ColorReach Powercore represented an interesting thermal challenge: to dissipate almost 300W of input power using only passive cooling in an outdoor rated fixture. The unique thermal solution - splitting the housing into two emitter halves and bridged by the power supply compartment - dictated the primary form. The split design provides more surface area for cooling and created a functional chimney effect, while remoting the power supply housing separates the electronic thermal load from the emitter thermals. This split design dramatically outperformed other single body prototypes.

For such a function-driven design, I looked to contemporary supercar engine design details for inspiration, and modeled the back of the housing from V10 valve cover designs to imply a rugged sense of power. Design for usability also drove early investigations into weight reduction and distribution as well as ease of handling for installation.

A detailed study was done on providing a precise method for aiming, since a few degrees of misalignment becomes a gross misalignment when projecting a 5° beam at a target hundreds of feet away.

Project Role: Lead Designer

Year: 2007