1. Case Studies

FOUR Frankfurt

A modern foyer with a marble floor, curved ceiling lighting, and a wooden reception desk. Two individuals walk through the open, bright entrance area.
Client
City of Frankfurt
Project location
Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Project date
2018
Architect
UNSTUDIO, HPP ARCHITEKTEN
Lighting designer
a·g LICHT, BARTENBACH
Elbphilharmonie

Innovative lighting solutions for a new urban district

FOUR Frankfurt is currently the largest urban development project in the Main metropolis – a district that combines living, work, leisure, and shopping. In close collaboration with the architects from UNStudio and HPP, as well as lighting designers from a·g Licht and Bartenbach, Zumtobel developed a well-thought-out lighting solution that unites urban planning vision, functionality, and architectural impact. The goal was to create a lively, safe, and identity-defining atmosphere through the use of lighting.

Architecture icon showcased with light

A special highlight is the illuminated "frames" on the four towers: vertical light elements that span the entire height of the building. A total of 1,200 IP-protected special luminaires have been precisely tailored to the architecture, allowing for dynamic DMX control with various light colors. The installation provides the ensemble with a strong visual identity at night - subtle, glare-free, and tailored to the urban environment.

A modern, illuminated skyscraper with a distinctive glass façade stands among other office buildings at night. A striking vertical light line runs along the edge of the building.

Light art indoors: waterfall & starry sky

Zumtobel is setting standards indoors, too – for example, with a 23-meter-long light waterfall composed of 360 luminaires in Tower 4. The sculptural installation with a moiré effect uniquely showcases movement, space, and light. In Tower 1, 1,300 freely arranged SUPERSYSTEM II downlights create a 'starry sky' that enhances the atmosphere of the entrance area. Both installations are outstanding examples of applied light art, both technically and in terms of design.
Elbphilharmonie

15,000 intelligent luminaires provide maximum light quality in the office

Approximately 15,000 custom-made SLOTLIGHT infinity minicell luminaires are employed in the office towers. They flexibly adapt to different workplace scenarios and times of day thanks to tunableWhite technology. Polygonal floor plans with curved light lines were also implemented with high technical precision. Zumtobel hasn't just provided ideal working light but also ensured sustainable use over decades - functional, energy-efficient, and aesthetically compelling.
A modern glass façade reflects curved, white LED light lines from the ceiling. The wall is composed of large, light-colored stone slabs and highlights the architectural design.

"The high value placed on lighting at FOUR makes it a real flagship project"
Bernd Steidl, Project Manager, Zumtobel Sales Office Frankfurt

Our highlights: innovation meets practice

Discover our highlights, where innovation and practice meet to create groundbreaking solutions. Uncover the fascinating stories behind our most successful projects and be inspired by the results.

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