The depth of designer Kazuko Akamatsu’s Lumi-Line tabletop is only 1/8 inches (.3 centimeters), thanks to engineering ingenuity and a synergistic combination of materials. Akamatsu adhered bundled fiberglass threads to a nonstructural, translucent plastic sheet with a translucent liquid glue. The pattern of the reinforcing “strings” is not random, but rather the result of a structural study to determine how to construct the thinnest tabletop possible. The table surface, reinforcing, and legs all act together as one system in order to resist loads and allow the legs to be placed away from “expected” locations.
While Lumi-Line allows light to pass through its milky surface by day, it assumes an entirely different character at night. Akamatsu imbued the fiber strands with phosphorescence, thus rendering the strings as sharp glowing lines floating midair in the dark. [Contact:
CAt, Tokyo, Japan.]
Labels: 12, light, plastic, recombinant, table
S. Lövenstein BV integrates luminescent particles within gravel floors in order to enhance the emergency-exit signage within a building. The particles can be masked and evenly distributed throughout the surface of the seamless floor, or grouped in patterns like circles, lines, or arrows. They may also be used in combination with various colors of gravel. In the absence of light, such as in the event of a power outage, the particles become immediately recognizable as an evacuation guidance system. Autonomous, reliable, and maintenance free, Luminescent Gravel thus enhances emergency exiting while mitigating panic. [Contact:
S. Lövenstein BV, Gelderland, The Netherlands.]
Labels: 09, floor, light, mineral, safety, transformational
Underlit Flooring is a polished concrete-and-glass flooring system suitable for interior applications, such as kitchens and bathrooms, and various external applications, including gardens and terraces. Available by the square meter and in custom sizes and colors, the concrete tiles can be laid directly onto an existing floor. The glass lenses are lit by fiber optics laid directly under the tiles and powered by a single bulb that will effectively illuminate areas up to 1,076 square feet (100 square meters). The color of the light can be altered at the touch of a button or left to change automatically over a period of time, creating a subtly shifting ambiance. Underlit Flooring may also be installed as a wall cladding system. [Contact:
Concrete Blond, London, UK.]
Labels: 03, concrete, floor, light, recombinant
Like the Lotus flower, which opens its petals in the presence of the sun and closes them in its absence, Hanabi opens its lamp-shade "petals" when its bulb is turned on and closes them after it has been shut off. Representing an innovative use of shape-memory alloy, the heat of the bulb makes the metal "bloom" whenever the fixture is illuminated. Hanabi is the Japanese word for fireworks and literally means flower fire. Like its namesake, the Hanabi light flickers between beauty and disappearance, embodying the Japanese appreciation of ephemerality. [Contact:
Nendo, Tokyo, Japan.]
Labels: 26, light, metal, shape-memory, transformational
The 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.]
Labels: 07, interfacial, light, roof, tile
3D Display Cube is a true spatial display unit that utilizes one thousand individually controllable LEDs to create three-dimensional forms and animations. The display cube, with its creative use of LED technology, can be used for retail or public display, signage applications, home display, or advertising.
James Clar conceived of 3D Display Cube as a reaction to the limitations of current display technologies. Televisions and computer monitors, for example, can only deliver two-dimensional information because their display surface is flat. In contrast, 3D Display Cube uses a spatial array of LED pixels, which in aggregate create true spatial images and animations.
3D Display Cube's technology is backed by one issued utility patent and two pending utility patents. Upon purchase, the buyer may select up to five one-minute animations to be preloaded onto the device for immediate use upon delivery. A serial cable is also included, allowing users to design and upload their own animations and content to the cube. [Contact:
James Clar & Associates, Bartlett, TN.]
Labels: 26, display, interfacial, light, product
The depth of designer Kazuko Akamatsu’s Lumi-Line tabletop is only 1/8 inches (.3 centimeters), thanks to engineering ingenuity and a synergistic combination of materials. Akamatsu adhered bundled fiberglass threads to a nonstructural, translucent plastic sheet with a translucent liquid glue. The pattern of the reinforcing “strings” is not random, but rather the result of a structural study to determine how to construct the thinnest tabletop possible. The table surface, reinforcing, and legs all act together as one system in order to resist loads and allow the legs to be placed away from “expected” locations.
