New LED lighting concept unveiled

A lighting concept unveiled Wednesday at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., uses modular LED panels to allow instant room lighting changes.

The design by the institute's Lighting Research Center integrates light-emitting diode technology with building materials and systems to create electronic walls and ceilings. The design includes interchangeable, modular panels that "snap" in and out of an electrical grid. Occupants can change the location of light fixtures to instantly satisfy their needs or their mood, researchers said.

"The transformation from gas lighting to electric lighting called for a quantum leap in infrastructure change, but people embraced the new system because the technology allowed for better lighting, flexibility, and a host of additional technological advances," said Russ Leslie, LRC associate director and practicing architect.

"Our proposed concept," Leslie added, "is an equivalent leap in technology and infrastructure change, and one that promotes a 'tunable' lighting environment for improved vision, mood, productivity, health, and aesthetics."

Copyright 2005 by United Press International