Project Crush: Dobpler ınteractive Led Wall by Skjelvik Design

As an active partner of the European Capital of Culture Project, Sandnes Municipality (Sandnes, Norway) decided to develop projects that actively engage everyone, emphasized the most important qualities of the city, created visual changes in the city’s image, created sustainable values building and enhancing the identity of a fast-changing society and used light as the artistic medium presenting the young and modern city of Sandnes. 

The result was Watercolours a collection of eight light installations throughout the city. 

All eight light installations are amazing and inspirational. But I would have to say "Strømmer" (translates to Streams and Flows in English) made for Snøhetta Architects in cooperation with Prototyper AS and Rasmus Hildonenis  is my favorite because it engages the community and encourages people to interact with the architecture. Luminous "shadows" are created in response to movement. The shadows mirror the actions of the passerby; walking, jumping, dancing, or bicycling.  (See images below, courtesy credits: Skjelvik Design2008 | www.NullOhm.com  )

But it's not just a fun interactive wall.  It increases public safety. Sandnes' city center is divided in two by the railway line.  Streams and Flows is installed in a tunnel underneath the rail line and illuminates the walkway for pedestrians and traffic. It is also a testament to the energy saving benefits of L.E.D. technology.  The installation is composed of 27 square meters of LEDs provide light and the total energy consumption is smaller than 3 regular 60 watt light bulbs!  And LEDs have an amazing long life span!

Take a gander at this video of an adorable toddler interacting with the Dobpler Interactive L.E.D. wall.  This tyke is not alone, check out photo #8 to see child-like joy on the faces of adults interacting with the installation. If I ever see this installation in person, I would do the same thing.  Do you think you could resist the temptation?

If you like this project, check out these related links: 

Dobpler Interactive L.E.D. Wall

Skjelvik Design

Snøhetta Architects

WaterColours

Wishing Well (Part of the Watercolours project, but installed on the floor!)

Kinetic Light Emitting Wallpaper and Wall Panels

Dutch designer Jonas Samson is lighting the way for vertical surfaces.  He recently announced his newest addition to his product collection: a customizable, animated Light Emitting Wallpaper. (See product stills, below.  All images courtesy of Jonas Samson v.o.f.)

When I saw this product I had a million questions.  Gad Bros, business partner of Jonas Sampson v.o.f.,  was kind enough to answer all of them.  (Thanks Gad!)

Light Emitting Wallpaper is still in the prototype phase. The wall paper is not sold commercially and they expect it to take about 10-15years before there will be a material which will make it possibly to make an wall paper in this size for everybody. 

But don't be sad! Samson already produces a similar product Ecco Luce, a wall panel with integrated LED lights, that is currently on the market. Ecco Lucce is manufactured in The Netherlands, but available all over the world.  (See image, below) 

Ecco Luce is a single panel (120mm x 300 mm) and can be be combined with other Ecco Luce panels. Ecco Luce panels are about 5-6cm and studies are currently underway to reduce the panel thickness.

Panels are available in different finishes (glass, wallpaper, wood veneer), can be built with fire rated components, and can be placed attached to an existing wall or free standing.

Ecco Luce has an on/off switch.  When it is off, it appears to be a normal wall. But when turned on, patterns of light project through the wall.  Panels do not require an additional L.E.D. driver, they include a specially made computer based interface. There is currently a "regular" option but design possibilities include static, dimmable or motion activated images, RGB colors, and remote controlled operation.

Samson believes in products should work without having to hire a technician to install it. Installation is a snap since panels (free standing or wall mounted) are delivered complete.  Wall mounted units only need to be attached to the existing wall and connected to an electrical source. Free standing panel systems come complete with feet and and when they arrive at the job site, you only have to attach it to an electrical contact and assemble it if it is a multiple panel unit.

There are no standard designs. Panels are designed on a custom, project by project basis.  Price will vary based on size, complexity of the animations, finishing materials etc.  Once the design is finalized, lead time from contract to delivery is about 3 months.

Ecco Luce has been successfully installed at an exhibition in Milan.  The next installation is set to debut April 15th at Amsterdam's Schipol Airport train station on April 15th.   If, like me, you won't be able to see the installation in person, check out this animation to see an example Ecco Luce in action.

Feeling Moody? Try Mood Space

I'm a big believer in environmental psychology, which is why I love Mood Space's product.  Mood Space uses a patented technique to combine light with art allowing  you to "design" moods.  Artwork is printed on acrylic panels and backlit with LEDs. The programmable color changing LEDs adds a sense of movement to the design. Create your own image or select a design from Mood Space's existing catalog (current categories include Sublime, Rapture, Shakti, Elemental, Euphoric or Elation).  I'm picturing a workout class with an image from the Shakti collection.  The lighting program would start out with cool colors as the class warms up, the colors would gradually change to warm tones as the workout intensifies and returns back to cool colors for the cool down. Where do you envision using this product?