Germany - At this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich, Mercedes-Benz showcased its brand universe in the open space of the Apothekenhof (Apothecary Courtyard) of the Residenzhöfe, a museum complex. The team from TLD Planungsgruppe was responsible for the technical planning, implementation and lighting design. High-performance LED systems from GLP, including the KNV Cube and the new JDC Burst 1, were at the heart of the presentation.
In addition to the freely accessible open space in Munich’s city centre, Mercedes-Benz also had a presence at the IAA Summit on the exhibition grounds, where the brand’s technical expertise was the focus. The open space, on the other hand, emphasised emotion, design and staging – and thus light as a central design element.
Early in the design phase, it became clear that replicating the distinctive radiator grille of the new Mercedes GLC – in the reception area of the open space – would require ‘an exceptional lighting module’.
“We were looking for a powerful, square spotlight that could precisely replicate the scale of the grille’s LED pixels,” recalls Alex Orkisch, project manager at TLD Planungsgruppe. After comparing measurements with various systems, the choice fell to the KNV Cube – thanks in part to the intensive support of GLP key account director Oliver Schwendke.
The compact KNV Cube combines strobe, blinder and pixel block in a single device, delivers up to 50,000 lumens and, with its high brightness and robustness (IP54), proved to be the solution for integration into the open-plan brand architecture at Apothekenhof.
“Olli Schwendke not only provided us with technical advice during this early phase, but also tremendous support with the availability, sampling and integration of the luminaires,” emphasises Richard Profe. “We were immediately sent a demo unit, which impressed us with its brightness.”
In close collaboration with GLP, the exhibition construction company and various planning partners, TLD then developed a modular structure that integrated 265 KNV Cubes into an oversized interpretation of the signature GLC grille in the entrance area of the open space. Custom-made diffuser units were installed to refine the visual effect. At the same time, thermal properties, inspection access and electrical parameters had to be considered, as the luminaires were mounted in hard-to-reach outdoor areas.
For this application, 86 JDC Burst 1s were used as powerful horizon and effect lights. In Munich, TLD used the devices specifically to create additional light pulses and depth in the environment dominated by very bright video screens.
“When you project video onto three large LED surfaces, you need devices that can be perceived and seen with a targeted, precise effect. The JDC Burst 1 is one of the very few devices that can prevail in this area,” says Richard Profe.
Following the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC, the immersive space also served as a club location on the visitor days – a transition from brand presentation to evening event, which placed special demands on the performance and flexibility of the chosen spotlights.
In addition to lighting design and operation, TLD was also responsible for the overall technical management and the coordination of logistics, infrastructure and suppliers. Approximately 3,000sq.m of exhibition space were created in just 14 days. All light shows were pre-programmed in advance to ensure smooth operations on site within the extremely tight schedule.
