Solar setting: Table harnesses the sun’s power

The table is made of glass and contains a thin layer of dye-sensitised solar cells that uses the principles of colour to create an electrical current. The concept is similar to how a plant converts sunlight into energy using green chlorophyll. The coloured cells do not need direct sunlight, which means they can be used indoors with diffused sunlight. The table has a USB socket, so users can charge their phones or tablets, and has an attached lamp powered by the table’s current.

Marjan van Aubel was one of LS:N Global’s favourite Royal College of Art designers, whose work we featured in our 2012 RCA Graduate Show Review. Look out for LS:N Global’s on-the-ground coverage of Salone Internazionale del Mobile 2014, 8–13 April.