Designer: B.Light Design - Ben Light Location: New York City, New York, USA Category: DIY/Hack/Mod Award: Notable

Secret Passageway Switch

An electrical switch, disguised inside of your favorite hard-covered book, used to activate a secret passageway (or turn on a lamp).

I have been plagued with the all too common New Yorker dream -- finding a hidden room in my small studio apartment. Every time I wake, I briefly believe that I suddenly have more square footage. Unfortunately, that sensation is fleeting. I tried to create a device that would simulate the experience of discovering this secret room. I created the classic "hidden passageway book entrance" I've seen in many a B movie. The project was fun and the results were very satisfying.

Core77: How did you learn that you had been recognized by the jury?

I was waiting at gate C16 in the Newark Airport (my flight was delayed for 5 hours) and I watched the live feed on my phone.

What's the latest news or development with your project?

I am making a small run of the Secret Passageway Switches and attempting to put together a how-to-install video. Should be ready in the next month or so.

What is 1 quick anecdote about your project?

I have a switch installed in my living room bookcase, it turns on a lamp. I showed my young nephew how it works and now he pulls all of my books off the shelf thinking they all do something special.

Read on for full details on the project and jury comments.