Germany’s Largest Cinema
Lichtburg Cinema, Essen
The Blue Room: From Double Cinema to Design Lounge
The current Blue Room of the Lichtburg in Essen was created during a 1997 renovation, when two cinemas facing each other were united to form a single space, transformed into an elegant, high-end lounge.
A particular architectural challenge presented itself: 26 sprinkler heads ran through the ceiling and had to be visually integrated into the room design. The solution chosen was ahead of its time: backlit stretch ceilings that elegantly concealed the sprinklers while creating a warm, atmospheric lighting effect.
2025 Modernisation: Efficiency, Aesthetics and Comfort
In May 2025, all 26 ceiling modules were fully replaced and fitted with modern LED technology.
- Energy consumption: reduced from 28 kW (fluorescent tubes) to just 4.5 kW (LED)
- Ease of use: all lighting controllable with continuous dimming via a single remote
- Aesthetics: even light surfaces and precise edges for a timeless, high-quality ambience
The entire project was completed in just five working days, without interrupting cinema operations. Planning — including the temporary shutdown of the central fire protection system and sprinkler installations — and implementation were carried out in close coordination between facility management and SPALEK.
Result: a contemporary lighting concept with significantly reduced operating costs / perfect integration of existing sprinkler technology through stretch ceilings / maximum flexibility in lighting management with minimal maintenance
