InspirationA view on LED projects and applications
This brochure offers a window on the world of Philips
LED lighting. This side of the brochure is intended to
provide inspiration, by outlining a variety of projects
where LED lighting has helped turn visionary design into
practical reality. The other side of the brochure explores
Philips' portfolio of state-of-the-art LED solutions,
the tools used to achieve these spectacular results.
Solid-state or LED lighting represents the most signi� cant development in
lighting since the discovery of electric light well over a century ago. Offering
unprecedented design freedom in terms of colour, dynamics, miniaturisation,
architectural integration and energy ef� ciency, it is opening up possibilities
we could previously only dream of, e.g. for ambience creation.
Today, we are witnessing a clear shift from ‘quantitative’ functional lighting
towards ‘qualitative’ intelligent and emotive lighting, stimulating designers to
re-think lighting in a way that offers people new experiences. With our
desire to improve people’s lives with lighting, we at Philips will continue to
drive this trend by supporting our creative and industry partners with
innovations and expertise in the � eld of LED lighting.
A whole new world with LED
Dynamic ambiencesLEDs bring appealing dynamic lighting effects -
such as colour mixing and changing for scene-
setting - to outdoor and indoor applications
ranging from city beauti� cation through to
shop and of� ce lighting, as well as lighting
for the home. With a combination of three
coloured LEDs - red, green and blue (RGB) -
it is possible to use different dimming levels
to create all the colours of the rainbow
without any loss of light. A combination of
amber, white and blue (AWB) can be used
to replicate the characteristics of daylight.
The dynamic capability of LED lighting can be
applied to create exactly the right ambience
at the right time. For example, it is possible to
change white light from cool to warm white,
independent of the lighting level, and to vary
the nature of the light from diffuse to more
focused. In a hotel restaurant, for instance,
we can create bright, fast-moving environments
for breakfast time and a warmer, more intimate
atmosphere for dinner in the evening. Or we
can give shop windows more stopping power
with vibrant, saturated colour effects.
Increasing use is also being made of dynamic
effects in the healthcare sector, for example,
where LED lighting is being used speci� cally
to put patients at ease and to increase staff
well-being, motivation and productivity.
Dramatic impactAdvances in LED technology have opened
up a host of powerful effects for illuminating
architectural elements, enabling designers to
� ll or underline, graze or pinpoint, mark
or blend. These effects can transform what
are sober, functional buildings by day into
spectacular eye-catchers at night. Also, since
there is no heat in the beam and almost no
UV in the light spectrum of LEDs, they are
very safe for the public and are ideally suited
to illuminating light/heat-sensitive materials,
e.g. in shops and museums.
Energy ef� ciencyLEDs are more energy-ef� cient than many
existing light sources, especially if we take into
account their optical ef� ciency. And things can
only get better, with their level of ef� ciency
more or less doubling every two years.
Integration
LEDs have an extremely long lifetime.
For example, LUXEON® LEDs have a
lifetime of 50,000 hours - or approximately
25 years - at 70% of their initial light output,
making them a truly ‘� t and forget’ solution.
Combined with their small dimensions, this
opens up completely new design possibilities,
in which the LEDs can be sealed for life and
fully integrated into the architecture or design.
A good example of this can be found in the
automotive industry, where coloured LEDs
are already widely used in indicator lights.
‘Integrated solutions’The High Tech Campus Eindhoven has an international reputation for ground-breaking research
and the development of innovative products and technologies. Appropriately for a facility
renowned for being at the cutting edge, LEDs are a prominent feature of the lighting design.
Two bridges have been built across the central lake to link the different parts
of the site. To avoid using poles on the bridges, a special solution was realized -
a custom lighting � xture that illuminates the side of the bridge and the walkway,
producing a very special effect.
Twelve 1 W LEDs per 1.66 meter segment have been integrated along the
entire length of the handrail on each side of the bridge.
Along the footpath and cycle tracks, orientation lighting has been installed. Tubular
stainless-steel luminaires with a � at cap, referred to as ‘mushrooms’, have been
developed. Each ‘mushroom’ is 30 cm high and incorporates ten cool-white LEDs.
The light shines downwards, creating a pool of light about 10 meters in diameter.
High Tech Campus, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Lighting design Har Hollands Lichtarchitect, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Landscape architect Juurlink + Geluk, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Luminaires SSL customized luminaires: bridge handrail, LED mushroom,
LED string
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs, 1W white
Photography Hans van Stekelenburg
With the special design of an inverted pyramid, the Coliseum is one
of Hong Kong’s most eye-catching landmarks. At night, dynamic LED
lighting brings the façade to life.
‘Symphony of light’
The 12,500-seat Hong Kong Coliseum is a major multi-purpose indoor arena, which was opened
in 1983. The imposing design creates maximum column-free space out of the 1,680-meter arena,
providing the audience with an unobstructed view.
The Coliseum consists of a heavy concrete structure with sloping concrete walls which looks like an
inverted pyramid. From an aesthetical point of view the façade is not especially interesting in daylight,
but by night a dynamic light play using saturated colours creates a ‘symphony of light’, which turns
this massive building into a work of art, creating the impression of a spaceship that is about to land.
Hong Kong Coliseum, China
Lighting design Philips LiDAC Hong Kong
Luminaires LEDline2, 30 cm, 120 cm, red, green, blue
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography Philips LiDAC Hong Kong
‘The march of time’The spectacular Perret Tower, which is over 100 meters high, was one
of the � rst skyscrapers built in Europe. Following a major facelift, it is
now topped by a 7 m ‘hourglass’, which marks out the time by means
of a colored light display.
Tour Perret, Amiens, France
Lighting design François Migeon, Rozenn Le Couillard, Grandeur Nature, Paris, France
Architect Thierry van de Wyngaert, Agence Van de Wyngaert, Paris, France
Luminaires LEDline2
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs, 1W, amber, mixed red and amber
Photography Grandeur Nature, Jacques Colon
‘The march of time’
The relit structure is now illuminated by LED-based grazing light, while metal-halide
� oodlights provide general lighting. The glass cube at the top of the tower consists of
12 glass elements with controlled opacity. At its center, 12 tri-neon lines backlight the
diffusing glass with colored light that changes as the hours go by, thus marking the
time and interpreting the night.
‘A higher level’
Hardturm Railway, Zurich, Switserland
Lighting design D’Lite Lichtdesign
Luminaires LEDline2, 120 cm
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs, white
Photography Philips Lighting
The Hardturm railway viaduct in Zurich is an important inner-city
connection for both local and transit train traf� c. Grazing LED light
illuminates the pillars to spectacular effect.
Hardturm Railway, Zurich, Switserland The elevated railway line is built on concrete pillars, which are up to 8 or 12 meters high. These supporting
pillars are lit in a decorative way with grazing LED light over the full length of the viaduct. In this way, the space
under the bridge is greatly enhanced and orientation and security are improved.
One of the key factors in the authorities’ decision to opt for LED lighting was the desire to reduce light
pollution, energy consumption and the cost of maintenance.
Situated on the Northern coast of Finland’s Gulf of Bothnia, the SnowCastle
of Kemi bears testimony to the talent and skills of local architects and builders.
Inside its towering walls, both children and adults can enjoy a truly memorable
experience. The artwork of ice and snow - complete with light and sound
effects - is an absolute delight.
LED lighting systems are being used to great effect in the SnowCastle.
LED Modules are used in the roofed parts, such as the corridors, restaurant
and bar, as well as to light ice sculptures and details such as doorways. It is the
LEDs’ low operating temperatures that provide the key to success in what is,
essentially, an environment that could easily melt away.
SnowCastle, Kemi, Finland
Lighting design Philips Lighting
Architect Rauno Ruonansuu
System LED module system
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography Mira Pelo-Kemppainen
‘Really cool’The SnowCastle of Kemi offers children and adults alike an unforgettable experience.
LED lighting is helping to ensure that the SnowCastle remains ‘cool’.
Perched on a hill above the town of Östersund, Arctura is a huge accumulator
tank 65 meters high and 26 meters in diameter. It is used to supply hot water
for household heating to the surrounding district. The tank is surrounded, at a
distance of 2 meters, by a stainless-steel mesh that gives depth and shape to
the architecture.
The concept behind the lighting was to replicate the effect of aurora borealis,
the ‘Northern Lights’. LEDline2 luminaires (linear beam 2 x 3°), together with
a control system, create spectacular grazing-light effects on the façade and the
mesh. LED� ood luminaires provide indirect lighting on the sloping roof. RGB
color mixing is applied to create the changing colours on the tank.
Arctura, Sweden
Lighting design Stefan Wiktorsson, LjusDesign AB
Architect SWECO FFNS
Luminaires LEDline2, LED� ood
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs, 1 and 3W, red, green, blue, white
Photography Stefan Gemzell; Mats Aldefelt, SWECO FFNS
‘Northern Lights’
Arctura, a giant hot-water tank topped by a stylish restaurant and
recreational facility, has been provided with LED lighting that makes
it a spectacular nocturnal landmark.
‘Urban lighthouse’
The Consorci Forum building rises above the city of Barcelona like a brand
new urban lighthouse. Its spectacular architecture and LED-based exterior
illumination form a new point of reference in a former industrial zone that
was in decline for many years.
One of the projects in the urban regeneration program inspired by
Forum 2004 was the 90-meter high Consorci de la Zona Franca of� ce
building, with its architectural form of stacked geometric bodies, which
is visible from most of the northern part of the city.
LEDs were used for two very distinct effects. The façade facing the city
is � tted with numerous colored light sources in narrow bays up to 10
meters high, symbolizing the multicultural spectrum of Forum 2004. The
upper part of the building comprises a huge glass cube, which is lit with
cool-white LEDline2 luminaires to create the lighthouse effect.
Consorci Forum, Barcelona, Spain
Lighting design Eliaz Gomez, ARUP, Madrid, Spain
Architect Josep Lluis Mateo, MAP Arquitectos, Barcelona, Spain
Luminaires LEDline2, Deco� ood
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs, red, amber, green and blue
Photography Pedro Perez, Ricardo Rey
The main challenge for the lighting design was to provide suf� cient contrast
between the upper and lower sections of the bridge, thereby reducing the
dominant illumination of the arch. This was achieved by giving emphasis to
the handrail, using a bespoke LEDline luminaire to create a more balanced view.
The chosen solution was suf� ciently versatile to allow the light to underline
the balustrade along its entire length.
Incorporating a secondary optic to spread the light further, cool-white
modules were speci� ed to contrast with the warmer tones of light projected
onto the suspension cables, arches and the bridge’s twin towers.
Chelsea Bridge, London, UK
Lighting design Atkins Odlin
Luminaires LEDline2
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography Newbery Smith Photography
‘Bridge of beauty’
Spanning the Thames, Chelsea Bridge is one of London’s most attractive river crossings.
To ensure that one of the district’s key assets is shown in its full glory, the Royal Borough
of Kensington and Chelsea was keen to adopt the latest lighting technology; the potential
bene� ts in terms of maintenance, costs and energy saving were also a factor.
Medical procedures like magnetic resonance imaging can often frighten people, especially children,
so the examination can be dif� cult and time-consuming. To make hospitals and clinical procedures less
intimidating, Philips has developed AmbiScene in Healthcare - a concept centred on variation in light
colour and intensity that helps patients relax by creating a comforting ambience during diagnosis.
Each patient can choose his or her favourite colour or scene which is then displayed by means of a
special LED wall-washer.
‘Addressing healthcare challenges’
The state-of-the-art Centro Médico Teknon in Barcelona offers a
comprehensive service comprising all medical and surgical specialties
for both adults and children. LED-based lighting is helping it to provide
better, more patient-centric care while at the same time improving
operational ef� ciency.
Centro Médico Teknon, Barcelona
Lighting design Ricardo Rey
Luminaires Wall washer LED
Light source LUXEON® K2 LEDs
Photography Victor Garcia
The 17-m high beacon in Patras is a traditional Greek lighthouse. By using colored light
for both the façade and the lantern, however, a very special appearance has been created.
The façade is uplit with blue grazing light from LEDline2 luminaires, highlighting the texture
of the tower’s stonework. The lantern is lit from the inside with red LEDline2 luminaires.
Patras Lighthouse, Patras, Greece
Lighting design ARC Innovations
Luminaires LEDline2, 30 cm, blue, red
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography N. Psathogiannakis
‘Colorful light beacon’
The famous lighthouse in Patras is a Greek archetype.
Colored LED light has been used to give it a very special appearance.
Many Dutch people use a bike to get around each day. For this reason,
dedicated bike lanes are common in the Netherlands. In this case, it was
decided - for design reasons, but also to show what the future might
bring - to light both the bicycle lane and the pedestrian zone using the
LED-based CityWing.
This architectural pedestrian luminaire features 18 high-power LEDs.
The combination of white and/or amber LEDs can produce warm and
cool white light. The 4-metre-high optical units, with a spacing of 10-12
meters between the masts, gives an average illuminance level of 15 lux
with good uniformity - providing excellent visual conditions for cyclists.
Juliana van Stolberglaan, The Hague, The Netherlands
Lighting design Philips Netherlands
Luminaires CityWing
Light sources LUXEON® K2 LEDs
Photography Philips Netherlands
‘Better light, better cycling’The bicycle lane is an integral part of the Dutch road infrastructure.
In the Hague’s Juliana van Stolberglaan, a LED-based luminaire is casting
this important traf� c artery in a new light.
Located on the way into Bourg-en-Bresse on national highway 79, the Renault
Trucks factory was built in 1964. In 2004 a renovation project was undertaken
which included a new concept to express the brand image through the façade
(156 meters long and 14 meters high).
A powerful lighting theme - representative of Renault Trucks’ brand image - is
now visible at night. Innovative sources and luminaires were used, including red
LEDline luminaires to highlight the translucent polycarbonate sheets inside the
openings and red LED markers to punctuate and follow the architectural lines of
the façade. Architect Pierre Barillot and lighting designer Philippe Hutinet received
a special commendation for this project at the Concours Lumières 2004.
Renault truck factory, Bourg-en-Bresse, France
Lighting design Philippe Hutinet, Agence Hutinet, Pisieu, France
Architect Franck Tabouret, Patrick Tavernier, Architectures Barillot,
Bourg-en-Bresse, France
Luminaires LEDline2, LED marker lights
Light sources: LUXEON® LEDs, red
Photography Thierry Kuntz
De� ne a concept for an industrial façade, identify a speci� c feature and
communicate the brand image - that was the assignment. LED lighting
was instrumental in its ful� lment.
‘Expressing the brand’
"A higher level"
Hardturm railway viaduct, Zurich, Switzerland
The Hardturm railway viaduct in Zurich is an important inner-city
connection for both local and transit train traf� c. Grazing LED light
illuminates the pillars to spectacular effect.
During the FIFA World Cup 2006™, the Reichstag building in Berlin was set in a new light.
Philips delivered some 700 energy-ef� cient luminaires to illuminate all four sides of the
building during this month-long global sports event. The lighting design used different colour
temperatures - varying from warm to cool white - to accentuate the architectural details
of this historic building. A combination of � oodlights with CDM lamps and LED luminaires
was used. The total energy cost of the installation was less than 3 euros per hour!
Reichstag building, Berlin, Germany
Lighting design Michael Batz
Luminaires LEDFlood, cool white, LEDline2, warm white
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography Stiftung Lebendige Stadt
The FIFA World Cup 2006™ in Germany - with its slogan ‘a time to make friends’ -
brought together fans from all over the world. To mark this global event, the Reichstag
was specially lit with an innovative combination of lighting technologies.
‘Top-class sport, top-class lighting’
In Milan, the former industrial complex of Carroponte, which extends 200
meters in length, has been completely revamped after many years of decline.
In the large industrial hall where cranes used to work, an area for special
events, concerts, etc. has now been created.
Warm red light from LEDline2 luminaires (120 cm, 2 x 27°) is used to create
a pleasing decorative lighting effect on the 3-dimensional steel structures.
Carroponte Sesto San Giovanni, Milan, Italy
Lighting design Luigi Cucinotta
Luminaires LEDline2, 120 cm, red
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography Philips Lighting
‘Transformed by light’The Milanese industrial site of Carroponte has undergone a complete
metamorphosis - thanks to the transformative power of LED light.
‘The language of color’
Technopolis, originally built in 1857 as a gas-producing factory in the Gazi district of Athens
(named after the industrial complex built there), has been renovated to form part of the
capital’s cultural centre. This was one of the � rst instances in Europe of LEDs being used to
illuminate an entire building complex.
The renovation of Technopolis comprised the illumination of a number of elements:
three chimneys, a gas storage tank, a cooling unit and two former of� ce buildings.
For each element, a colour was selected that would serve as a metaphor for its original
use, whilst at the same time bringing out the architectural features of the complex as a
whole. For the 25-meter high chimneys, for example, red LEDlines were used to create
a vibrant saturated red glow reminiscent of burning coal to create the illusion of � re
and heat. For the gas storage tank the colour blue - associated with the bluish tinge of
a gas � ame - was selected. The of� ce buildings were illuminated with yellow to match
the stonework, while green was used for all the remaining facilities.
Gazi Technopolis, Athens, Greece
Lighting design Duilio Passariello
Luminaires LEDline2
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography Studio Image
‘Dutch delight’
Building VB, home to Philips’ Dutch sales organization, provides a stunning illustration of the innovative
capabilities for which the company is renowned. The transparent, dynamic lighting design creates an
ideal environment for staff and projects an appealing, progressive image to clients.
Building VB is one of the most striking structures in Eindhoven, with
a special façade design that is suspended from the roof construction.
A renovation project launched in 2005 included a new lighting design
for both the interior and exterior of the building. In the foyer, and also
on each � oor, the elevator areas are equipped with backlit glass panels
which can change colour.
A curved re� ector is inserted behind the glass panels, while RGB LEDs
(12 per 50 cm) are positioned in a horizontal line at the base of each
panel, providing uniform indirect backlighting of the glass panels.
All in all, this creates a colourful ‘futuristic’ experience, featuring all the
colours of the rainbow.
Entrance head of� ce Philips, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Lighting design Philips LiDAC International, Eindhoven,
The Netherlands
Luminaires Customized LED solutions
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography Korff & van Mierlo, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
‘Spot on!’
LED showcase
Philips has built a dedicated test environment to explore the possibilities of using its
recently launched 2 W LED spots for display lighting. Colored light allows larger distances
between the spot and the object to be highlighted, as well as colored accents in shop
windows (evening scenes). The fact that there is no heat in the beam and almost no UV
The new Spot LED demonstrates that good things
really do come in small packages.
in the light spectrum of LEDs makes these spots perfect for museum lighting and other
applications where light-sensitive products are displayed and/or where the distance
between the spot and the object is limited.
Whether a conference, training course, meeting or company party, the new
Regardz ‘Buitensociëteit’ in Zwolle caters for everything. Its most striking feature
is the theatre hall, which has recently been given a complete make-over. Thanks
in part to the eight eye-catching ‘No Fruits’ suspended LED luminaires, this space
offers incredible � exibility in creating all kinds of different settings.
LED lighting has also been installed in the coves along the wall. As it is switched in
parallel with the No Fruits, the classical white ornaments on the wall immediately
turn the same colour, creating a uniform atmosphere throughout the space.
Regardz ‘Buitensociëteit’, Zwolle, The Netherlands
Interior design Michel Ruygrok, Estida Interieurontwerp en -realisatie
Lighting design Wibeke Pollé, Philips Lighting
Luminaires LEDline2
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography BU SSL
‘Dedicated ambiences’
The new Regardz ‘Buitensociëteit’ hosts all sorts of gatherings. In the refurbished
theatre hall, LED lighting is used to adapt the ambience to the occasion.
‘A right regal solution’ To celebrate The Queen’s 80th birthday, Philips was invited
by the Royal Household to create a new permanent lighting
installation to illuminate the façade of Buckingham Palace.
A careful balance of architectural enhancement and ecological
responsibility was achieved by using the latest LED technology.
Buckingham Palace, London, United Kingdom
Lighting design Philips UK
Luminaires LEDline2
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography Edmund Summer
‘A right regal solution’
Working together with English Heritage and Westminster City Council,
Philips was keen to incorporate aesthetic, environmental and energy-ef� cient
considerations in the � nal design. The lighting design had to avoid light
pollution into the night sky since the Palace is set between the royal parks.
Any possible spill light also had to be minimized to prevent intrusion into
the living quarters inside the Palace. In all, 45 LEDline2 modules with
warm-white LUXEON® LEDs were installed along the upper and lower
levels of the façade, their slim pro� le blending into the surroundings with
negligible disturbance.
A particular challenge was to illuminate an uninviting subway. A scheme
was designed that included 18 recessed LED modules incorporating a mini
photocell and vandal-proof opal glass. In order to achieve the optimum light
distribution, the LED modules are evenly spaced at 2-metre intervals. The
precision control offered by LED technology ensures accurate beams of light
to graze the walls. The in-ground LED modules are practically invisible by day
but really spring to life at night, providing guidance for pedestrians and de� ning
the area.
Subway, Gateshead, United Kingdom
Lighting design Gateshead Council
Luminaires Customized LED modules
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Photography Millers Photography
‘Going underground’
Gateshead Council has drawn up a comprehensive improvement
programme to enhance the commercial and residential districts within the
area. As part of the regeneration scheme, energy-ef� cient, sustainable LED
modules have been installed at various locations.
The lighting design for this 79-metre-high tower combines two complementary lighting effects.
Floodlights at the base create soft and dynamic coloured lighting. The tower’s platform - also known
as the ‘crown’ - is illuminated by the LEDline RGB Medium Beam in two well-de� ned lines, giving it
a dynamic, horizontal appearance.
For the VRT-RTBF tower, LEDs offer a number of interesting advantages -long lifetime, high energy
ef� ciency and the possibility to use smaller � ttings. Last but not least, the very focused beams from
the LED luminaires mean less light is wasted.
VRT-RTBF tower, Brussels, Belgium
Lighting design Christophe Thomas, LiDAC Philips
Lighting products Spots, Martin Architectural
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs
Luminaires LEDline2 RGB
Photography Christian Verreydt, Visual News
‘Beacon of light on the Brussels skyline’
There’s a new and striking beacon of light on the Brussels skyline: the VRT-RTBF tower.
From now on, this tower will be lit up in spectacular fashion every evening by a
combination of � oodlights and LED lighting.
‘Living monument’
Kapela Praska, ‘The Praska Band’, symbolises the spirit of the people of
Warsaw, which remained indomitable even during the darkest days of
World War II. LED lighting has brought this much-loved monument to life.
LED technology allows lighting designers to create incredible lighting
effects which were impossible with previous types of light source.
Today, coloured light can bring buildings and structures to life, as is the
case with the Kapela Praska monument. LEDline2 wide-beam recessed
luminaires with blue and red colours and a dynamic lighting control
system have given this monument a striking new night-time appearance
- now you can almost hear the music of the monument’s ‘living band’.
Kapela Praska Podwórkowa Monument
Lighting design Philips Lighting - Robert Rzepinski
Architect Józef Zabecki
Sculptor Andrzej Renes
Luminaires LEDline2
Light sources LUXEON® LEDs, LUXEON® K2 LEDs
Photography Wojciech Szarlinski