Sometimes the simplest solutions are the revolutionary and most effective. During the Brazilian energy crisis in 2002, the mechanic Alfredo Moser developed an accessible and effective way to shed light on interiors during the day. On the roof, filled with water and bleach, he used the refraction of the sunlight to bring the brightness to the rooms that had previously been immersed in the dark. In self -made houses in which consecutive extensions often affect natural light and ventilation, this solution makes a significant difference. The invention calls the “Moser lamp” and creates lighting lighting for a 60 -w light bulb and was recognized worldwide by various reports. Since then, the project has developed and has changed to the needs of modern communities and lives through a solution that is as simple as it is intelligent.
In 2011, the Filipino Illustration, the founder of the MyShelter Foundation, learned about this idea and took over it to create the movement “Liter of Light” in order to bring sustainable lighting without access to electricity. In Brazil, the organization began its activities in 2014. “As a liter of light in Brazil, it no longer used PET bottles. We never really installed the Moser lamp, except for a first action in Florianópolis. Since then we have always used solar systems,” we have always used solar systems. “ Explains Tayane Costa, Marketing and Partnerships Manager at Liter of Light Brazil. This choice made it possible for her solutions to also make lighting at night and to significantly increase their effects. Since then, the organization has grown and strengthened its presence and reached around 150 communities in Brazil. His goal is to provide safe and sustainable lighting, to strengthen the communities throughout the process and to improve the quality of life and safety in the areas in which it serves.
Technological solutions and well -being of the community
The light directly influences physical and mental health, ensures security and enables people to carry out essential activities such as studying and work even after dark. Although it may seem unimaginable, it is estimated that over 600 million people still have no access to electricity. “Our work is much more about the social effects than the technological aspect. The lighting is only a small part of the many transformations that we bring to these communities.” emphasizes Tayane. With the arrival of light, many communities strengthen their social ties and create a more united environment that is ready together to thrive together.
The organization is currently developing three main solutions to give municipalities without power access sustainable lighting: solar street lanterns, solar lanterns and solid inner lighting systems. Each of these technologies has a direct impact on safety, health and well -being of the people they serve.
Solar streetlights For the lighting outdoors, accessible materials and simple technologies are built, with PET bottles, small solar panels, batteries and LED lamps contain. These street lamps improve security in communities that live in the dark and reduce the risks of accidents and crimes at night. In addition, they support local development by continuing to continue small businesses and community activities even after sunset.
Solar lanterns Are portable solutions that can be used both indoors and outdoor areas such as common areas and workplaces. They offer a safe and sustainable alternative to kerosene lamps that represent health and environmental risks. These lanterns not only enable residents on lighting rooms to carry out daily activities such as reading, learning and craftsmanship, education and income generation.
Fixed inner systems are installed in houses and common rooms to ensure continuous lighting by solar energy. This improves the quality of life of families by offering more comfort indoors and increasing productivity in schools and community centers. In addition, these systems help to reduce the dependence on costly and contaminating energy sources and to promote a more sustainable future.
In recent times, the NGO has expanded its effects through innovative solutions such as implementing solar catering devices that contribute to maintaining food and medication.
Challenges and growth
From the beginning, one of the greatest challenges was to create an effective methodology of the community commitment. “Our work is largely based on contact with the community. The solution remains with the community, and part of the maintenance is also carried out by you.” Highlights Tayane. Since the project depends directly on the participation of the residents, it was important to establish a model that secured the local participation and maintenance of the solutions. Over time, this methodology has been refined and today it enables literary literature to work efficiently in various regions.
The selection of the communities to be benefited takes into account several factors, the most important thing is the need to access energy. “Our main focus is on increasing our efforts in the region, in which most of them are missing, which is the North Region in the case of Brazil.” emphasizes Tayane. In addition, the financial and logistical feasibility of the project is also taken into account as well as the level of community participation.
Range, expansion and future plans
Since its foundation, the international project has made more than 1.5 million people available in over 30 countries, which has put hope and security in regions without reliable access to electricity. In addition to combating darkness, the technology contributes significantly to reducing the use of kerosine lamps, a common source of lighting in remote communities. This also helps to reduce the breathing problems, reduce the risk of the fire and reduce CO₂ emissions.
The future of light of light in Brazil contains the expansion of its activities by incentive laws and partnerships with various companies. In addition to the lighting, the initiative also invested in vocational training. One of the latest projects is the offer of free courses to train photovoltaic system installations that focus on residents of the served communities. “Many residents tell us that they would like to work with solar energy, but there is no means of being trained. That is why we offer free courses with support for transport and meals.” explains Tayane.
In other words, more than just light, liters of light shines the way to new possibilities and proves that social innovations can change realities in sustainable and accessible ways. By creating safer, networked and functional rooms, the NGO directly contributes to the well -being and social healing of these communities.
This article is part of the Archdaily topics: Build well -being: Designing rooms for healingPresented in cooperation with the Hushoffice.
With its line of A-Class-Pods, Hushoffice helps acoustically balanced jobs that offer an excellent environment for cooperation and focus, promote the well-being of employees and meet the needs of employees of neurodivers and employees with motor impairments.
Every month we examine a topic that is detailed through articles, interviews, news and architectural projects. We invite you to find out more about it Our Archdaily topics. And as always, at Archdaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; If you want to submit an article or a project, Contact us.