…and I think it will catch on that trash can be chic and practical.
‘Idol time’ DOES EQUAL ‘idle time.’ So either spelling works for me.
i would also add repair and reinvent
dissappointed to discover they are using halogen MR lamps….
yes, ironic. a nice juxtaposition of found materials and retro-modern design. love the texture some give off when illuminated. in this context, it’s actually pretty stunning.
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As a child I always wanted a traffic light in my room. Now as an adult I can have one and feel good about it. I love the pendent light!
So how would I buy one of these? Can’t seem to find a place on the website…
Our products are available for purchase by double clicking on the picture of the item you want in the PRODUCT section at http://www.greenlightconcepts.com. Thank you for the interest Tracy.
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