Unlocking design experiences with light in glass technology

A shock of colour or a subtle warm glow from lighting can completely change the feel of an interior. Light in Glass (LiG) technology is taking this to the next level, and Saint-Gobain Sekurit is leading the way with a host of different offerings.

Redefining the user experience

“The AmpliSky product line was born from our ambition to transform standard automotive glazing into an interactive surface that blends design and function,” Fabien Geniaux, Marketing Portfolio Manager, Active Glazing Systems, Saint-Gobain Sekurit, tells CDN. “Building on the growing success of our switchable glazing solutions, which allow control over natural light, we saw further potential for glass to actively enhance the in-cabin experience. What if glazing could not only let light in, but also emit its own?”

In a car cabin, the eye is naturally drawn to glazed areas, making them the ideal canvas for illuminated patterns that convey style, emotion, and information in an organic and ergonomic way. And for panoramic roofs, the natural direction of light comes from above. LiG technology can enhance the user experience not only through direct upward visibility, but also through the ambient effects it creates – dynamic colour transitions and evolving shadows that reshape the cabin atmosphere.

Turning this vision into an automotive-grade product meant overcoming significant technical challenges, Geniaux notes. The lighting function is embedded within a standard laminated glazing pane, remaining invisible until activated. The electronics are seamlessly integrated, making the system modular and serviceable.

“At the heart of AmpliSky Ambient Light is the magic of a transparent surface that suddenly lights up, revealing a signature pattern that brings the cabin to life,” Geniaux continues. “By using the largest continuous surfaces in the cabin, the glazed areas, we’re giving light a completely new dimension. Glass becomes a powerful, transparent canvas that unlocks unprecedented creative possibilities for designers.”

The possibilities are practically limitless, Geniaux states. Large glass surfaces that were otherwise defunct of design possibility can now display patterns, dynamic animations, and colour transitions that harmonise with interior elements and transform the cabin atmosphere. “Whether it’s creating immersive, relaxing, or energising moods, or displaying intuitive information that reduces reliance on screens, this technology redefines how light interacts with users. Combined with switchable glazing, the glass itself becomes the intelligent, central source of light in the vehicle,” he adds.

Opportunities to innovate

The company has been developing its AmpliSky product line for several years, gradually expanding on its capability and offering. It is now aiming to grow its market penetration, and hopes to bring unique lighting user experiences to a larger audience. As with any relatively new technology, there are numerous challenges that need to be addressed before it may become widespread and used in mass produced vehicles.

One of the main challenges is simply raising awareness of what LiG technology can offer, Geniaux acknowledges. Many of their possibilities are still underexplored or even unknown, both in terms of design potential and functional integration. Beyond that, there are technical and industrial challenges to address.

“As with many advanced technologies, initial implementations are premium,” he admits. “However, in a context of growing market demand and an increasing number of serial applications, we’re already seeing cost reductions through industrialisation and design optimisation. Repairability is also a critical consideration. Our AmpliSky Ambient Light solution has been specifically designed with modularity in mind, and electronic components like LED modules can be replaced individually in case of failure without needing to replace the entire glazing. This significantly improves serviceability and reduces long-term costs.”

Another key challenge that is central to Saint-Gobain Sekurit’s roadmap is sustainability. Geniaux says that the company is working on reducing the bill of materials through functional integration, using recyclable materials, and designing for energy efficiency, all to ensure that LiG aligns with long-term environmental goals. “We see these challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities to innovate and make the technology more accessible and impactful,” he emphasises.

Illuminating an identity

LiG technology unlocks a new playing field for designers. Geniaux expects to work closely with design teams, and explains that there are many considerations to take into account when working with a car brand. “Beyond technical and technological considerations, we believe that truly optimised solutions emerge from a deep understanding of use cases, design language, and stylistic intent,” he states.

The company is currently developing an immersive experience dedicated to designers, allowing them to explore, test, and create their own concepts around light. Geniaux reveals that this will be rolled out by the end of the year, and hopes that it will be an empowering tool for designers. “By placing designers at the forefront, we ensure that our innovations are not only technically sound but also emotionally resonant and visually iconic,” he adds.

The creative potential with LiG technology is an attractive prospect, says Geniaux, not just for designers but for carmakers looking to stand out from the crowd. “Through light, materials come to life,” he states. “In daylight, it enhances textures and finishes; in darker environments, it reshapes the cabin through shadows and reflections, giving depth and dimension to the space. This dynamic interaction transforms the interior into a living environment. But more than that, lighting has become a true brand signature. It allows carmakers to express their design language through colour, form, and motion, creating iconic interiors that go beyond visual comfort. It fosters a sense of identity and emotional attachment, helping customers connect with the brand on a deeper level.”