Driving innovation through design in lighting

It is 120 years after the first introduction of the incandescent bulb. The incandescent bulb can be seen as one of the greatest inventions of the last century, however not energy efficient. Therefore there is a switch to energy efficient solutions in view of the environment (reduction of energy consumption and carbon emission).

This trend comes at a good moment: LEDs are coming up, which are energy efficient, and provide new possibilities such as flexibility in design and new lighting effects. LED is an energy efficient way of lighting, reducing energy consumption and carbon pollution. From a design perspective, LEDs open up a whole new world of possibilities bringing freedom to designers to create solutions for consumers that result in more ambiance and atmosphere in their homes. LEDs are easy to use in kitchens, bathrooms or can even be used in furniture design. They can provide light any color of the spectrum and can bring a new dimension to, for example accessories - such as wine coolers and vases.

While there is increased flexibility for designers to work with LEDs, it becomes a challenge to create solutions for consumers that are simple and easy as the familiar, trusted incandescent bulbs have a strong heritance and a deep memory in the minds of people. For some consumers the rounded shape of the bulb gives a nostalgic feeling. To make the shift from traditional technology to advanced LED technology as simple as possible, the retrofit bulbs are a solution. The award winning[1] Novallure lamps maintain the traditional shape and are designed to replace incandescent candle and luster lamps. This is quite simple as their fixtures are similar to traditional fittings.

Next to the retrofits, Philips has extended its offering of LED lighting with newly designed LED lamps and luminaires. The positive effects of using LEDs are numerous. The LED lamps have a lifespan from 15 to 25 years using minimum power making LED lamps an energy efficient way of lighting. Consumer will feel the effect as they save money from a lower electricity bill. (During the Inside Design Amsterdam 2009 event, Philips presented several Philips LED products providing fresh ideas about the possibilities LED lighting solutions bring. In addition to light bulbs, Philips is providing solutions in a range of luminaires and accessories. The introduction of design classics as LivingColors, Wake-up Light and IMAGEO candle lights show Philips innovative approach to creating energy conscious lighting solutions that fit seamlessly into the home environment.

If we look towards the near future, we see a trend among designers to create flatter, slimmer products, such as the solutions presented in the OLED concepts. OLEDs create soft, glowing clouds of light and have a extremely flat nature. With LED and OLED technology, more groundbreaking lighting concepts and experiences are only one step away for designers. A complete new dimension in lighting is about to be uncovered.

For further information, please contact:
Pansy Chan
Country Public Relations and Marketing
Philips Hong Kong
Tel: +852-2821-5237
E-mail: pansy.chan@philips.com