Circularity in lighting consultancy - from theory to practice.

Impact Hub Berlin is a community and co-working space where the concept of circular construction was put into practice, transitioning from theory to reality. It stands as the first co-working space to implement sustainable building practices of this magnitude. Approximately 70% of all materials have a history, and this also holds true for lighting.

We collaborated with LXSY ARCHITEKTEN, allowing us at Studio De Schutter to engage in circular lighting planning. Priority was given to the reuse of fixtures from the existing inventory, such as those from the former Impact Hub, as well as those from partners like Concular. This included converting old fluorescent light fixtures to LED to reduce energy consumption during operation.

Circular planning and construction also encompass what happens to materials, whether they are building materials or lighting fixtures, after they've been used in a project. This is where modular systems come into play. Fixtures consisting of components that are not glued or permanently installed but rather assembled through screws promote maintenance, interchangeability, and ensure the longevity of the installation. Examples include traditional sockets, power rails, or LED strips, where light sources can be easily replaced with many manufacturers offering alternatives.

Garden lighting for office in Berlin

When it comes to designing outdoor lighting, independent lighting designers consider various factors, with their primary focus on preserving the beauty of darkness. Studio De Schutter achieved this in this project through lighting controls, optimal lighting placement to prevent sky glow and spill lighting, and the selection of warm colour temperatures. For this particular location in the heart of Berlin, the lighting designers of Studio De Schutter worked around the concept of foreground-background, emphasising the view and perspective from the different windows from the office spaces.