When we talk about workplaces, many people immediately think of ergonomic chairs, flexible working hours, or digital tools. But one thing is often underestimated: lighting. It's no coincidence that the Workplace Ordinance sets such clear guidelines for lighting. After all, light determines how we perceive spaces, how focused we are at work—and how comfortable we feel.

The night is not an empty black. It is a habitat, a guide, and a shelter for countless species, including bats. But where artificial light dominates the darkness, their behavior changes. Hunting routes disappear, roosts are abandoned, and entire populations come under pressure.

At Studio De Schutter, we see office lighting as a journey that starts with the first sketch, not the last step. From floor plan analysis and daylight assessment to zoning, concept development, and final scene programming, each stage is carefully aligned with architecture, workflows, and atmosphere. The result is lighting that not only meets technical standards but creates identity, inspires people, and transforms workplaces into environments where culture and creativity thrive.

Resources are finite, which is why we see circular economy as the only way forward. At Studio De Schutter, we focus on reuse, longevity, and modularity instead of linear “replace and discard.” From Impact Hub Berlin to Full Node 2.0 and Pro Veg, our projects show how daylight analysis, adaptive luminaires, and flexible scenarios turn lighting into a cultural code. Technically smart, aesthetically consistent, and uncompromisingly sustainable.

An office today is much more than just a workplace. It is a place of encounter, creativity, and identity. A well-thought-out lighting concept in the office does more than provide function: it shapes atmosphere, supports concentration, and translates corporate culture into light. At Studio De Schutter, we create tailor-made concepts that balance technology and emotion. From analyzing workflows and zoning different areas, to planning flexible lighting scenes and ensuring sustainability, every step contributes to an office that not only works but inspires.

How is atmosphere created in the office – and why does indirect light play the leading role? At Studio De Schutter in Berlin, we see light not just as function but as the silent designer of identity and well-being. Indirect lighting lets spaces breathe, enhances focus, and makes even open offices feel truly comfortable.

How does light become art – and why does it shape the way we see a city? At Berlin Art Week, light is more than illumination. It transforms spaces, awakens emotions, and invites us to discover Berlin from a new perspective. For Studio De Schutter, light art is not only an artistic medium but also a cultural language that connects people and creates identity.

Wie wird Atmosphäre eigentlich sichtbar – und warum ist Licht dabei der unsichtbare Gestalter? Für Studio De Schutter in Berlin ist Lichtplanung mehr als Technik. Sie entscheidet darüber, wie wir uns fühlen, arbeiten und mit Räumen verbinden. Ob bewusst gesetzte Dunkelzonen, flexible Szenen oder nachhaltige Systeme – gute Lichtgestaltung schafft Identität und macht Räume spürbar.

Wie wird das Büro zum Raum, der Menschen nachhaltig verbindet – und welche Rolle spielt Licht dabei? Für Studio De Schutter in Berlin und Antwerpen ist Bürobeleuchtung weit mehr als Technik. Sie beeinflusst Stimmung, Kommunikation und Leistungsfähigkeit und macht Unternehmenskultur sichtbar. Unsere Lichtplanung kombiniert Tageslicht mit gezielter Kunstbeleuchtung, schafft differenzierte Zonen für Arbeit, Meetings und Erholung und setzt auf nachhaltige Systeme. So entstehen Räume, die funktional, atmosphärisch und identitätsstiftend zugleich sind.

Wie wird der Bildschirmarbeitsplatz zum Ort von Fokus und Wohlbefinden – und wie unterstützt Licht dabei? Für Studio De Schutter in Berlin und Antwerpen ist Beleuchtung am Arbeitsplatz weit mehr als Ergonomie. Sie schont die Augen, steigert Konzentration und transportiert Identität. Unsere Lichtplanung setzt auf blendfreies, dynamisches und nachhaltiges Licht, das sich flexibel an Menschen und Räume anpasst. So entstehen Arbeitswelten, die nicht nur effizient, sondern auch inspirierend und atmosphärisch einzigartig sind.

Wie wird der Außenraum zur Bühne und wie unterstützt Licht dabei? Für Studio De Schutter in Berlin ist Gartenbeleuchtung weit mehr als Funktion. Sie schafft Atmosphäre, verbindet Natur und Architektur und prägt Identität. Unsere Lichtplanung in Berlin setzt auf warmes, dimmbares und nachhaltiges Licht, das Fassaden, Wege und Pflanzen in Szene setzt. So entstehen Außenräume, die nicht nur sicher, sondern auch erlebbar und atmosphärisch einzigartig sind.

At Studio De Schutter, we design lighting systems that do more than illuminate—they adapt, evolve, and align with long-term sustainability goals. Our lighting design for the Coreum Hotel in Stockstadt am Rhein (near Frankfurt) exemplifies this commitment.

The Coreum Hotel is a unique hospitality concept that serves as both a hotel and a live demonstration space for modular construction. We were brought on board to deliver a lighting concept that meets the highest standards of flexibility, circularity, and guest comfort.

Tijdens Future Lighting 2024 presenteerde Sabine De Schutter haar visie op circulair bouwen en lichtontwerp. Ontdek hoe duurzame lichtplanning uit Berlijn en Antwerpen bijdraagt aan flexibele, toekomstgerichte ruimtes – met oog voor hergebruik, sfeer en energie-efficiëntie.
At Future Lighting 2024, Sabine De Schutter shared her vision on circular building and lighting design. Discover how sustainable lighting design from Berlin and Antwerp supports adaptive, energy-efficient spaces built for the future.

Transforming Gastronomy spaces with Lighting

Today, we are excited to shine a spotlight on our latest project, Le Big TAM TAM, which opened its doors in Hamburg just two weeks ago. This vibrant and eclectic venue is a testament to the power of bold design and state-of-the-art lighting design, and we couldn't be more thrilled to share the details with you.

Le Big TAM TAM: A New Standard in Hospitality Lighting

Le Big Tam-Tam is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience!!! Located in the heart of Hamburg, this establishment seamlessly blends exquisite dining with an atmosphere that captivates and enchants its guests. Central to this immersive experience is the lighting design, meticulously crafted by Studio De Schutter to enhance every facet of the space.

For more on the Importance of Lighting in Gastronomy and Hospitality read the blog.

Partner with Studio De Schutter

At Studio De Schutter, we are passionate about creating lighting solutions that elevate spaces and experiences. If you are looking to enhance your restaurant, hotel, or any hospitality venue, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can illuminate your next project.

Das Lichtplanungsbüro Studio De Schutter hat für die Kita »Gummibärchen« in Mittenwalde ein maßgeschneidertes Beleuchtungskonzept entwickelt. Die Herausforderung bestand darin, eine funktionale und ästhetisch ansprechende Lichtlösung zu schaffen und dabei das begrenzte Budget einzuhalten. Gelöst wurde dies durch eine ausgewogene Kombination aus Tages- und Kunstlicht sowie den kreativen Einsatz von kostengünstigen Standardkomponenten.

The count down is on! After 4 years of planning and building, Le big TamTam is opening in 7 days ✨ 🤩

During the final stretch and as part of our design services we are doing the final aiming and fine-tuning of the lighting, including scene-setting.

Because the space does not just offer delicious food for breakfast, lunch and dinner; the lighting in the space also changes between the morning, midday and evening atmosphere. Because who wants the same the entire day? One thing is sure, there is no boredom at Le big TamTam!

A Day in Berlin with Lighting Designer Sabine De Schutter.

Belgian lighting designer Sabine De Schutter founded her eponymous Studio De Schutter in 2015 in Berlin. Studio De Schutter provides lighting design services from concept to final execution, and support during construction up to on-site adjustments and atmospheric fine-tuning. Many years of experience, curiosity, technical expertise and love for sustainable approaches characterize the design of all the studio's lighting projects. With this, Sabine’s day involves lighting tests, urban parks, and meetings for Women in Lighting.

ONLINE! "No time to waste" - TEDxBerlin Salon

Circularity in architecture and design is the focus of Sabine De Schutter's TEDx Berlin talk. Learn how challenging design and construction norms lead to innovative projects that effectively integrate nature, daylight and improve living quality all while keeping sustainability at the top of mind. Discover how urban mining can reshape our cities through repurposing building materials and the promotion of refurbishment over new construction. From creative architectural approaches to the use of recycled and upcycled materials in projects like Impact Hub Berlin, learn how circular methods in architecture and lighting design are shaping a sustainable future in the built environment.

#circularity #circularfuture #sustainability #sustainablefuture #architecture #lightingdesign Belgian lighting designer Sabine De Schutter founded her eponymous Studio De Schutter based in Berlin.

Studio De Schutter provides lighting consultancy services from creative planning for artificial lighting to daylight optimization, as well as the planning of dark-sky-friendly solutions. Sabine teaches architectural lighting design at Wismar University of Applied Sciences and design innovation at the Hasso-Plattner Institute, and is the ambassador for Women in Lighting in Germany. With many years of experience, curiosity, and technical expertise, Sabine De Schutter's work is characterized by a sustainable and innovative approach. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Collaborating closely with LXSY architekten and our lovely client, we embarked on an extensive roof renovation in Berlin-Kreuzberg. For this project, we consulted on both the daylight and the artificial lighting. We studied and optimized the skylight positions to achieve the perfect balance between natural and artificial illumination.

The dining area is the highlight for our client. Given the brief that the space should remain flexible for different table positions and settings, we created an eye-catching lighting feature with mouth-blown globes from Bocci. Each globe is unique and the copper mesh embedded in them, makes for a warm glow and textured look.

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.