Light, Formed by the Architect’s Hand

“The Editions” is Zumtobel’s curated series of lighting solutions, developed through intensive co-creation with architects, designers, and visionary creatives. Shaped by project-specific requirements, The Editions gives rise to luminaires that seamlessly respond to functional needs and architectural demands. Born from a shared spirit of innovation and enriched by diverse perspectives, it captures the magic of genuine partnership. Two lighting concepts demonstrate how light can become an intrinsic part of architecture. For the Hortus office building in Allschwil (Switzerland), Herzog & de Meuron, together with lighting design studio Reflexion, pursued the vision of making lighting a non-negotiable element of building infrastructure. “The lighting is integrated into the base fitout and architecture, reducing energy use”, emphasises Alexander Franz, Associate at Herzog & de Meuron. “The ceiling was meant to remain free of devices and cables, so we looked for a solution that combines lighting and sensor technology in a single element”, adds Thomas Mika, CEO of Reflexion. Drawing on its expertise in lighting, Zumtobel created Solena, a suspended luminaire that embodies a subtle interplay of technical precision and enigmatic brilliance. Its cutting-edge design, integrated multi-sensor technology, and use of durable, recyclable materials make Solena an easily repairable modular system.

The Editions’ Skena luminaire likewise addresses a critical architectural question, as Jessica Borchardt of BAID Architektur explains: “Our work revolved around the understanding that a luminaire must be capable of more than what it makes visible in everyday use. Zumtobel succeeded in translating this vision into concrete project practice”.

With its trapezoidal geometry and a front width of just 25 mm, Skena recedes visually, allowing light to shape the space. With its exceptionally high lumen output, the luminaire delivers powerful, efficient llumination for open-plan and multi-occupancy work zones.

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With a front width of just 25 mm, Skena translates the principle “as little as possible, as much as necessary” into a precise geometric form

© Jens Ellensohn, courtesy of Zumtobel

With a front width of just 25 mm, Skena translates the principle “as little as possible, as much as necessary” into a precise geometric form

© Jens Ellensohn, courtesy of Zumtobel

The Solena luminaire is an integral part of the Hortus building infrastructure, supporting the calm legibility of the ceiling while delivering high lighting precision

© Isabel Bechter, courtesy of Zumtobel

The Solena luminaire is an integral part of the Hortus building infrastructure, supporting the calm legibility of the ceiling while delivering high lighting precision

© Isabel Bechter, courtesy of Zumtobel

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