Photovoltaic gadgets often get trapped in the monotonous façade of plain panels, which often leave something to be desired in the aesthetics department. Not so with Vivien Muller‘s sleek PhotoSynthese charger. Resembling a potted bonsai tree, the silvery solar charger rests atop an elegant tray.
Blooming with 54 photovoltaic cells, Vivien’s solar tree gracefully plays both the role of decorative item and useful gadget. The tree’s branches are composed of detachable parts that combine to create the tree’s modular sculptural look. Muller’s thoughtful design also creates room for gadgets to lay in the shade of the “leaves” as they recharge. Paying homage to photosynthesis, the Photsynthese tree proves to be a delightful plant that requires no watering and sustains your gadgets by harnessing the power of the sun.
+ Vivien Muller
Via Gizmodo
it’s tacky….
Simply stunning. This represents everything there is about renewable design. I want to buy one right now!
Very cool, I think..
I think it looks absolutely fantastic; beautiful!
Cool cool cool…
I like it…. I spammed it out to my co-workers.
I am so tired of having to be a grinch about all these solar gadgets, but gadgetry is all they are.
There’s no word on the price of this thing (if it is indeed production bound), but I have a sneaking suspicion that I would be able to get 100x as much juice from a plain-jane roof-mounted PV system for the same price as this elaborate centerpiece (does one keep it outdoors?)
Cool, not functional.
ascetically attractive, If it cost less then $50 bucks I would consider it.
maybe gadgetry and maybe somewhat tacky, but it is striking, poetic, and curious. in such a visual culture, people need eye candy to catch on to the sustainable movement.
This is beautiful. I love the sleek and contemporary lines, but the organic nature and feel of the tree. It’ll be nice when something like this can power my entire computer. Ah, guess I’ll have to wait…
Please could you place me into your mailing list for regular online information and culd you also send us the ingabitat green gift guide.
Our postal address is Simply Green
P O Box 30946
Tokai
Cape Town
Western Cape
South Africa
7966
It looks like a version of the famous artwork by Paul Clermont. Who knows, I wouldn’t be surprized to hear that’s where they got the idea from. Technology and art often seem to go hand & hand. It’s likely that the “tacky” feeling some of you are getting may later be labeled as “kitsch”. Regardless, innovation is everywhere!
The community here needs real trees: http://naturalhomes.org/fbp.appeal.orchard.htm Please vote TODAY for their orchard. Your vote makes such a difference.