A space for light. PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten
03/02/2024.
[Berlin] Germany
metalocus, CRISTINA RODRÍGUEZ
metalocus, CRISTINA RODRÍGUEZ
After 4 workshops and 2 more on the way, the architecture studio B-bis architecten has planned the fifth workshop in Europe for PSLab. This new studio is located in the Charlottenburg district, an area defined by galleries, small neighborhood restaurants, and shops in the west of Berlin, Germany.
PSLab is a lighting company specializing in the design, communication, planning, implementation, and manufacturing of luminaires and lighting accessories, approaching each project from an extensive library of physical and digital materials.
PSLab is a lighting company specializing in the design, communication, planning, implementation, and manufacturing of luminaires and lighting accessories, approaching each project from an extensive library of physical and digital materials.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
Ground floor. PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten.
Section. PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten.
Elevation. PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten.
The new workshop for PSLab designed by B-bis architecten is located on the ground floor of a residential building from 1907 and is divided into three spaces: the entrance, the garden room, and the lower space. The entrance is characterized by a double height of 6 meters creating a stage of lights and from where a view towards the patio is revealed through arches that serve as access to the garden room, used as a workshop where clients can feel, touch, and explore the brand design process. Finally, the lower space, with a cozy atmosphere, invites you to have informal and intimate conversations.
The materials used in this study are chosen to emphasize lighting rather than architecture. The different shades of lime, in combination with concrete, zinc, and fabric, create a calm atmosphere that serves as a canvas to present and explore light. In addition, a system of gray steel porches placed both in the double height and in the garden room incorporates light sources, creating different games between them, and all the technical elements.
The materials used in this study are chosen to emphasize lighting rather than architecture. The different shades of lime, in combination with concrete, zinc, and fabric, create a calm atmosphere that serves as a canvas to present and explore light. In addition, a system of gray steel porches placed both in the double height and in the garden room incorporates light sources, creating different games between them, and all the technical elements.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
Project description by B-bis architecten
B-bis has designed a new studio space for PSLab Lighting in Berlin Charlottenburg. After Stuttgart, Antwerp, Bologna and London (and Paris and Amsterdam in the making) it is the fifth studio in Europe to showcase the company’s unique design process, materials, mock-ups and technical light. Situated in Charlottenburg on Niebuhrstrasse, the location of the new PSLab atelier has been chosen deliberately between luxury Kurfürstendamm and gritty Kantstrasse – an area defined by galleries, small neighbourhood restaurants and shops.
Housed on the ground floor of a 1907 residential building, the context-specific architecture of the studio resembles the company’s bespoke approach to light, taking cues from the classic yet pure and abstract atmosphere of the city.
A contemporary large zinc and glass sliding door welcomes visitors into the studio, placing them immediately into a stage-like surrounding, and revealing a view through the space into a beautiful green courtyard. As a highly contemporary element, in contrast – but embracing the historic Niebuhrstrasse, the window projects what to expect inside.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
An interpretation of classicistic elements, like arches and colonnades, found in the city, and the symmetry of the building itself define the architecture of the space.
Three main spaces define the studio
By integrating the basement, the front room is characterised by a double-height space of 6 metre, where light can be shown in various heights and configurations like a theatre stage.
Walking though arches, the garden room is defined by its views to the green, ivy-leafed courtyard. It is used as a workshop space - integrating a physical materials library where clients can feel, touch, and explore the particular design process of the brand. Large open window bays flood the space with natural light and invite to sit and enjoy tranquillity.
The cosy atmosphere of the lower space invites guests for informal and intimate conversations. Here, the team can also show off the lighting lab’s extensive digital library.
PSLab Berlin by B-bis architecten. Photograph by Nate Cook.
Materiality
All materials are chosen to show off light rather than the architecture itself. As light is one of nature’s purest elements which often features in sacred spaces, it is the overarching reference for the new PSLab space.
Layers of different shades of limewash, in combination with concrete, zinc and fabric components deliver this calm and sacred atmosphere and are an ideal canvas to present and explore light.
A grey-steel gantry system on the ceiling of both, front and garden rooms plays centre stage in the overall design and incorporates not only light sources but all technical elements.
The entire space is built with light in mind. With this new home, PSLab will be able to explain the process-driven thinking and explore light, shade and atmosphere, with clients and collaborators.
More information
Architects
Project team
Evert Crols, Dirk Engelen, Pieter-Jan Grillet, Sven Grooten, Sebastiaan Leroy, Joachim Moens.
Collaborators
Engineer Architect.- Lukas Beer Dipl.
Client
Properties GmbH.
Area
130 sqm.
Dates
2021 - 2023.
Location
Berlin, Germany.
Photography
Evert Crols, Dirk Engelen and Sven Grooten and Sebastiaan Leroy. B-architecten, B-bis, B-city and B-juxta
B-architecten, B-bis, B-city, B-juxta. Back in 1997, Evert Crols, Dirk Engelen and Sven Grooten set up an independent office for architecture: B-architecten was born. The three had met during their education in Antwerp and Amsterdam. At the internationally oriented Berlage Institute, it became clear that Evert, Dirk and Sven shared a common design interest. Today, the office is located in Antwerp and Brussels.
Ten years after the foundation of B-architecten, they started a new initiative together with Sebastiaan Leroy: B-bis architecten became an office that focuses on small architectural projects, residential interior design, offices and shops, scenographies for exhibitions and performing arts, temporary installations and furniture design.
In 2020, B-city was launched as a third B-platform with the aim to shape and supervise complex urban projects. The core of its ambition is to work on large-scale projects that carry the potential of becoming new city districts.
Today, B is the sum of four studio divisions called B-architecten, B-bis, B-city and B-juxta have naturally grown into an office of more than 60 people. Each B-team has its particular focus and way of functioning, yet they all share a distinct innovative view on the variety of projects the B-platforms stand for.
Ten years after the foundation of B-architecten, they started a new initiative together with Sebastiaan Leroy: B-bis architecten became an office that focuses on small architectural projects, residential interior design, offices and shops, scenographies for exhibitions and performing arts, temporary installations and furniture design.
In 2020, B-city was launched as a third B-platform with the aim to shape and supervise complex urban projects. The core of its ambition is to work on large-scale projects that carry the potential of becoming new city districts.
Today, B is the sum of four studio divisions called B-architecten, B-bis, B-city and B-juxta have naturally grown into an office of more than 60 people. Each B-team has its particular focus and way of functioning, yet they all share a distinct innovative view on the variety of projects the B-platforms stand for.
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