Category: Lighting Design

NEWS Link

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10.03.2025

GJU university partnership

We recently had a visit from the German Jordanian University (GJU), with whom we have a valuable partnership. We have been closely linked for ten years now as part of a business cooperation.

Students from the Jordanian university regularly complete an internship in our office. This continuous cultural exchange not only enriches the students with valuable practical experience, but also us as a company. Mutual inspiration and intercultural dialog are of great importance to us.

The GJU project office has published two nice articles about the visit to our office, in which both our office and the internship program are presented.

link to the GJU article
link to the LinkedIn article

Karlsruhe post

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Design of new Christmas lighting for Karlsruhe city centre

Christmas lighting concept for Karlsruhe city centre

The lighting concept for Karlsruhe combines the baroque city centre structure with modern lighting design. Colours, geometric shapes and interactive elements create a unique atmosphere that emphasises the fan layout and at the same time creates a dynamic, sustainable lighting experience.

Baroque fan layout as inspiration

The concept uses the characteristic axes and radial streets to create visual depth and emphasise the symmetry of the city.

Dynamic colour and temperature gradient

  • Warm and cool colour tones alternate along the main axes, creating a subtle composition of light.
  • A gentle transition between gold, red, blue and green reinforces the spatial orientation.

Street identity and ornamentation

  • Each street is given its own lighting characteristics to provide orientation and enhance the cityscape.
  • Light installations with fine ornamental structures pick up on historical elements.

Central vertical axis – Via Triumphalis

  • The castle axis forms the visual centre with elegant, golden lighting.
  • Light projections enhance the vertical effect and create a festive depth.
  • The historical main axis is emphasised by arcs of light, symmetrical projections and a harmonious colour scheme.
  • Warm gold and white tones convey a classic, festive atmosphere and emphasise the historical significance.

Horizontal axis: Kaiserstraße (thermodynamic gradient)

  • A dynamic colour gradient from red (Europa-Platz) to gold (Marktplatz) to blue/green (Berliner Platz) visually guides visitors through the city.
  • The colour temperatures create a flowing movement and highlight the central shopping street.

Radial streets (different identities) – radiating streets

  • Each radial street is given its own colour and light identity that reflects its surroundings.
  • Discreet points of light and interactive installations enliven the side streets and promote a pleasant atmosphere.

Conceptual integration with platonic bodies

  • The five Platonic solids serve as the design basis for the lighting installations:
    • Tetrahedron (Europa-Platz): Moving points of light in warm red tones.
    • Cube (market square): Modular arcs of light in golden nuances.
    • Octahedron (Lammstraße): Interactive columns of light in green.
    • Dodecahedron (Schlossplatz): Projections of star patterns.
    • Icosahedron (Berliner Platz): Light waves in blue and turquoise.

Freestanding constructions

  • Self-supporting lighting columns with geometric elements emphasise the cityscape.
  • Flexible modules enable seasonal adjustments and efficient utilisation.

Interactive and ground-level installations

  • Motion-dependent light sources create a playful experience for visitors.
  • Projections and floor lights enhance the immersive effect of the concept.

Elevated but independent installations

  • Light installations on roofs and façades provide additional spatial depth.
  • Discreet fixtures prevent interference with the existing architecture.

Digital and projection-based solutions

  • Projections on building surfaces and walkways create changeable light landscapes.
  • Digital control enables flexible customisation and energy-efficient operation.

Modular festive furniture

  • Integrated seating with lighting accents promotes quality of stay.
  • Multifunctional elements such as benches and pavilions offer comfort and aesthetics.

Material and safety aspects

Safety concepts ensure smooth operation in heavily frequented areas.

Robust, weather-resistant materials ensure long-term use.

Sustainable LED technology reduces energy consumption and light pollution.

Dresden International Airport – Departure terminal lighting concept

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Dresden International Airport – Lighting concept for the departure terminal

Our lighting concept for Terminal 1 at Dresden International Airport aims to build a bridge to the future. In addition to technical lighting to ensure traffic safety, precise light differentiation of individual areas, levels and elements helps travellers find their way around.

The architectural lighting design emphasises the spatial quality and the unmistakable industrial architecture of the terminal and underlines the uniqueness of Dresden Airport. It supports the positioning of the airport as a modern, open and future-orientated location of international stature.

The lighting concept combines technical lighting and light art to visually depict themes such as flying, the sky and mobility and to create a symbolic link between the past, present and future. This concept gives the previously anonymous hall a narrative dimension that offers a special experience for air travellers from all over the world.

The “flying carpet“,(a carpet of light) consisting of numerous curved downlights under the hall roof, creatively provides adequate illumination of the floor and creates a unique aesthetic. A “cloud of light“ immerses the entrance hall in dynamically changing lighting moods and uses reflective moving elements to create a constantly changing interplay of light and shadow, which has a fascinating effect both in natural daylight and with artificial lighting.

A light and glass sculpture, made of holographic and dichroic elements, enables visitors to be symbolically “beamed“ into the universe.

Client: Flughafen Dresden GmbH

Services provided: Terminal 2017 lighting concept

Transformation 1.535° ERZ

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Transformation 1.535° ERZ

Lighting design for the new Kunstguss Lauchhammer experience centre

We are pleased to announce that we have been selected to join the team of experts working on the ambitious “Transformation 1.535°” project in Lauchhammer, Brandenburg, Germany. This extensive project spans two sites: “ERZ” (ORE) with art casting museum, art foundry and Friedenskirche in Lauchhammer-Ost (13.8 ha) and “KOHLE” (COAL) with bio-towers, activated sludge basin and relic park in Lauchhammer-West (32.2 ha).

Our contribution to the planning and development team is the creation and implementation of the lighting concepts for the public space, the landscaping, the art casting museum, the new “Education and Experience Centre for Art Casting and Industrial Culture” and the famous listed bio-towers (see picture).

The “Transformation 1.535°” project is one of the most ambitious cultural and tourism initiatives in Germany, if not in Europe. Its aim is to transform the remnants of East Germany’s coal industry history into a vibrant centre for art, education and tourism.

An important part of this project is the expansion of the Lauchhammer Art Casting Museum into an “Education and Experience Centre for Art Casting and Industrial Culture”. This centre will honour the region’s rich industrial heritage while promoting modern educational and cultural experiences.

The Biotowers, a unique and impressive example of East German industrial culture, are at the centre of this transformation.

These structures, which once bore witness to the region’s industrial prowess, will be brought back to life through exhibitions, information programmes and innovative lighting concepts so that they can be preserved and appreciated for future generations.

We are delighted to be able to contribute to this epoch-making project and to contribute to its sustainable and holistic success with our expertise in the communicative and aesthetic power of architectural lighting design.stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey!

Transformation 1.535° COAL

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20.08.2024

Transformation 1.535° COAL

Lighting design for the new Kunstguss Lauchhammer experience centre

We are pleased to announce that we have been selected to join the team of experts working on the ambitious “Transformation 1.535°” project in Lauchhammer, Brandenburg, Germany. This extensive project spans two sites: “ERZ” (ORE) with art casting museum, art foundry and Friedenskirche in Lauchhammer-Ost (13.8 ha) and “KOHLE” (COAL) with bio-towers, activated sludge basin and relic park in Lauchhammer-West (32.2 ha).

Our contribution to the planning and development team is the creation and implementation of the lighting concepts for the public space, the landscaping, the art casting museum, the new “Education and Experience Centre for Art Casting and Industrial Culture” and the famous listed bio-towers (see picture).

The “Transformation 1.535°” project is one of the most ambitious cultural and tourism initiatives in Germany, if not in Europe. Its aim is to transform the remnants of East Germany’s coal industry history into a vibrant centre for art, education and tourism.

An important part of this project is the expansion of the Lauchhammer Art Casting Museum into an “Education and Experience Centre for Art Casting and Industrial Culture”. This centre will honour the region’s rich industrial heritage while promoting modern educational and cultural experiences.

The Biotowers, a unique and impressive example of East German industrial culture, are at the centre of this transformation.

These structures, which once bore witness to the region’s industrial prowess, will be brought back to life through exhibitions, information programmes and innovative lighting concepts so that they can be preserved and appreciated for future generations.

We are delighted to be able to contribute to this epoch-making project and to contribute to its sustainable and holistic success with our expertise in the communicative and aesthetic power of architectural lighting design.stay tuned for more updates on this exciting journey!

read more here

Lighting concept for the city center of Bad Vilbel

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Lighting concept for the city center of Bad Vilbel

Current completion of the lighting concept

The well-known mineral water town of BAD VILBEL is getting a lighting concept for its city center. The development of the content has been completed and a first rough version has now been handed over to the city administration. Final completion is planned for the end of the year and the concept will be officially presented at the beginning of the new year.

The Handbook serves as an important tool to engage citizens, business owners, investors and city representatives in the decision-making processes necessary to ensure a future “people and nature” friendly, innovative and sustainable lighting strategy for its unique historic city center and riverfront .

The city of BAD VILBEL is located in the south of the state of Hesse, in the immediate vicinity of the metropolis of Frankfurt am Main and is known for its mineral water springs. With the concept, which was implemented as part of the nationwide “Living Centers” program in Germany, the historic city receives an attractive, innovative and sustainable lighting concept to improve the evening ambience.

Contents:

    Staging the historical building structure in the appropriate architectural lighting scenarios.

    Improving citizens’ sense of security at night.

    Development of a light guidance system inspired by the unique motif of the city’s natural spring water.

    Development of identity-related “City Light Art” scenarios for the riverfront.

The lighting concept for Bad Vilbel is the seventh lighting master plan that we have developed for a city, a city district or a local center in recent years.

#lightingdesign #citymarketing #light #lightplanning #lightdesign #architecture #urbanplanning #sustainabledesign #sustainablecities #brandidentity #lightdesign

House of architects, Dresden

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House of Architects, Dresden

Facade lighting for the Saxony Chamber of Architects

For the House of Architects in Dresden, headquarters of the Saxony Chamber of Architects, Ruairí O`Brien developed appropriate and sophisticated permanent architectural lighting that incorporates architectural elements on the building. The row of trees in front of the building shines in a warm white light, the vertical elements of the façade are illuminated with a discreet cool light, and can also be illuminated in colour for special occasions.

Light Concept St. Josef Church Dresden

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Light Concept St. Josef Church Dresden

Reconstruction and extension of the parish center St. Josef Dresden-Pieschen

The building is the first reinforced concrete church of the Art Nouveau style in Dresden. The church was extensively rebuilt from 1970 to 1978 (architect Hubert Paul). The sculptural work was carried out by Friedrich Press.

The current reconstruction includes the ground, 1st and 2nd floors in the eastern part of the church building.
The lighting concept connects the different areas and uses of the community center, which is spread over three floors, with a common lighting language that enhances the architectural spaces and supports their flexible use by the community with energy-efficient lighting technologies.
The unique lighting fixtures and created “light” spaces provide diverse lighting scenarios that support the community in conducting secular and church activities, civic meetings, public and private events.

Planning Areas:

  • Ground floor: meeting space, chapel / workday chapel
  • 1.Upper floor: conference rooms / seminar rooms / group rooms for music
  • 2.Upper floor: Great hall under the historical vault

Client: Catholic parish of St. Martin, Dresden

Architect: Matthias Klut Dipl.-Ing. Freelance architect

Lighting design: Ruairí O’Brien . Lighting Design

Completion: Spring 2023

More about the project: Read more here

AMD / Xilinx, Meeting rooms / Conference and communication areas

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AMD / Xilinx Location Dresden

Meeting rooms / Conference and communication areas

Completion of the new premises of the Dresden branch of AMD according to the concept for light and colour by Ruairí O’Brien.
Location: Annenhöfe Dresden, Germany (2022)
Client: TLG REAL ESTATE AG
Architect: O M Architekten GmbH BDA
Services: Interior design / colour concept / lighting design
Client: Xilinx Dresden GmbH / Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD)
Photos: Baldauf&Baldauf

Light Towers

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Light Towers

Part of the lighting concept for the Old Cotton Floeha

Project Lighthouses receives recognition award in the competition “Ab in die Mitte! Die City-Offensive Sachsen” 2022

Under the motto “Creative out of the crisis – rethinking the city center”, 34 project ideas for the revitalization of city centers were submitted by 33 municipalities. The award ceremony will take place at the Denkmal trade fair in Leipzig on 25.11.2022.

Ruairí O’Brien . Lichtdesign is developing the lighting concept for the old cotton mill in the city of Floeha and is accompanying the lighting design development of the new city center within the old cotton mill and its new marketplace. The project “Light towers” of the city of Floeha, which was created according to our lighting concept, received a recognition award worth 5,000 euros. Head of the building department Andre Stefan accepted the congratulations and the certificate from State Secretary Thomas Kralinski (SMWA).

Floeha’s project idea involves the interior lighting of the three towers on the “new building” by installing resource-saving LED lights. It is intended to be the first building block for the implementation of accent lighting and to contribute to making the cubature of the largest building complex in the old cotton mill appear in an intelligently timed manner in the early evening hours in order to lend the future center more attention as well as quality of stay and experience.

Here you can see our visualization of the competition entry “Light towers” of the city of Floeha 2022.