Since last week, a glowing sphere has been on display in the centre of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. It draws attention to the modernisation of the monument’s façade lighting, which is due to be completed in early December. The sphere, described by the local press as a ‘moon’, marks the point where it is possible to pass through whilst the work is being carried out.

Technology dating from 2002
The existing lighting system was showing its age and no longer met today’s technical requirements. After 24 years of service, it had become increasingly prone to faults. Key spare parts are now almost impossible to source, meaning that maintenance of the façade lighting could only be carried out to a limited extent. Its modernisation is intended to ensure reliable and energy-efficient operation in the long term. According to Berliner Immobilienmanagement GmbH (BIM), energy consumption is set to fall by around 40 per cent.

281 new luminaires plus lighting control
281 luminaires fitted with metal halide lamps are being replaced. They will be replaced by modern LED luminaires. The electrical system is being renewed and a new lighting control system installed. Project planning is once again being handled by the Berlin-based firm Kardoff Ingenieure, which had already designed the old lighting system.