little helper

A mood setting lantern for Mary Elizabeth Hospital
Name
Karl Christian Tranberg Knudsen
Education degree
Kandidat
Fagfelt
Design
Institute
Architecture and Design
Program
Furniture Design - Products, Materials and Contexts
Year
2023

The quality of artificial lighting has a significant impact on our general well-being not to mention on the atmosphere of any space. Little Helper is designed for Mary Elizabeth’s Hospital, Rigshospitalet for Children, Teens and Expecting Families. Suitable for reading and contributing to a more homely environment, the light may be dimmed during night-time to emit a comforting warm glow.

.
.

The demanding environment requires careful consideration regarding shape, materials and tactility which presents a difficult challenge, merging practicality and suitability with the creation of a homely, welcoming atmosphere.

 

An extensive ergonomics study resulted in the decision to remove straps or handles in the final prototype. Every single elemement found in hospital interiors has a clear purpose and reeks of problem solving. Little Helper evokes curiosity and its playful elements ensure a more explorative and intuitive user experience. 

.
.

The lamp is constructed of 4 parts; A body, an internal diffuser, a socket locking the light source in place whilst allowing free movement in every direction and finally the sphere containing the light source, battery etc. When it's time for cleaning, the lamp is easily disassembled and can be washed, steamed or cleaned. The final product is envisioned in polycarbonate, a thermoplastic with great capabilities for electrical installations. 

Once the product reaches the end of its lifespan, the light source and battery can be removed and the lamp itself recycled, effectively reducing its carbon footprint.

.
.

The Royal Danish Academy supports the Sustainable Development Goals

Since 2017 the Royal Danish Academy has worked with the Sustainable Development Goals. This is reflected in our research, our teaching and in our students’ projects. This project relates to the following UN goal(-s)
CV
Education & Relevant Courses
-

M.A. Furniture & Object Design

Masters' Degree in Design at the Royal Danish Academy
-

B.A. Furniture, Space & Materials

Bachelors' Degree in design at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Design
-

VERA Skole for Kunst & Design

A semester course in Architecture & Design at VERA Skole for Kunst & Design in Copenhagen
Extracurricular Experiences & Activities
-

Frivillig, Gentoftes Kommunes Arkitekturpolitikudvalg

Frivillig i Gentofte Kommunes arkitekturpolitikudvalg med formålet at bestemme den ny arkitekturpolitik for kommunen.
Professional Work Experience
-

Assistant Designer: Norm Architects

Combining technical, aesthetic and rhetoric skills in design processes and creative communication. Responsible for assisting design projects and promoting international company presence.
-

Photographer & PR Coordinator: Norm Architects

Photographer, PR & SoMe Coordinator at Norm Architects responsible for the company’s visual communication.
-

Design Intern: Norm Architects

Design intern at Norm Architects with a focus on product- and furniture design
-

Gørtler & Metalsmed

Arbejde hos Gørtler & Metalsmeden Farum
IT skills
Rhino 7
Fusion 360
Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Lightroom
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Premiere Pro
Keyshot
CaptureOne
Language skills
English: Fluent
Danish: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
French: Intermediate