Panasonic will unveil a prototype OLED screen at Vitra booth at Milan Salone del Mobile

Panasonic will unveil a new prototype, Vitrine, they have have developed in collaboration with Swedish designer Daniel Rybakken, which will be on display at Vitra’s booth at Salone del Mobile in Milan.

Vitrine is a transparent OLED screen which seamlessly blends into living spaces. It resembles a glass cabinet and is crafted from a wooden frame holding what appears to be a pane of glass. As such it blends naturally into any contemporary living space.

The moment the device is switched on, it transforms into a vivid OLED display.

The prototype is the result of a two-year R&D project by Panasonic and Vitra, based on an exchange of ideas about how new technologies can seamlessly integrate audio-visual devices into our living spaces.

Designed by Scandinavian designer Daniel Rybakken and Panasonic Design, the OLED cabinet consists of materials such as wood, metal and glass. The technological components are cleverly concealed within the wooden frame which also serves as a stand for the device. A lightning element, which enhances the viewing and ambient experience, is also directly and unobtrusively housed within the frame.

Daniel Rybakken, Designer, Studio Daniel Rybakken: “The model carefully balances between art and design. As a screen it no longer dictates its placement nor its role in the living space. The dominating large black surface is instead transformed into something that can highlight what's behind, what's displayed or nothing at all."

Panasonic has not yet announced plans to commercially market the prototype however following Milan, Vitrine will be on display in Tokyo at Panasonic’s new show space, ‘&Panasonic’, from the end of April

Panasonic Design has been the driving force of Panasonic's product innovation and creativity since 1951, when it was founded as the first ever in-house design department in Japan. Since the beginning, its mission has been to create the best-designed products that truly transform people’s lives. This continues today with an increasing emphasis on developing products that fit seamlessly into our homes, lives and environments and enhance our enjoyment and experience of everyday life

The work of Daniel Rybakken occupies the area between art and design, forming limited editions, art installations and prototypes for serial production. One of his main focuses has been to work with daylight and how to artificially recreate its subconscious effect. He started his own studio in 2008 and has since that won numerous awards including several Red Dot Awards, the London Design Medal and was the first designer from a Scandinavian country to receive the Italian Compasso d'Oro.

The prototype will be on show at Vitra’s stand (Booth B07/C12, Hall 20) at Salone del Mobile from 9th April until 14th April.