Woody solar bench

Power straight from the sun, with the solar bench from mmcité1

Design studio mmcité1 never stands still, constantly moving forwards and searching for new opportunities for innovation. Hence it has introduced its latest prototype of the solar-powered bench, woody solar, which harnesses solar energy to power wireless internet and charging ports for portable electronic devices, in keeping with supporting renewable energy sources. The modern, designer bench is completely independent of external energy sources thanks to its two solar panels and features two integrated USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot with a range of dozens of metres. woody solar can be found on the Alšovo embankment in Prague, as part of the Smart Prague initiative.

Using solar energy is becoming more effective and easier than ever before, so the dynamic studio mmcité1 has expanded its smartcité line with a new bench, which is capable of generating and storing enough energy for 5 days of regular use via solar panels, while simultaneously charging external devices at full speed with continuous Wi-Fi signal. That should comfortably cover long periods without any sunshine. The new woody solar is capable of charging 4 devices at a time while emitting a Wi-Fi signal with a range of several dozen metres.

“Our smartphones and tablets are taking on more and more functions, from cameras to social media or maps. It would only be a minor exaggeration to say that their battery capacity is becoming the main limitation on our movement around the city. This changeability is where our cutting-edge smart city concept finds the greatest resonance. The other functions are not so important or technically complicated. woody solar provides complete comfort in this regard: it is big, carries plenty of charging ports and a strong Wi-Fi router, and on top of this the large solar panels above your head provide shade. Thanks to smart street furniture life in public spaces is becoming more comfortable than ever,“ says David Karásek, designer and co-owner of mmcité1, who cannot conceal his love for design and desire for originality.

The cleanness, timelessness and ingenuity of the woody solar design are typical of the visual style of the brand, which constantly strives towards the future, intelligent details and clean materials. The general design is from the woody bench line, which is inspired by the aesthetics of stored lumber and the idea of “nature as a principle“. Aside from the genuinely outstanding technical specifications, which leave the competition standing, the main benefit of the smartcité collection is its complete integration within the rest of the mmcité1 street furniture range; you don’t have to choose between technology and design, or between gadgetry and furniture. Here, advanced technology is merely another everyday facility, another function of the proven street furniture with outstanding design. It simply belongs in the city.

The bench has a fully functioning insular solar system, featuring two solar panels with a total nominal output of 2x140Wp and 2 inbuilt twin sockets on the sides for easy charging. Weighing 500kg, the bench is produced from steel and tropical wood, and can even incorporate additional functions, such as meters for CO2, air temperature, humidity or noise levels in the environment. Just some of the fully integratable accessories available for woody solar include steel tables or LED underlighting.

The solar bench is part of a broader range which will enter the market in 2018. Its prototype was produced and delivered as part of the Smart Prague project, whose completion was aided by Prague City Hall and Operátor ICT.