City utility tower in Duisburg

After 970 days in the dark, a popular Duisburg landmark is once again glowing with a green light visible from afar. Since December 2018, 180 facade spotlights and 256 metres of lighting line from InstaLighting illuminate the Stadtwerketurm Duisburg.

Originally, the 200 metre high tower served as a support for three flue gas pipes from the thermal power station II, but as this has no longer been in operation since the end of 2012, the flue gas pipes were in danger of losing stability due to increasing rust infestation. The three huge steel cylinders were therefore painstakingly dismantled between 2016 and 2018. However, the support frame was preserved as a monument and was also fitted with a new lighting installation at the same time. The challenge for lighting architect Peter Brdenk from Essen was clear even before the work began: as a monument, the tower had to shine as brightly as possible once the work was complete. However, with the three flue gas pipes, a huge reflective surface for the lighting was also dismantled. Peter Brdenk compensated for this by skilfully placing different light fittings. A combination of façade spotlights and directly radiating LED lines lends the filigree steel construction the desired plasticity in the dark.

In addition to all the luminaires, InstaLighting also supplied the complete control system. Around 4,500 metres of cable supply the lights with power and control signals. Equipped with a central DMX control system, the entire system can be adjusted not only in terms of brightness but also in terms of colour. This means that the Stadtwerketurm Duisburg can also be illuminated in changing colours for special events. Most of the time, however – as stipulated by the heritage authority – Duisburg’s landmark shines in its familiar bright green.