December 6, 2013 – Lighting player Royal Philips and carpet manufacturer Desso are partnering to develop solutions that combine LED lighting with light transmissive carpet. (Check out the images below!)

“This light transmissive carpet solution is designed to engage directly with people’s senses and the eyes’ natural inclination to seek out light,” said Ed Huibers, marketing and sales director at Philips Lighting.

The solution “will transform the way people interact with information and their environment” in offices, hotels, conference centres and other public buildings, says Philips. These LED carpets will provide benefits in the areas of information, direction and safety, such as:

• Guiding people around buildings, including safety exits and routes.

• Enhancing the ambiance and atmosphere of the interior of buildings, combining lighting with design and colour.

• Helping to de-clutter spaces by making information visible only when needed.

The solution is designed for high traffic areas and comes in different colours, shapes and sizes.

“We know people spend 90% of their time indoors, and our vision linked to this is to create innovative flooring solutions that contribute to people’s health and well-being.” said Desso CEO Alexander Collot d’Escury.

The partnership calls for Philips and Desso to work exclusively together in developing the markets in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa). In addition, a joint development agreement has been signed focusing on a integrating this solution into new and existing buildings. The product name will be revealed in 2014 as part of the full go-to-market launch, but Philips and Desso say they are already working on pilot projects “in key markets”.