Potsdamer Platz Berlin

Berlin is transforming: to enhance the attractiveness and sustainability of the area around Potsdamer Platz in Berlin Mitte, the city of Berlin and Potsdamer Platz Gesellschaft have decided to redesign the 4.3-hectare space. As part of this project, Alte Potsdamer Strasse has been closed to car traffic since September 2022 and converted into a pedestrian zone with outdoor dining up to Marlene-Dietrich-Platz. A key feature of this new neighborhood project is the lighting, which is based on the "Berlin Lighting Concept" specification.

Uniquely Sophisticated

A Perfect Fit for our Manufactory

The lighting concept for this new urban quarter was designed by the Bartenbach planning office, inspired by the vision of Behnisch Architekten, the project’s lead team of architects. The task was demanding in more ways than one. The "Berlin Lighting Concept" outlines technical lighting framework conditions, aiming to minimize light pollution while maximizing the quality of outdoor spaces. Additionally, the luminaires needed to give the district a distinct and recognizable identity through their design and lighting effects. This challenge was perfect for our special luminaire production team in the TRILUX manufactory.

The Chandelier 

Light from Another Dimension

Resembling a visiting UFO, a giant ring chandelier floats effortlessly above the central square of the arcades. Measuring eight meters in diameter, "the Chandelier" ensures an optimally illuminated square and serves as an atmospheric centerpiece, elevating the space with its striking design. "To make the ring chandelier appear delicate and weightless despite its size, the surrounding vertical surfaces were clad with irregularly perforated metal sheet," explains Karsten Müller, Managing Director of TRILUX Vertrieb GmbH. The result is an impressive, highly functional light sculpture. "Many passers-by use the ring chandelier as a backdrop for a Berlin selfie," says Karsten Müller, delighted by the positive reception.

Triple-B 

Light for Shopping and Strolling

Lighting Management for Ambience and Sustainability

The "Berlin Lighting Concept" requires a lighting management system to dynamically adjust the illuminance levels and light color based on time of day. We wirelessly networked all the luminaires using Tvilight technology to meet this need and connected them to a cloud-based lighting management system. The system reduces average illuminance from 15 - 30 lux in the evening to 5 - 15 lux at night.

Simultaneously, the light color of the Tunable White LEDs installed in both systems changes from 3,000 Kelvin in the evening to a warm white 2,200 Kelvin late at night. This "warmer light" is perceived as pleasant by passers-by and reduces insect attraction, benefiting both people and local biodiversity.

Berlin, Berlin, We're Going to Berlin

The Potsdamer Platz project provided us with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in outdoor lighting, custom manufacturing and smart lighting control. "The Potsdamer Platz project demonstrates the role that customized lighting plays as both a design and atmospheric element in public spaces - and how functionality and design can be perfectly combined in terms of city marketing," summarizes Karsten Müller. Additionally, we delivered another bespoke lighting project at the nearby Center am Potsdamer Platz (formerly Sony Center). With these two outstanding projects, a trip to Berlin is doubly worthwhile!