Lighting the Casals Forum: A Dynamic Approach by Andreas Schulz
At the IALD Enlighten Americas conference near San Diego, I had the chance to interview Andreas Schulz of Licht Kunst Licht, AG in Germany. Andreas received an Award of Merit for his innovative work on the Casals Forum, a music hall near Frankfurt. The project blends architectural lighting and modern technology to enhance the experience for both the audience and the musicians.
Andreas Schulz Receives and Award of Merit at the IALD Enlighten Americas Conference. Photo Credit: IALD
A Focus on Simplicity
Andreas’s design for the Casals Forum revolves around a simple, clean approach. “It’s a very simple lighting. First of all, it’s all about the architecture,” he explained. A key feature is the custom-designed pendant luminaires that play a crucial role in setting the mood during performances.
These luminaires are part of a sophisticated control system. “Once the concert starts, they are, let’s say, very softly dim up, and then they get the focus on the orchestra,” Andreas said. This gradual lighting change helps draw attention to the musicians while adjusting the atmosphere subtly.
Layered Lighting and Dynamic Effects
One standout feature of the design is the layering of light. “We going to layer the whole Concert Hall with light in different quantities,” Andreas explained. This approach allows for varied light levels across the hall, adding depth and visual interest.
As the concert progresses, the lighting shifts. After the performance, “just the performance are illuminated, and the rest is kind of dark, and then they dim up a little bit.” Andreas’ scenographic lighting design adds drama to the event and enhances the audience’s overall experience.
Warm and Inviting Light
The lighting in the Casals Forum creates a warm and inviting atmosphere with a color temperature of 2700K. “It’s warm color temperature; it’s very soft,” Andreas explained. This soft, warm lighting makes the hall feel intimate and welcoming for both performers and audience members.
Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges
The fixtures for the Casals Forum were designed by a small company, using Venetian glass as a key element. Andreas pointed out the challenges the team faced due to COVID-19 supply chain disruptions. “The supply chain was, let’s say, interrupted, and the control gears or the drivers and everything the company didn’t produce on their own,” he explained.
Despite these obstacles, Andreas and his team completed the project successfully. Working with a local German manufacturer helped maintain better control over production and delivery.
Collaboration with a Visionary Client
One of the more significant challenges wasn’t technical but working with the client. The Casals Forum is a privately funded project, led by a visionary with strong ideas. Andreas recalled, “To deal with a person who got his own ideas was really challenging, but it turned out to be very nice because that kind of interaction between us as the designers and him as the owner was a very challenging process.”
This collaboration ultimately led to a result that Andreas and his team are proud of. The client’s input played a key role in shaping the final design.
A Job Well Done
As the interview concluded, Andreas expressed his pride in the project. He also extended a personal invitation to visit the Casals Forum. “When I am at Light + Building in Frankfurt, I want to come see it,” I said. Andreas replied, “You’re very much welcome. You get a private tour by me.”
Read about Randy Burkett’s IALD Award-winning job, The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.