Philips Introduces OneSpace, a Luminous Ceiling Predicted by Isaac Asimov 50 Years Ago
Philips, the global leader in lighting, will reveal an innovative luminous panel that can cover a whole ceiling with homogenous white light. The panel will be displayed at Light + Building, the world’s biggest trade fair for lighting and building services technology in Frankfurt (March 30 – April 4, 2014).
Philips’ OneSpace luminous ceiling was predicted by American author and professor of biochemistry Isaac Asimov in a 1964 New York Times article looking at the technology of the future. He wrote that “By 2014, electroluminescent panels will be in common use, and ceilings and walls will glow softly...’’
The Philips OneSpace luminous ceiling integrates LED lights with textile to create a white light ceiling surface that hides the source of light completely. The result is a smooth and clutter-free ceiling that emits a uniform and glare-free light.
“This innovation will redefine how light can be used in architecture and design. Light is now an architectural component – it is no longer an add-on in a space,’’ said Antoon Martens from Philips Lighting. ‘’The ceiling is not often seen as a design element – now, it is transformed by this minimalistic ultra-thin panel of light into a design statement.’’
No additional ceiling is required with Philips’ OneSpace luminous ceiling that plays the dual role of ceiling and light. It uses LEDs placed closely together in a mesh like arrangement combined with textile to create a sound absorbing panel with a signature homogeneous light quality. It also meets all building and safety requirements.
Architects involved in validation workshops of Philips’ OneSpace luminous ceiling described the effect of the ceiling as “peaceful’’, “serene” and “sky-like”. The ceiling emits white light that recalls the feeling of natural daylight. It can be dimmed, used as safety lighting and also be connected to building management systems enabling centralized control to switch it on or off for greater energy efficiency.
Philips’ OneSpace luminous ceiling is available in customized sizes up to 10 x 3 meters, providing a maximum freedom of design. It is especially suited for car showrooms, flagship retail stores and public spaces like airports, hotels and conference facilities to create a striking and calm space while also serving as functional lighting.
Visit Philips at the Light + Building show in Frankfurt, Germany, from 30 March - 4 April 2014 in the Forum, Level 0, stand A01.
About Royal Philips:
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through meaningful innovation in the areas of Healthcare, Consumer Lifestyle and Lighting. Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips posted 2013 sales of EUR 23.3 billion and employs approximately 115,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. The company is a leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as male shaving and grooming and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.
