A co-working space in Düsseldorf features upcycled and reused luminaires in an imaginative scheme by acclaimed Belgian lighting designer Sabine De Shutter.
The clients, Ahrend and the Office Group, approached Studio De Schutter with a brief that the space should be sustainable ‘but not look eco’.
The Berlin-based lighting design studio took on the challenge and developed a concept that transforms existing luminaires, conserves resources, and at the same time creates a modern showroom suitable for versatile use.
At the heart of the project were the existing luminaires which were redeveloped into two distinctive variants: the understated version is white and installed close to the ceiling between the ceiling panels. The more striking version, pictured below right, is black, arranged diagonally and lightly suspended, allowing it to function as a graphic statement within the space while also making a visible statement.
Studio De Schutter developed a new strategy—based on extensive experiments and tests in its Berlin office: foil wrapping. This in-house-developed and, to date, unique solution saves significant amounts of energy, is fully reversible, and fits seamlessly into the philosophy of the circular economy. If a different visual appearance is desired at a later stage, the film can simply be removed.
Foil wrapping also preserves the ability to separate materials by type, ensuring clean material cycles. The project followed a clear methodology: first reduce, then reuse, and only renew where it is truly necessary.
The existing fluorescent lights from the office area were dismantled and retrofitted with flicker-free LEDs colour rendering of CRI 95.
Lighting was only supplemented where flexibility was required—for example, with track-mounted spotlights for exhibitions or with particularly new technologies such as AI-assisted luminaires that automatically adapt their colour temperature to the exhibits. This created a system that is not only energy-efficient, but also guarantees a high degree of modularity and future viability.
The transformation of the luminaires was an intensive process. Studio De Schutter dismantled the existing fixtures in its office, developed various conversion variants, and tested them using 3D models and physical prototypes.
One question was central throughout: how far can a luminaire be adapted without the intervention becoming so invasive that reuse no longer makes sense?
The team found a balance between maximum lighting quality and minimal use of resources. Hands-on tests, mock-ups, and close coordination with all parties involved ensured that every solution was technically compliant with standards and convincing in terms of atmosphere.
The spaces are multifunctional, ranging from workplaces and consultation areas to exhibition spaces and event locations.
All scenes are programmable, dimmable, and centrally switchable via a Casambi control system.
The project uses 60 pre cent less CO₂ compared to a complete new installatio and there are 41.5 per cent cost savings, including installation.
‘At first, we couldn’t imagine how the luminaires could be reused,’ says project manager Jennifer Aust. ‘The result is convincing: a modern design, the highest lighting quality—and a consistently sustainable approach without an eco look.’
Suppliers included Hadler (for light sources for reused luminaires), Regent, Casambi and Artemide (for reused luminaires).
• Sabine De Shutter, pictured left, is one of the keynote speakers at Circular Lighting Live 2026, Recolight’s flagship conference and exhibition, which takes place on Thursday 8 October 2026 at the Minster Building in the City of London. In a presentation titled ‘Beyond fast lighting’ De Shutter will discuss her work, her philosophy and why the lighting industry needs to change. Free to specifiers, Circular Lighting Live 2026 will feature leading experts, specifiers and policy makers who will share their insights into forthcoming standards and legislation, emerging technologies and new business models. More info: www.circularlighting.live
