Spotted on Futurefeeder & Coolhunting , Sensacell is a new interactive material that can be built into anything (furniture, buildings, etc) and allows users to interact with a surface via light. Sensacell comes in the form of small tiles embedded with LEDs, advanced sensors, and smart-networking technology. The sensors detects objects within 6 inches through materials such as glass or plastic, and the LEDs light up based on user proximity. The tiles can be positioned underneath a translucent surface in groups to make applications ranging from an interactive coffee table (shown below) to luminescent walls. Developed by engineers Leo Fernekes and Joakim Hannerz, Sensacell is ideal for use in smart architecture, multimedia and retail environments. Prices range from $150- $350 per square foot, depending on the model, type and color of LEDs.
You have to watch the video to really understand the beauty of this stuff.
It is often new developments in technology that give rise to improvements in efficiency and environmental sustainability. Sometimes, however, the biggest innovations come from simply looking at old materials with new eyes. Case in point is 
