Royal Philips and Desso – global leaders in lighting and carpets respectively – have announced a partnership agreement to develop solutions that combine LED lighting with light transmissive carpet.

This will further unlock the potential of LED integration into surfaces and adds an exciting dimension to interior design and space planning. The solution will transform the way people interact with information and their environment in offices, hotels, conference centers and other public buildings.

These LED light emitting carpets will provide many benefits in the areas of information, direction, inspiration 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 – enabling highly flexible application of the new technology.

“This light transmissive carpet solution is designed to engage directly with people’s senses and the eyes’ natural inclination to seek out light. The technology takes advantage of people’s tendency to be guided by the floor when moving through and interacting with space. It brings information, direction, inspiration and safety via the carpet you walk on. This partnership of market leaders is focused on bringing meaningful innovations to the market,” says Philips Lighting marketing and sales director Ed Huibers.

Desso chief executive Alexander Collot d’Escury adds, “We know people spend 90% of their time indoors and our vision linked to this is to create flooring solutions that contribute to people’s health and wellbeing. This new solution developed with our partner Philips, meets this need and offers exciting ways to enhance the interaction between the interior space and its users.”

The partnership is an agreement to work exclusively together in developing the markets in EMEA. In addition to this, a joint development agreement has been signed focusing on a seamless integration of 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 are already working on pilot projects in key markets.

Combining the many benefits of Desso’s carpet, such as improved indoor air quality, acoustics and comfort with the benefits of Philips’ LED lighting, this innovation reflects Philips and Desso’s common goal to improve people’s lives, whilst bringing a new level of design freedom to architects, designers and end-users.