Founded by Dieter Burmester in 1978, the company specialized from the outset in high-end audio equipment, which has earned a legendary reputation in expert circles and made the brand a globally recognized luxury label.

The planning office IONDESIGN assigned specific color schemes to the meeting rooms. Connected Berliner Ringe illuminate the elongated table formats in the two large meeting rooms. The circular light exits appear particularly graphic in this context, and the slim profile of the light fixture remains discreetly simple.

In the cafeteria and piazza, table groups in varying colors and dimensions set the tone. This creates a communicative atmosphere and allows for flexible use. Accordingly, a lighting solution based on track systems was chosen for this area. This makes it possible to reposition the light sources later as needed.

Rectangular track configurations in contrasting black echo the aesthetics of the coffered existing ceiling. The directional light from the wittenberg 4.0 track-mounted spotlights creates targeted accents and enlivens the atmosphere. Thanks to control gear integrated directly into the track adapter, the wi4-str2 luminaire model also impresses with its particularly minimal housing dimensions.

mawa makes the desire to precisely match lighting forms to the furnishings possible with its extensive manufacturing capabilities and years of experience. This expertise is also appreciated by Potsdam-based designer Susanne Philippson.

In the “Future Kitchen,” the goal was to create an atmosphere that is both functional and emotionally engaging. The custom interior lighting not only supports the ideal presentation of the products but also enhances the well-being of the employees.

The LED strips integrated into the profile with tunable white technology offer maximum flexibility in interior lighting – from daylight white light for a fresh product display to warm white light for a relaxed ambiance in the evening.

When entering the building, you are greeted by an atrium flooded with daylight. It connects the staggered, overlapping floors and creates exciting lines of sight through an architecture that focuses on dialogue and the exchange of knowledge.

Along the central core, downlights from the “wittenberg 4.0” series have been arranged in pairs or groups of three to aesthetically highlight the pathways along the balustrade and illuminate the core wall, which is finished in exposed concrete. The swivelling light heads can also be used to accentuate the guidance system and art objects as required.

A total of four different models from the versatile “wittenberg 4.0” series illuminate not only the atrium but also the auditorium, library, meeting areas, waiting areas and restrooms.

“The formally restrained design language and the versatile mounting options, as well as the extensive range of technical lighting accessories such as interchangeable lenses, softening filters and anti-glare attachments, were decisive selection criteria.”
Sascha Homburg

The new storage building, named after the archivist Ernst Posner, was constructed during the first phase of construction from June 2007 to November 2009. It stands away from the street in the centre of the site and houses the entrance area with a large entrance counter.

The light sculpture above, consisting of 64 cylindrical pendant lights, fills the room’s volume, emphasises the design of the reception desk, and is visible through the glass facade, helping visitors to find their way around.

The design of the cylinders is based on the idea of lighting designer Jan Blieske to develop a representative luminaire that conveys a modern attitude, functions as a light object, and still imparts a sense of lightness through transparency.

Additionally, the stairwell featured a very wide staircase and a correspondingly large opening. If lights were mounted on the ceiling, scaffolding would always be needed for maintenance.

Therefore, the lighting designer thought, “What if we developed a reflective surface instead, which looks representative from below and eliminates the need to climb up?”

This idea also appealed to the officials at BBR and the Federal Archives, quickly becoming the most convincing and financially relevant argument for designing such an extraordinary ceiling.

The challenges of this project component were very diverse. Among other things, it was necessary to adhere to extremely tight installation tolerances. The ceiling surface had to be executed particularly level, and the reflector segments had to be mounted absolutely horizontally.

“Not only was the installation itself difficult, but also the transport from the factory to the building, onto the scaffolding, to the ceiling, and the associated handling of the delicate metal sheets,” confirms Daniel Frey, Head of Construction at mawa.

mawa ensured careful handling and accurate installation with their own personnel.

Jan Blieske has been involved in this project for over 10 years.

He describes the interplay between new construction and historic buildings, along with a lighting design that ties everything together like a clasp, as exceptional.

Learn more about the backgrounds, design processes, and the history of the building in the detailed press report in Issue 1 of LICHT 2024.

Minimalist wi4-eb-1r recessed downlights set the stage for the reception counter, complete with an experience that will make you dream.

The meeting rooms, which can be booked flexibly by all users, were individually designed and furnished. One of the rooms is adorned with mawa’s berliner ring pendant luminaire with an unusually large, project-specific diameter of one and a half metres.

Track spotlights from the seventies series illuminate community areas such as the kitchen, cafeteria, lounges and meeting points.

The non-governmental organization includes all communities in Israel and, since 1938, has represented the interests of local authorities in their dealings with the government.

When he designed the substation, Schwechten especially accentuated the technical function of the building. The original room divisions with the high transformer hall on the ground floor and the low rooms for transformers and batteries located above are still readable in the facade today.


The lights, with their curved lattice structure, take up the design of the doors, while at the same time, lighting the adjacent walkway – with energy saving LED’s reflecting the spirit of the client.