baroque-modern-design
Christmas lighting concept for Karlsruhe city center
Ruairí O’Brien’s contemporary and futuristic lighting concept combines Karlsruhe’s baroque urban structure with modern lighting design. Colors, geometric shapes and interactive elements emphasize the fan layout and create a dynamic, sustainable lighting experience.
Baroque fan layout
The radial streets and axes are used to create visual depth and symmetry. Each radial street is given its own color and lighting identity that reflects its surroundings.
Color scheme and light identity
A dynamic color gradient of warm and cool tones (red, orange, gold, green, blue) alternates along the main axes and guides visitors visually through the city with flowing transitions. Europa-Platz: red tones / Marktplatz: gold / Berliner Platz: blue/green
Central axes
Central Axis “Via Triumphalis”: Golden and warm white lighting emphasizes the historical main axis with arcs of light and symmetrical projections. Kaiserstraße: forms the thermodynamic color gradient as vertical axis.
Geometric light installations
Within the color concept, five platonic bodies serve as the design basis for the lighting installations in the streets. Integrated seating and multifunctional elements such as benches and pavilions promote quality of stay and combine comfort and aesthetics.
- Tetrahedron (Europa-Platz): Warm red tones
- Cube (market square): Golden arcs of light
- Octahedron (Lammstraße): Green columns of light
- Dodecahedron (Schlossplatz): Star pattern
- Icosahedron (Berliner Platz): Blue-turquoise light waves
Interactive elements:
Motion-dependent light sources and projections create a playful experience. Light installations on roofs and façades increase the spatial depth. Digital control enables flexible adjustments and energy-efficient operation.
The concept creates a festive, historic-modern atmosphere that guides visitors through the city through light and color.
