Project Overview

A BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE

A lighting concept for the urban environment in a ‘shared space’ in Bertrange

The traffic routes and usable space in Bertrange, Luxembourg were redesigned to achieve traffic calming in line with the principles of ‘shared space’ that enable all road users to share the space on equal terms. The lighting plan plays a key role in this and is based entirely on LED technology.

URBAN OPEN SPACE

The Bertrange council applied the concept of ‘shared space’ to the town centre with the aim of reducing traffic and improving safety. This approach originated in the Netherlands and is based on all road users being equally considerate of other users, without the need for traffic signs or demarcations. Using targeted lighting of the public place has made it possible to guide drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and children alike and to improve the quality of the leisure space.

LIGHT FOR DIRECTION

The master plan concentrated on five areas: traffic routes, footpaths in the park, parking spaces, accent lighting in changing colours for individual buildings and atmospheric illumination of historical buildings and green spaces. It is like the direction of a theatre production, with a backdrop of vertical surfaces in the form of buildings and trees and the shared space as the stage.

SUBTLE TRANSITIONS

Lighting masts with asymmetric lens systems project light onto the traffic routes. Their mounting height (5 m) is lower than that of the other street lights in the district. Posts that emit rays of light stand along the side of the church; they light up the footpaths. Pale-coloured paving and the uniform illumination level of 3000 K go to create a Mediterranean atmosphere.

INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE AREAS

On the paths through the park, non-glare illuminated cube seats are arranged along the paths through the park, they also serve to break up the green spaces at the events pavilion, which, along with the town hall, is among the new buildings. Another key feature is the climbing frame that, once illuminated in colour at night, resembles a light sculpture. Lighting schemes in alternating colours, which change with the seasons, were designed for the town hall. Mid-range LEDs have been incorporated on the inside of the windows and provide homogeneous light in the rooms. High-power LEDs with a narrow beam project light onto the concrete columns outside. The operator of the pavilion for hosting events continues with this play of coloured light. Illumination of the historical church and Schloss Schauwenburg castle is more distinctive with sweeping warm-white light, which accentuates surfaces and detailing.

A STELLAR CAST

Lighting of the parking spaces is slightly dimmer, with narrow beam illuminated bollards and low lighting masts (MH 3.5). Only a few models of luminaire are used, making maintenance easier and resulting in a harmonious overall impression. This is how to design an urban open space that conveys a sense of safety and invites people to linger.

Photos: Tom Gundelwein
Aerial View: Marc André Stiebel
Project Overview

CUTTING-EDGE LIGHT

Dynamic lighting design as a communications concept at G Data

G Data Software from Bochum has designed antivirus software for over 30 years. The lighting in the reception area, canteen and events space is based on an intelligent network structure, reflecting the firm’s key business.

LIGHT CREATES IDENTITY

G Data’s head offices are on an former industrial site; the central entrance into the main building houses the reception with a counter. The firm’s core business is the development of IT security systems; this was the starting point for the design approach in order to come up with a functional and representative lighting plan.

VIBRANT CONNECTION

At the time the contract to create a lighting concept was awarded, the ceilings were entirely clad with sound proofing. They were replaced by a new layer, which appears as an open grid linked by individual cells. An abstract World Wide Web depicted by using complex general lighting and energising lighting schemes.

LIGHT AS AN INDICATOR

The white network structure in the reception area describes a striking architecture constructed with custom-designed moulded parts made from plasterboard . They supply two fundamental lighting components: indirect and direct light. The rounded honeycomb structures serve as cornice lighting; they provide the indirect light with integral rows of RGB LEDs and the colour temperature can be adjusted. A 4-cm-wide light channel runs along the linear axes, through which direct light with two beam angles is generated. Highly efficient tunable white LED lights are used here, the colour temperature of which can be regulated. Star-like lines of light also radiate across the floor towards the counter.

VISUAL STATEMENT

The three-dimensional ceiling sculpture leads from the reception area to the canteen in a modified form as stepped wood facets. The structure appears to float light as a feather and creates a homelike atmosphere; slender pendant lights are used for selective accent lighting and deliberately break up the branching structure.

FOCUS ON THE INDIVIDUAL

The user-friendly controls provide for four different lighting schemes: a natural light setting, which is sent information via an external sensor and transmits it into the inside; two party settings with changing colours, which use saturated colours in warm or cooler shades, as well as task lighting for cleaning and maintenance work. The lighting system operates biodynamically, by adjusting to the natural light and supporting people’s natural day/night rhythm in line with aspects of human-centric lighting (HCL).

MULTIPURPOSE APPLICATION

Cubic exterior lights are used in the events hall. They emphasise the sober industrial architecture, can be dimmed separately and the colour temperature can be varied. General lighting for training courses and lectures as well as changing coloured lighting moods breathe fresh life into the room as needed.

Photos: Tom Gundelwein
Project Overview

ENERGISING WHITE LIGHT

The Löhr Centre in Koblenz creates atmosphere with tunable white

The Löhr Centre in Koblenz is one of the largest inner-city shopping centres in the Rhineland Palatinate. It was renovated by ECE as it had been in operation for over 30 years. A fundamental element of the refurbishment was a comprehensive lighting and colour concept.

LARGE PROJECT, NARROW TIMEFRAME

An initial draft of the lighting design for the Löhr Centre, which opened in 1984, was created in 2014, when partial modernisation of the 32,000 sqm sales area was planned. In March 2016, ECE decided to renovate all three floors, where around 130 shops are located today. The lighting plan had to be completely revised by the time of reopening in spring 2017 and finished while the shopping centre was open for business.

THREE ATRIUMS PROVIDE STRUCTURE

As part of the relaunch, a new interior design was chosen that divided the mall into three sections: “The Lobby” was depicted in energising blue, green and yellow, “The Boutique” in stimulating red, blue purple and turquoise, “The Collection”, with its floor-to-ceiling bookcase, as a highlight in warm red, purple and yellow.

COLOUR ACCENTS USING TUNABLE WHITE

The lighting concept picks up from these colour schemes in the form of decorative, geometrical light panels, which create an impressive ceiling design. Coloured film serves as filters, where the colour effect varies depending on the time of day. Distribution of the high-performance LEDs in a dense 10 cm grid ensures that the luminous effect is extremely homogeneous. In the daytime, the general lighting has high luminous intensity with a cool colour temperature of 4000 K, the decorative ceiling lights create a strong contrast with warm light up to 2200 K. In a night-time setting with subtle general light, the light panels produce a strong contrast with 4000 K.

LIGHTING MOODS OVER THE COURSE OF THE DAY

The lighting concept is based on energy-efficient LED technology with tunable white, four lighting moods are created by using luminous intensity and colour temperature. These moods are produced using day/night lights with a special Fresnel lens system, which distributes direct and indirect light to the optimum. Perfectly shielded lights are built into a streamlined LED strip system that is just 4 cm wide, so that accented light appears like patches of sunlight, which are only perceived unconsciously. An exterior sensor captures the natural light values; the controls operate according to an automatic programme.

QUALITY LEISURE SPACE

Additional mood spots provide light in the seating and display areas. Special pendant lights with metal grid shades, up to 4 m in diameter and 3 m in height, fill the mall visually and accentuate the welcoming character of the Löhr Centre.

Photos: Tom Gundelwein
Project Overview

LIFE-GIVING LIGHT FOR NEW INTERIORS

A biodynamic lighting concept for Möbel Martin in Kaiserslautern

Light has a positive impact on us. Above all, when it feels authentic. This was the maxim for the lighting project in the Möbel Martin group’s store when it underwent refurbishment in 2015. The brief was to redesign the 30,000 m2 showroom area during the course of modernisation. The challenging project included the development of a bespoke LED light and a modular lighting system, which sets a new technical standard with its dynamic controls for natural light.

A harmonious balance

There were strict conditions governing how the lighting project was to be implemented. The deadline was tight, the system had to ensure that investment and maintenance costs were kept low, that upkeep was simple and the existing HIT downlights were replaced with energy efficient ones. Previously,16 different types of lights had been in use and did not spread light evenly. The lighting concept was therefore aimed at giving the whole property a visually homogeneous frame.

Individual in grand style

Open floor spaces and large areas, display booths, the specialist ranges with exhibition pods and the kitchen department constitute the main areas of the furniture store. The focus is clearly on the products on show, the linear design of the lighting is less conspicuous visually. The bespoke light now replaces a large number of different models. It has two reflectors (with a narrow or wide beam) and there are curved versions so it can adapt to different ceiling situations. It is practical and can be positioned to suit. Reflectors with a narrow light beam project onto areas such as cooking islands or banners. In the case of shelf or pod fronts, the light spreads downwards evenly without the shelves needing separate lighting. Reflectors with wide beams ensure a balanced level of light and pleasant atmosphere. The high colour rendering of the illuminants guarantees that impressions of finishes and colours are realistic.

Taking the sun as model

Sunlight governs our circadian rhythms and important processes in our bodies. The high-performance LEDs work with “tunable white”: depending on actual conditions on the outside of the building, they provide a spectrum similar to natural light from 3000 to 5000 K, which energises or relaxes. This also results in a high potential for savings. Today’s LED technology makes it possible to achieve solutions of this kind in the area of “human-centric lighting” (HCL). The new modular system is 55% more energy efficient to operate and offers maximum comfort, both for customers and staff. The bespoke light is now available as a standard light. “instalight PROSALE 1021” is the obvious solution for widespread use in shops.

Photos: Tom Gundelwein
Project Overview

LIGHT FOR MOBILITY

A lighting concept for the new offices of ADAC Mittelrhein in Koblenz.

The design is planned for two floors of offices and the ADAC shop. The brief was to continue the organic design language from the interior and create lighting that was suitable for computer workstations and offered staff maximum comfort and yet was energy-efficient.

Good at cornering

The offices in the ADAC building were designed for one to five people and separated from the corridors by glazing, The corridors stand apart clearly with their curved design: areas accented with colours are intended as places for communication. White light makes the sunny yellow meeting points look bright and cheerful.

Easy navigation

General lighting in the corridors is provided by downlights with a neutral white colour temperature of 4000 K; their lenses resemble the Xenon headlights of cars. In order to link typical ADAC subjects, such as driving or map reading, with the architecture, the ceiling lights are connected by lines. This results in an overall impression that reminds one of street maps and traffic lights. The lines follow the architecture and lead along the corridors like waymarks.

Forward march for technology

There was limited room for scope in the ceiling design as a result of the overhead heating and cooling in the offices. Special pendant lights based on LEDs create a separate level, they provide functional light and comply with requirements with regard to heat dissipation and power consumption. The pendant lights project direct and indirect light, one or two are installed in each room. Prisms ensure that, with a length of up to 210 cm, light is spread evenly. Lights are turned on manually. They are switched off automatically using a movement detector. Staff can also choose the individual level of illuminance as they wish and are not restricted to the standard figure of 500 lux. In addition, a sensor regulates the light adjustment for natural light.

Lane changing in colour

Each pendant light is fitted with an RGB unit that is regulated by central controls and its own bus system so that the building exterior is illuminated after dark. Blue light shines indirectly onto the white surfaces of the ceiling, with the result that ADAC's offices and the leased floor appear in a uniform midnight blue. In addition, the shop, which by day is illuminated with a pendant track system on the dynamic coloured ceiling, is integrated in this installation.

Fotos: Tom Gundelwein

Project participants:

Förster + Förster Architekten, Bad Kreuznach | Bals + Wirth Innenarchitekten, Wiesbaden | Münch und Münch GmbH & Co.KG, München

Project Overview

LASTING ENJOYMENT

Light in context with traditional wine growing and contemporary architecture: Weingut Franz Keller in Oberbergen

Design of the lighting for this major project only got underway after the initial building phase had already been completed, when most of the installation points for lights and wiring were already in place. Wine growing and wine tasting, restaurant, events, sales and office spaces are spread over three floors.

Harmonious hillside vineyard

With its distinctive concrete and glass architecture, the new building for the Franz Keller vineyards blends in harmoniously with the terraced vineyards on the Kaiserstuhl. In this case, the lighting concept had to meet several conditions: adapt to the existing electrical connections, satisfy all lighting specifications and do justice to the high standards of design dictated by the structure of the building.

A view of fine wines

The room where the grapes are delivered is also available for events. In order to achieve lighting that is both atmospheric and also meets DIN standards for task lighting, we developed a bespoke LED light that operates both with two beam angles and two colour temperatures. The droplet shape of the glasses continue the theme of wine with their shape. In addition, cornice lighting using RGB colour mixing projects different mood lighting onto the ceiling. An additional cornice scatters amber-coloured light over the restaurant, providing a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Discovering wines

The lighting concept supports the open-plan layout and merges separate complexes such as the room for grape deliveries or the salesroom using visual effects. A glass strip in the floor that can be walked over gives a glimpse of the cellar below with the barriques and wood casks. All the wiring and data transmission lines run through a purpose-developed cable duct for the lighting. The housing for the lights is also a bespoke solution: it is made of special, acid-resistant stainless steel.

From the grape harvest to the light harvest

Bespoke lighting and light objects obviously relate to the wine-growing traditions of the family business and the landscape of the region. A chandelier with a canopy made of 50-year-old vines is suspended over the restaurant bar; in the tasting room a filigree pendant light decorates the oval table and reflects its shape and size. Lastly, an illuminated relief of the landscape illustrates the different layers of earth in the vineyard as a cross-section. The design was nominated for the German Lighting Design prize in 2014.

Photos: Tom Gundelwein
Project Overview

PRIMA KLIMA (climate clever)

Lighting design for the “CO2 and Co.” exhibition [“COzwo und Co”] on the subject of climate protection in the Schaumberg tower in Tholey.

The exhibition commissioned by the Saarland ministry for trade and Industry covers an area of 140 m², spread over two floors in the tower. Our brief was to design lighting that showcased the exhibits and could be switched on and off automatically.

A guided voyage of discovery

"CO2 and Co." was divided up into different subjects: climate crisis and renewable energy, traffic and transport, environmentally friendly, healthy food and ecological farming and forestry. The exhibition was aimed at all ages, from school classes through to visits by tourists. In addition to the above-mentioned educational concept, a separate tender was held for the lighting design. The climate exhibition was intended to be self-explanatory and encourage visitors to experience the exhibits interactively and through all their senses.

Four colour schemes

Dynamically changing colours are assigned to each of the above-named areas. Special light fixtures with RGB LEDs scatter the light assigned to that area into the rooms as soon as visitors enter. The lights are attached to the ceiling using magnets and need just 12 mm for installation. They contain all the required technical equipment and are wired in series, so that they can be controlled sequentially.

Gentle light

As the architecture only allows for a low ceiling height, there was limited space for installing the lights. When it came to general lighting, 2.5 W LED lights with a low installation depth of 2 cm were chosen. The illuminants result in stimulating lighting with warm white light of 3000 K, with power consumption of just 3.4 W/sqm. A savings in energy that certainly meets the standards of "CO2 and co.” in full.

Visible results

Development work on the lighting concept and media control unit resulted in several modules: the blue light in the water lounge imitates ripples, a translucent fabric serves as a room divider and surface for projection, which can be seen from two sides; a peep show makes the visible invisible to the observer – using blue-red images, which are illuminated with blue or red light. The cinema with its concave design shows films that can be watched on an iPad. The exhibition, which was opened in August 2013 and which calls on each visitor to show individual initiative, was planned to run for five years. Photos: Sebastian Caspary
Project Overview

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Renovation of the town centre in Niederkorn (Luxembourg) in accordance with the “shared space” principle

"Shared space" is a term used to describe a concept for inner cities that makes all road users equal. The master plan had to meet all the requirements of the “shared space” in terms of safety and at the same time make improvements to the civic centre district by using light.

Light for more consideration

The church of Saint Peter and Paul stands in the centre of Niederkorn. The churchyard slopes down towards the cemetery, bordered by the cemetery wall that encloses the area. The carriageway, footpaths and cycle paths have the same surface, there is no visible difference between them, signs are missing. Studies have demonstrated that road users behave more considerately towards each other when there are no fixed rules, from a sense of responsibility. This is why the goal of the lighting concept was to trace the traffic routes rather than to emphasise them; lighting was to be viewed more from a decorative than a technical aspect.

Safe paths

Recessed lights in the ground serve this role on the square in front of the church and illuminate the building and greenery. They form islands of light that create a balance between light and dark, without revealing the technical fittings for the lighting. The entrance to the church tower was treated as a special feature here. Thanks to the inviting stairway, people can now climb up the stairs without hesitation in what was previously a dark and gloomy place.

Intuitive connection

The church is illuminated by recessed ground lights, which are just in front of the façade. They accentuate distinctive features of the architecture, creating contrasts that bring the building to life at night. The cemetery building also shows up in the darkness and provides a reliable point for people to find their bearings. Against the evening sky, the wall of the cemetery appears as a glowing horizon that shows the churchyard and cemetery in a welcoming light.

Increased sense of comfort

Glare-free lighting of traffic routes is also part of master planning. The same colour temperature has been chosen for all light fittings in order to achieve a balance within the white light. As part of shared space measures, Niederkorn has benefited from a slowing of pace, which is reflected in the lighting. Buildings and pedestrians are clearly visible and appear in a soft light. A public place where people can meet, that improves community life and attracts people, day and night. Photos: Steve Troes Fotodesign
Project Overview

LIGHT IN MOTION

A light sculpture in the lift for Enovos, Luxembourg

The key business divisions at Enovos – wind power, hydropower, biomethane, solar energy and fossil fuels – were to be communicated on the lift and visualised using light for the glass lift shaft at the energy company.

Energy in the river of light

The five floors at Enovos’ main administrative offices in the Luxembourg town of Schlassgoard follow a defined colour scheme, which is reflected in the illumination of the lift in a dynamic and strongly symbolic manner.

A balance of elements

The ground floor refers to wind power, expressed in the colours of clouds – pale blue, white and grey. The first floor is characterised by water, represented in blue. The second floor is dedicated to the world of plants and the topic of biomethane, represented in green. On the third floor, yellow stands for solar power. Orange, as the colour of fire, refers to fossil fuels on the fourth floor.

Multifaceted transparency

The lift contains two glass baskets, a band of windows throughout accentuates the open-looking structure. The light sculpture is composed of 56 transverse LED light strips over the entire height of the shaft. Each strip measures 165 cm and consists of ten separately regulated segments, each 16.5 cm in length. This resolution of 56 x 10 pixels in the overall image ensures that videos can be played.

Nature as inspiration

The dynamic nature of the lift is also illustrated by moving images: on the ground floor using films of windmills (wind power), waves appear on the first floor (hydropower), leaves sway on the second floor (biomethane), on the third floor the sun rises (solar power) and flames flicker on the fourth floor (fire, fossil fuel).

Interactive journey

When the lift is summoned, a soft colour image appears. As soon as the lift starts moving, it triggers the video sequence for the requested floor, the speed of the video is matched to the lift’s speed. If both cabins are summoned at the same time, the film is shown for the last floor requested. Controls are managed via DMX, chromaticity and configuration can be adjusted on the premises.

Signal effect

On the inside opposite the LED strips, a mirror is fitted that multiplies the light optically and results in an altered sense of space. The roughly five-metre high light sculpture is activated permanently and appears like a beacon installation pointing the way and can be seen from far around. Photos: Tom Gundelwein
Project Overview

THE CASINO AS A PLACE FOR SPECIAL EXPERIENCES

Lighting design for the Casino 2000 in Luxembourg

A dynamic lighting concept was drawn up for a new function room at Casino 2000 in Mondorf-les-Bains (Bad Mondorf) in Luxembourg. Its aim was to entertain visitors with myriad visual impressions.

Anziehungsmagnet

Das CASINO 2000 zählt zu einem der meistbesuchten Ausflugsziele in Luxemburg. Es wurde 1983 eröffnet, 2011 kam der 1300 Quadratmeter große Veranstaltungssaal „Chapito" hinzu. Zu diesem multifunktional genutzten Raum gehören ein Spielbereich mit Bühne und die Galerie mit 500 Quadratmetern für Ausstellungen oder Präsentationen.

Abtauchen in eine andere Welt

Um den Casino-Besuchern eine außergewöhnliche Atmosphäre zu bieten, die sie bei klassischen Spielen, bei Shows und auch kulinarisch angenehm begleitet, beruht das Lichtkonzept auf farborientierter LED-Technik.

Effektvoll kombiniert

Die Deckengestaltung vereint dynamisch gesteuerte Lichtvouten mit Downlights für die Allgemeinbeleuchtung. Das LED-System der Vouten arbeitet hauptsächlich mit diffuser Optik. Dank konfektionierter Metallhalter für die LED-Leisten wird das Licht bei niedriger Raumhöhe und leicht rauem Putz schattenfrei aufprojiziert und indirekt reflektiert. Für die Beleuchtung der Verkehrsflächen sorgen LED-Downlights, weitere Downlights mit engen Lichtkegeln liefern Akzentlicht für Kunst oder aktuelle Plakate.

Ideal in Szene gesetzt

Ein modulares LED-Lichtsystem auf RGB-Basis ermöglicht flächiges Licht, etwa für die hinterleuchteten Theken der Bars und den Tresen in der Kassenzone. Highlights sind die hinterleuchteten, runden Regale mit jeweils nach unten und oben strahlenden LED-Elementen.

Bühne frei für Profi-Lösungen

Eine besondere Herausforderung stellte die homogene Ausleuchtung der 350 cm hohen Vorhänge im „Chapito" dar. Sie sind von oben farbig beleuchtet, sowohl mit breit als auch eng strahlendem Licht (120° und 70° Lichtkegel). Diese Asymmetrie gewährleistet die gleichmäßige Verteilung des Lichts.

Einwandfreie Regieführung

Vier speziell entwickelte Lampengrößen sind innerhalb eines 330mm-Rasters einzeln ansteuerbar, um das Licht im Casino individuell zu gliedern. Die Steuerung schließt den Tagesverlauf mit ein und erlaubt vier Stimmungswelten: „Frühling“ in Weiß, Gelb, Grün und Cyan, „Sommer“ in Gelb, Rot und Orange, „Herbst“ in Gelb, Orange, Rot bis hin zu Blau und Cyan, Blau und Weiß stehen für „Winter“. Über die Allgemeinbeleuchtung lässt sich die Farbintensität anpassen.

Fotos: Tom Gundelwein