Challenge
Designing the roads of the future
The goal is to make roads more sustainable and interactive, by using light, energy and signs that automatically adapt to the traffic situation. The Glow-in-the-Dark roads are treated with a special foto-luminising powder, making extra lighting unnecessary. Charged in the daylight, the powder illuminates the contours of the road at night for up to ten hours. Dynamic Paint becomes visible in response to temperature fluctuations. It enables the surface of the roads to communicate relevant and adequate traffic information directly to drivers. Ice-crystals for example, become visible on the surface of the road when it’s cold and slippery.
A project conceived by Dutch artist and designer Daan Roosegaarde, Smart Highways is a set of concepts and prototypes for more interactive and sustainable roadways. New designs include the ‘Glowing Lines’, ‘Dynamic Paint’, ‘Interactive Light’, ‘Induction Priority Lane’ and ‘Road Printer’.