Bus Stop Roofs Jahnplatz

Light planning and consultation for the new bus stop roofs at Jahnplatz.

The bus stop roofs were developed by Wannenmacher + Möller Architekten as an important part of the redesign of Jahnplatz. The umbrella-like construction forms different groups and varies in size and height. The aim was to create a vibrant and relaxed appearance for the various bus stop areas.

This is where the lighting concept comes in with a series of punched holes in the sheet metal of the shades. The different openings are denser at the column of the shades and loosen up towards the outside. They are covered with opal acrylic glass and create a structure of dark dots over the white shell of the shades during the day. In the evening, backlighting activates and softens the entire volume of the roofs with a gentle gradient of light. The punched holes are transformed into a light structure. The internal light source of the backlighting also starts at the column and follows the course of the punched holes as the light intensity decreases. Inside the shades, white surfaces ensure improved back reflection of the light in order to generate an effective light gradient down into the depths of the structure. The spotlights were positioned so that they are directed towards the ceiling and only the reflected light hits the diffuser layer in order to avoid any visible shadows caused by structural elements.

In the course of the design planning, the formulated objectives for the visual perception of the light pattern were checked in a full-scale sample installation. This provided important insights into the positioning and alignment of the spotlights.

The perforations in the shell also accommodate the downlights for illuminating the circulation areas. These standard luminaires are offset upwards into a cylinder with a black inner wall to achieve greater glare control.

This project was nominated for the German Lighting Design Award in 2023!

Property: City space
Builder: City of Bielefeld
Architect: Wannenmacher + Möller
Landscape architect: Kortemeier Brokmann Landschaftsarchitekten
Traffic planner: Bockermann Fritze Ingenieur Consult
Photos: Joachim Grothus
Location: Bielefeld
Completion: 2022
Services: Planning and consulting