Sunflower power

Toshiyuki Kita's Sunplant features eight solar panel leaves that recharge 48 AA batteries and use LEDs to create a decorative garden piece.

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Toshiyuki Kita
Kita has created anything from furniture, household goods and appliances to LCD TVs and robots for clients including Cassina, Moroso, Sharp and Stokke.
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It's time to trade in those garden gnomes and windmills for photovoltaic foliage. Combining utility and art object, Toshiyuki Kita's Sunplant features eight solar panel leaves that not only recharge 48 AA Sanyo batteries, but use LEDs to create a decorative garden piece. Billed as a Sanyo-sponsored concept piece, Kita is reportedly intent on taking the investigation into portable, life-enhancing and environmentally friendly design further.

Watch the Talk with Toshiyuki Kita

Toshiyuki Kita on user-friendly product design
Talks • Duration: 00:33:39 • 29 Nov 10
In Japan good design is regarded as a valuable resource. Toshiyuki Kita talks about this notion. >