Based on the emergence of the OLED as a light source, a paradigmatic transformation of the meaning of surfaces in rooms and on objects becomes apparent: Every surface can potentially be designed as a luminous surface. In collaboration with partners from research and industry, we experiment with the innovation potential, examine the design relevant phenomena and parameters and develop new lighting applications and lighting controls for rooms, for kinetic and static scenographical applications, as well as for new lamps and systems.

The organic light-emitting diode as a source of light is a technology that is still in industrial development, and has proved to be significant for some time now. Only recently have the few manufacturers overcome the technological challenges for competitive production in such a way that it will be possible to use the OLED as a new light source in an economically sensible manner in just a few years. An OLED is thin (less than 1 millimeter), it is light, provides diffuse light, is efficient, uses less energy than an LED and in contrast to that, can be disposed of without any problems. In other words: The OLED is one of the most promising light sources of the future.

The results of our work will be evaluated publicly and among the specialist public from May 2015, with the aim to use the insights gained to be able to offer a set of guidelines for designers and manufacturers.

More information about the research project:
http://masterstudiodesign.ch/research/transformative-raeume-und-objekte

Supported by: Commission for Technology and Innovation CTI
Project lead: Ralf Michel, Institut Integrative Gestaltung, HGK Basel
Reasearch and industry partners: iart, Inventron, Philips Lighting, Gewerbemuseum Winterthur