stglicht in the "tab" - Modern LED technology gives church new radiance

How do you bring a 1970s lighting concept into the present without losing the architect's signature? That was exactly the challenge in the renovation of St. Ludwig Church in Saarlouis — one of the best-known works of Brutalist architecture, designed by Gottfried Böhm, who in 1986 became the first German architect to receive the Pritzker Prize.

In TAB trade magazine issue 02/2026, our managing director Stephan Gotzes writes about how the new lighting concept came about: the characteristic light masts from Böhm's original design were reinterpreted on their historic foundations, while over 5,000 acoustic perforations in the concrete ceiling were used to create an almost invisible base lighting layer. A tunable-white system with more than 30 lighting scenes now allows the congregation to experience the space in a wide range of moods — from weekday mass to organ concerts.

The result: a sacred space that regains its original dramaturgy — technically up to date, and sensitively implemented from a heritage-conservation standpoint.

You can read the full article in TAB: Modern LED technology gives new radiance to St. Ludwig Church in Saarlouis