Header: Greg Stechishin
The Market Hall in Burgdorf, Switzerland, one of the city’s landmarks, has recently received a new lighting design that is not only functional but also borders on the artistic. Designed by Luminum GmbH, with Philipp Hert as lead designer and Liviana Suditu on the team, won the “Ambient Lighting” category at the LIT Lighting Design Awards.
Introducing the Market
The building is the historic Marktlaube Burgdorf, from which the name “Market Hall” was translated, which dates from 1855/1856. Built in sandstone and classified as a Swiss cultural property of cantonal or local significance, the arcade can’t be separated from the city’s former commercial life, having supported it for almost two centuries. It is still a central place for markets, festivals and everyday meetings in the city centre, and its sandstone arches continue to be as iconic as ever.
The soft glow from the grape-like pendants
The lighting design was developed to make the sandstone architecture more obvious, but without allowing the new fittings to go under the spotlights themselves. The design works with the rhythm of the arches and places transparent glass globe pendants between them. These pendants, grouped in sets of eight, form clusters with a grape-like shape. During the day, the glass stays mostly out of sight, but after dark, the same clusters provide a warm light across the arcade.
The night setting is built in layers: first the glowing pendant, then the reflection on the ground and finally the light wash on the arches and ceiling. The light sources are glare-free, which helps them bring out the texture and pattern of the paving stones and the sandstone. The glass windows of the neighbouring buildings also become part of the effect at night, as they catch reflections from the lighting and make the arcade appear larger than its physical boundaries.
A design for every scenario
Modern control technology gives the installation flexibility for the different ways the hall is used. The system includes four lighting scenarios, arranged around atmosphere, function and lower energy use. Brighter settings support markets, events and traditional activities, while other profiles are used when the space is less active. In the late-night setting, the main passage stays normally lit, while the side areas are reduced to a minimal level. This keeps depth in the space, cuts unnecessary output and limits light spill into the surrounding urban setting.
Intention behind the technique
The technical fixing of the pendants was also handled as part of the architectural result. Special strain reliefs were integrated into the ceiling, allowing the glass clusters to hang cleanly and fit with the overall appearance of the hall. Thol Concept Sàrl supported the control concept, with Thomas Blum playing a substantial role in its development. Pauli Elektro carried out the electrical installation, with its execution forming part of the finished visual quality.
Project information
Lighting Company: Luminum GmbH
Lead Designer: Philipp Hert
Other Designer: Liviana Suditu
Client: City of Burgdorf
Other Credits: Thomas Blum
Date: 18.11.2024
Location: Burgdorf, Switzerland
