Light-Emitting Roof Tiles
light — By Blaine Brownell on October 14, 2007 at 11:25 amThe roof has historically focused on one primary function: keeping out the elements. New technologies, as present in Light-Emitting Roof Tiles, allow the integration of additional functions within roof surfaces. Manufactured by Lambert Kamps, the transparent roof tiles are integrated light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and designed to display text, pictures, and other graphical content in multiple colors. Information may also be animated, such as with an illuminated news trailer. Light-Emitting Roof Tiles also come with their own self-supporting solar-photovoltaic power system.
Contact: Lambert Kamps, Groningen, The Netherlands.
Find more information in Transmaterial 2.
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8 Comments
I fear that this new material will provide new space for advertising to accost the public, and will greatly contribute to light pollution without providing any real benefit (ie. do we really need pictures and news streams on our roofs?)
I agree with elizabeth’s points, and I want to point out that using “integrated PV” to power an unnecessary neon sign roof tile is a) a misuse of the technology and b) FUCKING RIDICULOUS. It’s like using hybrid automotive technology to eke more horsepower or greater acceleration out of a conventional system rather than using the technology to conserve natural resources. Another dumb idea that some genius will market as ‘green.’ When the last real designer left he forgot to shut the lights out.
Reminds me of driving through Kentucky and Tennessee and looking at all the barns with SEE ROCK CITY painted on the roof. Ah, nostalgia.
Two words:
Rooftop Mario!
Next thing will be adverts projected on the clouds at night… I could however see how this might be neat to apply for architectural uses – non informational contexts.
It’s a cool project, and in keeping with traditional Dutch farmhouses that often show the farm name in differently colored tiles. As an art project, very nice.
BUT
Light pollution is a nasty thing. I would certainly be opposed to seeing significant rooftop ‘decoration’ (advertising or otherwise) for that reason. Perhaps, the lights could be switched off half an hour after dusk?
Well, if you’re using Proper LED color spectrum lights and might make plants healthier. So how would that be light pollution?
Put UV led light in water to kill bactieral, Put red,green, and blue for plants to grow twice as healthier….
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