The new Beiersdorf Campus in Hamburg Eimsbüttel brings the workspaces of the future into the present. This 51,000 square meter complex, which includes new and existing buildings as well as outdoor areas, provides unique working conditions for around 3,200 employees.The renowned Hamburg architectural firm Hadi Teherani Architects designed the new corporate headquarters, while the celebrated Ippolito Fleitz Group created the interior design concept for the entire campus.

Prof. Stefan Hofman from Lichtwerke in Cologne was responsible for the lighting design and lighting art. We also contributed with custom-made products from our TRILUX manufactory: large yet delicate light rings and a sophisticated light sculpture for the Center Bar. Thomas Schneider, Project Manager TRILUX Architectural, provides the details.

How does a customer request become a finished manufactured luminaire?

As a rule, the customer approaches us with an idea or a design concept, and our task is to translate the customer's vision into reality using our lighting and design expertise. This is always a dynamic process involving adjustments and changes. For example, the smaller light rings were initially planned to use neon light sources. We updated the customer on the ban of mercury vapor lamps and collaborated with the lighting designer to develop an LED solution.

What was particularly challenging about designing the ring lights?

Despite their diameters of 4.2 and 5.2 meters, the rings needed to appear delicate and light. We opted for an extra-slim aluminum support profile (45 x 50 mm) with all-round opal "Plexiglas swords". The rounded PMMA "sword" is edge-lit, allowing light to be emitted on three sides. This edge, lighting makes the outward- radiating light particularly homogeneous and pleasant. The light rings are installed in the entrance area and along the main traffic routes of the company headquarters.

What is the idea behind the light sculpture in the Central Bar?

The Central Bar was designed as a place for communication and collaboration. At the center of the room is a circular bar with a ceiling-high column in the middle. Wooden slats extend from the column across the entire ceiling, like branches of a spreading tree. To create a focal point, the circular light sculpture with a nine-meter diameter surrounds the central "trunk". It consists of two parallel luminaires, between which the lettering "Central Bar" shines.

The luminaires emit their light in three directions: upwards onto the ceiling, downwards towards the bar and directly into the room as visible light. They are connected to the cylindrical core by cantilevered trusses. This masterpiece from TRILUX Manufactory not only sets the scene for the bar and the adjacent ceiling but also serves as a design element for the entire room.

What were the design and lighting challenges?

During implementation, we had to coordinate closely with the shell construction trades and the ceiling builder. To accommodate construction tolerances, we designed the cantilevered beams to be adjustable by +/- 50 mm in the wall bracket area. We achieved this using flexibly adjustable cantilever arms. Another challenge was ensuring the circumferential lighting appeared as a single homogeneous line, despite consisting of ten individual segments. We used partial diffusers at the interfaces to prevent gaps and shadows, ensuring homogenous light.

How did the project go overall?

As is typical of a custom project, we worked closely with the customer throughout planning, construction, and final commissioning. To ensure that everything ran smoothly, we maintained constant contact with the site management and the various trades, including the ceiling builder and the electrician. Installation can be complex, especially for unique pieces such as the light sculpture, so we provided onsite support. In the end, everything went perfectly, and we are very proud of the result.