The Alliance for Solid-State Illumination Systems (ASSIST), a light emitting diode (LED) industry group developed by the Lighting Research Center (LRC), has unveiled a unique concept for lighting homes and offices. The design integrates LED technology with building materials and systems to create electronic walls and ceilings.

The design includes interchangeable, modular panels with integrated LED lighting fixtures that snap in and out of an electrical grid. Occupants can change the location of light fixtures or introduce new fixtures on a whim to satisfy their needs or mood.

“The new concept represents a paradigm shift in the way people think about lighting and the way we build and design interiors,” said Nadarajah Narendran, LRC director of research and head of the Solid-State Lighting program.

According to researchers, rearranging the LED panels on the walls and ceiling in the room is easier than moving furniture. There is no need to drill holes, patch drywall or lay out the room according to electrical sockets. Once in place, the LED panels are controlled by a touch-screen LCD panel mounted on the wall.

“In many ways, this recent design concept with LEDs is profound, as light can now become part of the architecture,” said Makarand Chipalkatti, innovation management, Osram Sylvania. “In the short term, it may be possible to build replacement LED lamps to fill existing sockets and luminaries, but in the long term, the very nature of construction and buildings will go through a change, the way it did during the transition from gas to electric lamps.”