Each year, St. Michael's Church—the principal Protestant house of worship in Hamburg's Neustadt—welcomes up to 1.5 million visitors from across the globe. Since late 2022, the Powalla Forum has functioned as a visitor center, freeing the sacred space from tourist obligations. Situated in the southwestern corner of the church square near the main portal, this facility thoughtfully integrates heritage and innovation. The former 1950s rectory has been meticulously preserved and sympathetically restored on its exterior, completely gutted internally, and complemented by a new structural addition. Licht 01's lighting design creates a seamless dialogue between old and new structures while celebrating each building's distinct character. A black ceiling channel housing various luminaire types connects upper and lower entrances, functioning as a restrained, ordering element that reinforces the architectural vision. Integrated narrow-beam spotlights establish a legible light path across the floor. The expansive wall displaying St. Michael's motto in reflective lettering receives uniform illumination from wall washers, generating soft ambient light through strategic reflection. This architectural emphasis provides a fitting stage for the five-meter media tower, which presents information and imagery. A generous light joint and gentle lighting of the historic facade distinguish the new ceiling from the existing structure. The base is outlined by a continuous recessed floor light that accentuates the visual separation between building sections. Within the former rectory, a suspended ceiling fitted with vertical light panels serves as a key design element. The historic interior facade—now part of the ticket office and retail space—receives diffuse, uniform lighting. Adjustable LED profile lights embedded in the steel reinforcement framework illuminate the entire interior facade, making the scale of the original rooms legible in the newly created volume through visible ceiling connections. Recessed spotlights define the circulation areas with precise light accents, guiding movement across the floor. A six-meter custom luminaire with refined optics emphasizes the premium materials of the reception desk, positioned as the primary guest interface through integrated lighting. The exterior lighting approach is deliberately restrained—the expansive glazing allows the building to radiate from within. Subtle landscape accents and a light line integrated into the natural stone cladding gently direct attention to the forecourt and the flowing ramp leading to the entrance.

www.licht01.de

Photography:
Sabine Vielmo
www.vielmo.com

(Published in CUBE Hamburg 04|24)