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Despite its iconic location in Berlin, Potsdamer Platz wasn’t considered the most inviting place for a long time. A lighting solution from our Manufaktur is now helping to enhance the area and improve the quality of stay. What’s the project about, where did the idea come from, and why is Potsdamer Platz worth a visit? We spoke to Sophia Klees, lighting designer and co-founder of the renowned design studio jack be nimble, about the background.
The approx. 26,800 m2 site is dominated by architecture made of glass, steel and concrete. Ait its center is the "Center am Potsdamer Platz," with its iconic 40-metre-high roof, dynamically illuminated and highly recognisable. While the structure is aesthetically appealing, its sheer size and hard materials give it a rather impersonal atmosphere that doesn’t invite people to stay.
We were looking for a solution that could translate the bold architectural design of the square into something at a more human scale. The lighting effect and luminaire design needed to help zone the space attractively, improve orientation and increase the quality of stay – essentially encouraging people to linger. At the same time, the system had to be scalable and adaptable to different areas and tasks. Smart lighting was also a must!
The result is a multi-armed pole light, a fusion of smart outdoor lighting and light sculpture. Minimalist aluminium luminaire heads sit on slightly curved stainless steel poles up to 8 metres high. Attached to the side are slender, goblet-shaped decorative elements that can be dynamically illuminated in any colour - in sync with the roof lighting of the "Center am Potsdamer Platz". Overall, the organic shapes of the luminaires make them look like giant plants, like reeds in the wind.
Exactly. Different mast heights and variations in the number and composition of elements made it possible to tailor the system to the different areas on site. For example, around the benches in the Forum, we used five-arm solutions with three luminaire heads and two decorative elements. The spotlights not only create attractive islands of light but also cast a soft shadow effect onto the ground- reminiscent of dappled light through a leafy canopy. Inviting and relaxing.
At the entrance areas to the "Center am Potsdamer Platz", which were previously rather hidden, we used another variant: a three-armed combination with two spotlights and a decorative element stands in front of each entrance to welcome visitors from afar.
Once the concept was developed, we looked for a partner who could help us translate our ideas into lighting technology reality. We discussed the design concept and the associated requirements with the TRILUX Manufaktur team in Arnsberg - and then working closely with their lighting and design experts, we were able to develop a fully functional prototype in no time. Incidentally, it made its debut even before the Berlin installation - as the entrance lighting for the KITZ-RACE-Club at the Hahnenkamm Races in Kitzbühel.
Yes, of course. Our initial design for the decorative elements featured flat trapezoidal shapes with dichroic foil and an LED element at the base. But over time, however, we opted for a slim, closed chalice shape with RGBW LEDs on the inside, that we can control with pixel precision. This not only simplified the design but also opened up more technical lighting possibilities.
The luminaires have been in use in Berlin since the end of 2024, and the concept holds great potential beyond Potsdamer Platz. For example, you could imagine mast variants with even more luminaire heads, like berries on a stem. Some could be fitted with IoT modules to provide services like public Wi-Fi. The possibilities are wide open.
Thank you very much for the interview.
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