Domforum

The information, meeting and event centre of the Catholic Church is in a prominent site. Located opposite the Cologne Cathedral, the Domforum organizes tours of the Cathedral and gives information to visitors and groups. It offers spiritual care and functions as a venue with a varied program with both clerically and socially relevant topics. During the past 15 years the place welcomed more than 5 million visitors and hosted over 6,000 events. The building is a listed monument, originally built between 1951 and 1954 for the Bank für Gemeinwirtschaft by Fritz Schaller and converted into an information and meeting centre of the Catholic Church by Christian Schaller in 1995/1996. An increasing space shortage and a variety of new uses gave rise to an architectural competition from which Martini Architekten emerged as the winner. The aim was to create a publically accessible space with an atmosphere conveying openness and transparency. After a three month refurbishment period the Domforum reopened its gates in September 2010.

The idea of the lighting concept is based on the requirement of an extensive service profile: Apart from temporary exhibitions the foyer houses panel discussions, music and theatre events as well as lectures. At the same time the room‘s clear, formally reduced architectural language is to be emphasized. The task was to introduce a lighting element that would fulfill both, the general illumination and accent lighting while responding to the existing structure of the space. Therefore, the floor‘s diagonal joint pattern continued on the exterior Cathedral Square, is repeated in the light fixture layout. The specifically designed ceiling luminaire performs two tasks: A diffuse frosted acrylic cover, rimmed by a surrounding shadow groove, forms an integral part of the ceiling. This cover is fitted with two cylindrical recesses incorporating two adjustable downlights. Thus, the directional spotlights remain concealed from most viewing angles. In order to realize various distinct lighting scenarios the two lighting components can be controlled and dimmed separately. The diffuse illumination occurs through two T16 24W fluorescent lamps in a warm light colour. Correspondingly, the direct lighting component is ensured by QR111 60W IRC low-voltage halogen lamps. An optimized efficacy and a sophisticated lighting quality are the features of this choice of lamps.

The Corian counter is the main space defining design element and is strongly emphasized by the directional spotlights above. Due to these adjustable projectors the display furniture and the freely arranged seating islands can be flexibly arranged. The diffuse light guarantees a homogenous illumination of the stage. Here, remote controlled adjustable LED-projectors are integrated within the ceiling thus allowing events to be accompanied by dynamic and coloured light.

During the day a homogenously illuminated, friendly space invites the visitor. At dusk the exterior appearance is inverted, the foyer starts to emanate light from within and thus attracts attention. The control of the lighting system occurs through a touch panel integrated in the main counter. Depending on the spatial requirements the preset scenes can be individually tuned retroactively.