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Technical environment

Technical environment

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Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden, Dresden, Germany

Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden Lighting for archives and exhibitions

LED technology from ERCO for flexible exhibition and functional architectural lighting

The imposing "Blockhaus" on the bank of the River Elbe in Dresden's Neustadt district, originally designed as a guardhouse in the 18th century, is now part of the Dresden State Art Collections. After extensive renovation, it now houses the “Archive of the Avant-Garde”, featuring an outstanding collection of classical modernist works, offering a fascinating insight into 20th-century avant-garde movements. Collector Egidio Marzona donated the enormous collection of some 1.5 million objects. The paintings, graphics, books, posters and artefacts not only attract art enthusiasts but also offer scientists a wide field for exploration.

Historic building with a storied past

The Blockhaus itself has a rich and eventful history. Heavily damaged in World War II, it was rebuilt from 1978, initially serving as the “House of German-Soviet Friendship”. Today, only the historic façade remains. Berlin-based Nieto Sobejano Arquitectos won the re-design competition with their vision of creating a “house within a house” using exposed concrete. The design has a sculptural quality: The ground floor is used for exhibitions, while a floating concrete cube above it holds the archive. An open space between the cube and façade includes a freestanding spiral staircase providing access to the archives and workspaces for visitors and staff.

Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden
Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden

Parscan spotlights for perfect exhibition lighting

Kai-Uwe Metzler, electrician and lighting technician at the Dresden State Art Collections, selected ERCO track lighting and Parscan spotlights for the new lighting system. This combination allows for flexible, precise lighting of the varied collection, addressing the specific needs of the exhibits. A particular challenge was the curators’ request to hang prints and oil paintings side by side, as they require different lighting intensities and qualities. Metzler combined soft ambient lighting of 50lux for paper works with framing effects for oil paintings. Oil paintings, which can tolerate up to 200lux, benefit from brilliant lighting that enhances their dimensionality.

The onboard dimming system with a rotary control on the spotlight allows easy manual adjustment for the lower spotlights. The higher-mounted spotlights are dimmed wirelessly using Casambi Bluetooth. Unusual but functional: emergency lighting is integrated into the track system. Using the “ERCO individual” service, silver Pollux spotlights were modified with separate emergency power supplies, creating a seamless look. The exhibition benefits from honeycomb louvres for glare control, ensuring minimal luminance on the ceiling. Tracks and spotlights in silver perfectly complement the grey exposed concrete and the modern, minimalist interior.

Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden
Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden
Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden

ERCO lighting tools throughout the building

ERCO lighting tools were also used in the circulation and office areas. Skim downlights provide uniform ambient lighting in hallways and stairwells, while suspended Compar linear luminaires create a pleasant, glare-free workspace in the offices.

Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden
Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden

This comprehensive lighting system at the Blockhaus is a prime example of how ERCO’s lighting solutions cover all needs, from exhibition to architectural and office lighting. Careful planning and execution ensure the exhibits are showcased in the best light, leaving a lasting impression on visitors.

Archive of the Avant-Garde – Blockhaus, Dresden

Luminaires used

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