World’s First LED Concrete Wall Illuminated In Germany

Concrete, while very versatile, is a pretty boring building material. Grey and opaque, it’s utilized for its affordability and utility rather than beauty. But a new concrete facade in Germany aims to give the reliable material a colorful face lift.

Designed by German concrete manufacturer LUCEM, the facade features light transmitting concrete panels in a variety of vibrant hews. Only recently opened to the public, the display pushes the boundary of technology, design, and architecture in one fell swoop.

The project, which is on display in Aachen, Germany, features 136 rectangular concrete panels that contain optical fibers. Each panel is fitting with color-changing technology, with the colors becoming brighter approximately one hour before sunset. The LED-panels are controlled using an internet-based DMX technology system, with each panel containing 3 percent optical fibres, reports World Architecture News.

The LED-infused panels can be controlled independently meaning it only takes a second to turn the entire wall into a single display screen. The light shows on the screen can be controlled via the internet or a mobile device and interactive elements as well as text and logos can be displayed on the screen.

The opportunities for light-emitting concrete are enormous. It literally means any internal or external wall could be transformed into a display piece, creating opportunities for advertising and communication without adding flat screen televisions or sky-blocking billboards.