DARMSTADT, GERMANY - "Lighting Up the Future – The Emergence of OLED“ is the name of a book published by Merck that will be presented on April 2, 2014 in Frankfurt during the "Light and Building" trade fair. The latest project by Merck within the scope of its "Displaying Futures" initiative showcases the possibilities of organic light-emitting diodes – or OLED – in architecture, art and design and looks at how innovative technological developments can positively impact people's lives.
Exceptionally thin, transparent, versatile, long-lasting and energy-efficient, OLEDs create possibilities that extend well beyond conventional lighting applications. "Lighting Up the Future", which features 160 pages of text and fascinating pictures, presents concepts and theories being developed in avant-garde architecture, art and design.
For instance, Kjetil Trædal Thorsen of Norway, co-founder of the architectural firm Snøhetta, sees OLED as a lighting material for design and construction that gives mankind new freedoms and serves as a major unifying element. With his concept of the accessible OLED room, the Darmstadt-based painter and video artist Willi Bucher exposes viewers to unusual realms of human experience. Sebastian Herkner developed the concept of "OLED Lighting Curtains". When switched on, the curtains float as a dynamic light surface in the room; when switched off, they are transparent. The examination of OLEDS as "more" than mere light will be complemented by lectures on general, philosophic, historic and psychological aspects of lighting.
"With this book, we want to trigger an interdisciplinary dialogue in order to jointly shape the future of OLED development together," explains the initiator Udo Heider, Vice President OLED at Merck.
The renowned speakers, who will be presenting "Lighting Up the Future" reflect interdisciplinary thinking. Guests will hear exciting lectures by the philosopher Professor Martin Gessmann and product designed Professor Peter Eckart, both from Offenbach University of Art and Design, as well as the architect Robert Volhard from Stylepark.