Residents of Solar Space

Residents of Solar Space proposes alternative materials and objects for a sustainable life under the sun.

Too much sunlight can be a danger to our health, but so can a deficiency. In response, we smear ourselves with chemicals or reach out to the pharmaceutical industry for nutritional supplements to make up for our lack of sunlight. In contrast the project explores how design can contribute to a healthier, more conscious relationship with the sun. 

By fundamentally rethinking the relationship between the sun, health and materials, Residents of Solar Space proposes new scenarios in which sustainability, prevention and awareness take centre stage.











THANKS TODermatologist Maselis, B&T Textilia, Marianne Winten,  LUCA Textile, LUCA Product Design

IMAGES BY Esmeralda Emanuéla


A sun blanket emphasizes time as a crucial factor in seeking the sun. An integrated sundial provides insight into vitamin D production and shows how long you can stay unprotected in the sun based on the current uv index and your skin type.


The blanket incorporates a UV-sensitive and UV-stable yarn. The natural pigment carotene discolors in a relatively short period of time under the influence of the sun. When exposed to sunlight, the color of this yarn will fade, changing the pattern and increasing in contrast. It emphasizes the power of the sun over time.










The PLA knit, on the other hand, is designed to promote vitamin D production when exposure to sunlight is limited due to wearing covering clothing, such as in autumn. The jumper is made from UV-transparent PLA. This means it keeps the wearer warm whilst allowing enough sunlight through to produce vitamin D.