An old factory hall at the lighting company’s founding location has been refurbished and converted into a new Light Forum. Snøhetta has developed a dynamic space concept and a co-creation space providing for a flexible setting for different types of use. The new space for light and innovation on an area of 4,000 square metres offers plenty of opportunities for interplay between open zones, serving as a stage and meeting place, and thematically defined spaces.
The central element of the spacious hall is a generous staircase serving as a meeting point and atrium. Cubes create a flexible framework for the presentation of new technologies, products, and lighting expertise. The unique architectural space will provide a platform promoting exchange and networking, and will function as a lively space where customers, partners, employees and the public can meet and exchange thoughts and ideas.
Photo © Matthias Rhomberg 
Photo © Matthias Rhomberg
This flexibility and mobility in utilisation characterise the new Light Forum as a place of interaction which can respond to a wide range of requirements. With an art and culture space as part of the new Light Forum, the Zumtobel Group will also open up to external exhibitions in the future. Cultural initiatives are intended to strengthen the social context and the company’s dialogue with the public. The exhibition content can also be completely independent of the core theme of light.
Based on the conceptual idea of Herbert Resch of the Zumtobel Group, the revitalization of the lighting company’s old factory hall is also an important contribution to a long-term development of the company’s headquarters that are interwoven with Dornbirn’s urban fabric. Through the reutilisation of the old building, Zumtobel’s founding location in the heart of Dornbirn, the company has also enlivened the adjacent regional urban space. Source and photos Courtesy of Snøhetta.
Photo © Matthias Rhomberg 
Photo © Matthias Rhomberg 
Photo © Matthias Rhomberg
