Bebelplatz, Berlin
Project
Vibrant lighting design that
creates atmosphere
Berlin, Germany
Located in Berlin-Mitte on the prestigious boulevard Unter den Linden, Bebelplatz was commissioned by Frederick the Great from 1740 onwards. Designed in the Rococo style by G.W. von Knobelsdorff, it is today one of the city's most significant historic sites. At its heart stands the memorial commemorating the Nazi book burnings — a poignant reminder of Germany's past.
Bebelplatz is surrounded by the venerable buildings of the Faculty of Law of Humboldt University, the Staatsoper Unter den Linden, the Hotel de Rome, and the portal of St. Hedwig’s Cathedral. In July 2025, Bebelplatz received a new lighting design featuring Lif light columns, based on a concept by the lighting design firm Kardorff.
Lighting design: Kardorff
Assigned to the surrounding buildings, the Lif light columns integrate into the aesthetic of Bebelplatz with a modern and understated presence. The lighting design employs differentiated scenarios: rather than direct illumination, the space is shaped by the reflected light of the façades. This creates an even brightness that subtly accentuates the central memorial and enhances its impact.
In the early evening, the brightly lit façades take on the role of visual guidance. They highlight the architecture around the square and lend the historic ensemble a distinct presence. The top elements of the light columns remain unlit at this stage – the space appears structured and framed by the glowing façades.
Late Evening – Around 11 p.m., the scene changes: the façade lighting is dimmed, and its brightness gradually decreases. At this point, the square itself becomes the focal point, gently illuminated by the softly dimmed Tritec top elements. They create a calm and inviting atmosphere, allowing passers-by to move through and linger in the space safely, without diminishing the architectural presence.
Night – After 1 a.m., only the subtle light of the Tritec elements remains active. With a slightly increased intensity, it ensures orientation and safety without disturbing the night-time tranquillity. The square takes on a reduced, clear appearance – balanced between light and darkness.
Equipped with top elements and façade modules, the Lif light columns at Bebelplatz combine precise light control with a modular system design. Their modular construction allows for flexible configurations – adaptable to current conditions and scalable for future requirements. The integrated façade modules provide efficient vertical illumination of the building surfaces, minimise light spill, and can be controlled independently of the general square lighting.
Thanks to intelligent Esave technology, the lighting control remains flexible and can be adjusted at any time to meet new demands.
Implemented Smart Features
In close collaboration with the client, our experts developed, planned, and implemented the technical solution together with Esave. Our service included coordination and detailed planning, the development of the solution, as well as commissioning and configuration of the system – both on-site and remotely.
Customised Lighting Scenes
The lighting solution offers maximum flexibility in control. General and façade lighting can be managed independently – even down to the module level, thanks to individual DALI addresses. Surrounding areas can be switched and dimmed separately. A scene-based lighting control system sets atmospheric accents. Time-flexible dimming profiles enable demand-based adjustments depending on the day of the week or season. For special occasions such as concerts or markets, additional lighting profiles can be accessed via the calendar-based control system.
Emergency Lighting Function
In case of an emergency or when needed, the lighting can be increased to 100 percent to enhance safety.
Remote Control & Monitoring
The entire system can be easily controlled and managed remotely using the Esave Control web application. All relevant data is collected and analysed centrally.
Energy Reporting
The integrated energy reporting records the actual electricity consumption of each lighting module with kWh accuracy. This enables transparent documentation of savings and ensures fair and verifiable billing.
Project Information
object Bebelplatz
client Stadt Berlin
project management Stromnetz / Berlin Licht
electrical engineering Swarco V.S.M. GmbH
lighting design Kardorff
photographer Linus Lintner
product Lif with top elements and façade modules, featuring intelligent Esave technology
