Prize(s) Winners in Religious & Spiritual Site Lighting Design
Lighting Design/Product Company Schmitz Schiminski Nolte Mathee Design Partg
Lead Designers Henrik Nolte
Other Designer's names Dennis Grimberg
Architecture Company SFB Architekten, 30559 Hannover / ELPLAN Ingenieure Minden
Interior Design Company Glass artist: Lea Dievenow
Client Bistum Hildesheim, community of St. Joseph
Photo Credits Schmitz Schiminski Nolte Mathee Design Partg
Completion Date 2024
Project Location Isernhagener Str. 64, 30163 Hannover, Germany
Entry DescriptionSt. Jospeh: As part of a major renovation, St. Joseph Church in Hannover received a new lighting concept that enhances the space’s dignity, increases brightness, and improves visual comfort. The aim was to foster holistic perception while optimizing illumination for multifunctional use. The altar, relocated to the transept center, is framed by twelve pendant luminaires with direct and indirect light. Their number references the Twelve Apostles, and their ascending form creates the impression that Jesus on the cross is surrounded by a halo when entering. Wall-mounted spotlights in the transept and chancel provide flexible accents, general illumination, and subtle ceiling brightening.In the nave, linear light channels beneath the windows combine direct and indirect light, with honeycomb louvers ensuring glare control. Refurbished pendant luminaires in the side aisles, complemented by spots, highlight the wall-mounted apostle chandeliers and create a solemn atmosphere. The five side chapels are accentuated with integrated track and focused lighting. The dimmable KNX/Crestron system offers preset scenes and adapts to daylight. The project was also presented as part of the Tag der Architektur Niedersachsen 2025
Sustainability ApproachThe lighting concept for St. Joseph Church in Hannover emphasizes sustainability and durability. High-quality, modular luminaires use up to 95% recyclable materials and allow individual components to be replaced, reducing waste. Several historic pendants were refurbished, preserving the church’s character. Fixtures can be lowered for maintenance, avoiding costly equipment and disruption. An intelligent control system responds to daylight, transitioning smoothly from day to evening while ensuring functional clarity and comfort. The project demonstrates how sustainable lighting can be integrated into a historic sacred space without compromising aesthetics or usability
Company DescriptionWe are an independent lighting design studio based in Hildesheim and Hamburg. Our team brings together people with diverse skills, united by a shared passion for light.
To realize complex projects, we rely on a team of specialists who understand how architecture and urban spaces, combined with the right lighting technology and a high degree of sensitivity, can come together to form a harmonious whole
