It’s becoming more common to see interiors that embrace reuse and circularity. Less so to see lighting rise to the challenge. Based between Berlin and Antwerp, independent lighting consultancy Studio De Schutter is setting out to change that. We speak with founder Sabine De Schutter about what it takes to design truly sustainable, human-centric lighting solutions.
You have a Master (M.A.) in Interior Architecture. What made you pursue a master's degree in architectural lighting design as a next step?
SABINE DE SCHUTTER: It was during my internship at an architecture company in Antwerp that I first realized the importance of light and the vital role it plays in architecture and interior design. What became evident to me was how a space could be perceived so differently depending on the light. Whereas architecture itself is static, lighting can change to suit the function of the space. I wanted to know how to use the tools of light to manipulate a space’s atmosphere, which led me to pursue a master's in lighting.
Photo: Florian Reimann
Sabine De Schutter.
Beyond limiting the use of light, how can we think of architectural lighting in a more responsible way?
Responsible lighting design starts with identifying the need. Sometimes, the need for a particular lighting scheme is hidden in the brief. One need might be to feel secure in a space at night, or for a restaurant to be seen from afar. Often brighter is considered better, but that’s not always the case. By understanding the underlying concern of the client, our team can develop solutions from the ground up. The design of space should be holistic, or a Gesamtkunstwerk. From the use of natural daylight to the placing of artificial lighting sources, we need to consider the use of the space over the course of a day to into the night and how this changes with environmental influences. Architecture is static, but lighting is ever-changing, and well-defined lighting can be used to suit the function of the space at any given time.
We also need brave clients who are willing to take a leap with us. Often legislation prevents us from being sustainable. The norms for the amount of lighting have increased over the years, undoubtedly increasing consumption. As designers, we have the responsibility to advise our clients. Even if sustainability is not in the initial brief, we like to add it to our proposals. Most of our clients are very open and willing to see this incorporated in their projects.
At Impact Hub Berlin in the CRCLR House, you’ve looked at architectural lighting solutions in the context of circular design and sustainability. Can you talk us through some of the solutions?
A project like this does not follow a linear design process. There was a general idea, a lighting concept, an identification of the need and a plan to execute. As this project focused on circularity, the products and materials with which the design was to be executed depended on the availability. For example, in one area of the co-working space, reclaimed wood from another construction site was used as a base to mount linear LED light fixtures. To reduce glare, a fireproofing material shields the strips. This in itself is a quite uncommon approach in the lighting and construction industry.
In another area, what once were recessed luminaires were mounted to the surface, showing off the mechanics of its construction proudly. The idea in this space is not just about being sustainable, but about allowing the fixtures and materials to tell a story. Another important aspect is that together with the architects we wanted to show that a project with reused materials can look designed with custom solutions, deliberate details and bespoke lighting.
Photos: Studio Bowie
Cover and above: At Impact Hub in Berlin’s Crclr House, one area of the co-working space features linear LED light fixtures mounted on reclaimed wood from another construction site. To reduce glare, the light strips are shielded with a fireproofing material, an uncommon approach in the lighting and construction industry.
Why aren’t these kinds of solutions more widespread?
Unfortunately, the process of designing with reused and reclaimed materials is a time-consuming and difficult one. Large quantities of materials are rarely available at the same time, so some bigger projects will have to adopt a staggered approach to the installation. Sometimes, adjustments need to be made to the design, as fixtures available are not exactly the same. But above all this, one of the most difficult issues is legislation and getting everyone on board. According to German construction regulations, only new lighting should be installed. This makes reusing materials very difficult. Installers do not want to provide a warranty or take responsibility for the fixtures, which deters clients.
When we started with this project back in 2020, we were scouting for materials in different warehouses and reaching out to manufacturers for leftover materials and old models. This is only something an independent lighting consultant could do, as manufacturers still mainly focus on selling new products. However, since 2020, we have seen a shift. There are now several companies that focus on sourcing reusable materials and even offer warranties, or on taking old lighting fixtures and making them futureproof.
Photo: Studio Bowie
On the mezzanine floor of Impact Hub Berlin, previously recessed luminaires were mounted on the surface in a blend of sustainability and storytelling. Together with LXSY Architekten, Studio De Schutter wanted to demonstrate that a project using reclaimed materials can achieve a tailored look with custom solutions, deliberate details and bespoke lighting.
How do you extend the lifespan your architectural lighting design and anticipate change?
A good solution takes longevity into consideration. This can be as simple as making sure the lighting in an office works regardless of the placement of tables. Lighting systems that can be expanded and contracted depending on the use – for example, using tracks allowing for spotlights and pendants – provide greater flexibility. Another essential aspect to consider is the programming and design of lighting scenes. By making sure lighting is controllable, areas can be individually set to cater directly to user needs.
Light is one of the biggest stimuli to the nervous system, and light pollution (through everything from constantly lit cities, day and night, to constant screen time) is affecting sleep patterns, general well-being and prolonging recovery time. How can we make our systems more human-centric while better balancing artificial and natural light?
Our urban environments are, in many places, designed for cars and not for humans. Night-time illumination has been optimized for efficiency but without the consideration of its impact on our circadian rhythm. This has to do with the development of technology that makes it easier to have more light at a fraction of the cost of maintenance and energy. Light at night affects us greatly, and even the flora and fauna that live with us in urban environments suffer from uncontrolled lighting and lighting pollution.
Photo: Studio Bowie
For restaurant project Le big TamTam in Hamburg, Studio De Schutter utilized ZHAGA-compatible fixtures, a universal-approved standard that ensures the exchangeability of components regardless of the brand.
We believe designing to encourage natural biological rhythms is tantamount to wellbeing. Human-centric lighting is not a prescribed solution that’s implemented in a top-down system. Again, it should be controllable and adaptable by the user. When we talk about office lighting, the type of clients we design for are often aware of their neurodivergent teams. We have all the tools necessary to tailor-make a lighting solution that works for each individual. Giving them control within a system is the best way to cater to their needs. There are situations where regardless of the amount of natural light, additional artificial light is required – a lighting design solution should be able to cater to these specifications.
In a few of our projects in Berlin and Hamburg, we implemented a lighting scheme that automatically adjusts the colour temperature and intensity of light according to the time of day. That said, there is no one solution that takes into account office culture together with our requirement for good natural light. Artificial light can help by giving us cues, however, people should always be encouraged to go out, take a walk and get some sunlight.
