SOUND FLOWER, a flower-inspired light that combines biophilic design, adaptive lighting, and acoustic absorption in one striking form has been unveiled by ECHOKIT.
Created to support the growing number of neurodivergent people in the UK, who now represent an estimated 15–20% of UK adults, SOUND FLOWER addresses two of the biggest environmental stressors in workplaces and educational spaces: harsh artificial light and distracting background noise.
Large petal-like fins help to diffuse and dampen sound. Users can also adjust brightness and colour to suit their needs, supporting autonomy and comfort in shared spaces and help creating environments that feel calmer, more focused, and more inclusive.
The product is the latest in a lifetime of creative design from Neil Wilson, founder of Newcastle based ECHOKIT – specialists in designing and producing beautiful nature-inspired acoustic fixtures and installations. With support from from Innovate UK’s Creative Catalyst programme and Creative UK’s Shared Success Fund, Wilson set out to address a growing problem: while workplaces and classrooms often provide ample lighting, neither its quality nor the impact of sound on people in the room are suitably considered.
Neil Wilson said: “Artificial lighting and uncontrolled noise are often overlooked, yet they have a huge impact on how people feel and function in a space. With SOUND FLOWER, we wanted to merge acoustics, biophilic design, and adaptive light into a single system that makes environments more supportive for everyone.”
The SOUND FLOWER prototype has received an entirely positive response when trialled with a focus group of neurodivergent students. In collaboration with Dr. Fiona Gullon-Scott, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at Newcastle University, a focus group of neurodivergent students tried out SOUND FLOWER. Each spent time working in a room with the light installed and reviewed their experience. Wilson plans to continue working with Newcastle University next year to develop a research project exploring how SOUND FLOWER can support mental health and productivity for neurodivergent people.
Dr. Fiona Gullon-Scott said:” I am excited to support this project and to explore the impact a unique system like SOUND FLOWER could have on the wellbeing of neurodivergent people. We know from research that many traditional lighting and workplace environments can be challenging for neurodiverse individuals due to sensory processing or attentional differences. The potential for people to be able to manage their own immediate environment to better suit their need, with the possibility of a substantial positive impact on wellbeing, could be groundbreaking.”
Designed in Newcastle and manufactured in the UK the shade is made from 75% recycled materials, SOUND FLOWER reflects ECHOKIT’s commitment to sustainability as well as inclusivity. Its sculptural, flower-inspired form also makes it a bold design statement, equally suited to classrooms, workplaces, libraries, and cafés.
www.echokit.co.uk | IG: @echokit_uk