During the world’s leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology, “The Living Light” illustrates how a holistic approach to lighting can be translated into spatial experience. Developed by Lichtvision Design on behalf of Light + Building, the special area will be realised in Hall 3.1 under the curatorial direction of Carla Wilkins, Senior Partner and Global Creative Director at Lichtvision Design Berlin. The international lighting design company operates from multiple locations in Berlin, London and Asia – including Hong Kong and Shanghai – and is known for holistic concepts at the intersection of people, space and technology. As part of the special presentation, the individual locations each developed their own thematic focus on the subject of life, alongside a shared communication concept. In this way, different cultural perspectives, working methods and design approaches flow into the installation, collectively forming a multifaceted overall picture of light as a shaping force in everyday life.
At the heart of the special presentation is a continuous spatial element: the “Green Spine”. This light-staged corridor connects all four themed spaces and guides visitors through the installation. Inspired by natural growth forms, a wall designed with moss accompanies the route. Light provides orientation, directs the gaze and changes in intensity and mood along the individual stations. Nature thus becomes a symbol of connection and continuity between areas of life, technologies and people. “With ‘The Living Light’, we want to show that light is far more than illumination. Light is a living design factor that appeals to our emotions, motivates us and connects us with one another. When we use technology in the right way and embed it in a holistic overall concept, light can enhance every moment of our everyday lives,” explains Carla Wilkins.
The journey through four areas of life
The walk through “The Living Light” leads visitors through four central areas of life in which light can be experienced as a shaping and connecting factor.
“Home” – Atmosphere, dynamism and wellbeing
The journey begins in the “Home” space – the emotional starting point of everyday life. Here, light is experienced as a personal companion that adapts to times of day, moods and individual needs. Different lighting scenes translate the course of a day: from calm, warm morning and evening situations through more intense, activating lighting moments to a nocturnal scenario that consciously allows darkness. Visitors are invited to take control themselves via a lighting interface and change the atmosphere within the space. In this way, light becomes a tangible tool that creates a sense of security, enables retreat and supports emotional closeness.
“Education” – Light as a driver of motivation and health
In the “Education” area, the focus is on how light can positively shape learning environments. Learning is a complex process in which children, young people and adults bring different prerequisites, perceptions and forms of concentration. Four specially designed spatial scenarios illustrate different learning types from playful and active learning to digital approaches and disruptive learning formats, for example in the context of ADHD or specific health-related needs. Each of these zones employs targeted lighting strategies, ranging from direct and indirect lighting to calm, diffuse lighting scenes and activating accents. The installation thus demonstrates how light can increase motivation, reduce sensory overload and support individual learning processes.
“Work” – Performance and regeneration in balance
The “Work” themed space stages everyday working life as a spatial narrative. In a strictly geometric, almost highly focused environment, the course of a working day is made visible through light. Different phases such as morning focus, mental drifting around midday, acceleration and pressure in the afternoon, and the gradual winding down in the evening are made perceptible only through light, rhythm and intensity. At the centre is a workplace that deliberately displays disorder. It symbolises the individual within a highly controlled system. Here, light is not used decoratively but takes on a narrative function: it measures time, creates tension and makes emotional states visible.
“Communication” – The playful interplay of sensor technology and light
In the “Communication” area, the interplay between light, sensor technology and interaction takes centre stage. Light responds to movement, changes dynamically and makes connectivity visible. Visitors experience first-hand how lighting moods emerge intuitively, playfully and interactively, overlap and continue to evolve in dialogue with the space. This highlights how networked lighting systems can promote communication and make spaces interactive and vibrant.
The Living Light is part of the high-calibre event programme of Light + Building 2026, offering in-depth expertise and diverse inspiration for lighting designers, architects, designers and the lighting-oriented professional audience. The central meeting point is the Design Plaza in Hall 3.1, which serves as a stage for exchange, lectures and discussions and places design, architecture and light at the forefront. Daily panel talks, presentations and programme contributions by various partners take place here. In addition, guided tours start from the Design Plaza, leading to selected exhibitors and providing in-depth insights into current developments and trends in the lighting industry.
All information on the Light + Building 2026 event programme can be found at:
www.light-building.com/events
Frankfurt: 2026 World Design Capital
For further information and details of events, visit: https://wdc2026.org/en
Light + Building – the world's leading trade fair for lighting and building services technology
Light + Building 2026 will take place from 8 to 13 March.
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