The mix of dark days, a return to humdrum routines, and the first credit card bills arriving since Christmas make January the most depressing month of the year, with science decreeing the third Monday as ‘Blue Monday’.
Volkswagen has brightened the dull January days for commuters at Sutton Walk bridge, near Waterloo Station in London, with a huge ‘electric sunshine’ light panel.
The first of its kind, the billboard utilises the same technology found in standard SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamps, but on a larger scale.
Such lamps can help those suffering from winter-onset Seasonal Affective Disorder – a form of depression that usually occurs during winter and is exacerbated by reduced daylight levels – by replicating sunlight. The technology replicates sunlight and is designed to radiate positivity, allowing passers-by to pause and recharge under the light of the ‘electric’ sun.
Inspired by Volkswagen’s all-electric ID Buzz, the billboard is powered by 100% renewable energy from Green Voltage UK.
Volkswagen created the giant electric sun lamp in collaboration with a team of designers and engineers. Although the ID Buzz's LED matrix headlamps might not make such a warm glow, they are one of several design touches that give the Volkswagen an appearance unlike anything else on the road. Volkswagen goes so far as to claim that the ID Buzz is “a source of positive energy, ready to make you smile, even on Blue Monday!”
Laura Bignall, brand and performance marketing manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented:
“We’re likely all too familiar with the challenges surrounding the New Year, with Blue Monday often considered particularly trying. This is why we wanted to brighten the days of those passing by with our SAD lamp installation and all-electric ID. Buzz - whose smile is infectious!"
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