Homeless Shelter, Forchheim

Architectural prize awarded to building containing RZB lighting
RZB provided the lighting for a homeless shelter in Forchheim, Germany that won a prestigious architecture award.

“When it comes to the creation of homeless shelters, you might think that there’s not much room for architectural design. But this is not at all the case. With simple means and a small budget, the German architectural firm Architekten Melder und Binkert has created appealing living space that gives residents a sense of safety and well being and that at the same time conveys the message that society is reaching out to homeless individuals.” This was the appraisal of the jury concerning the winning building. The “Good Buildings in Franconia” prize has been awarded for the seventh time by the association known as BDA Kreisverbände Unter-, Mittel- und Oberfranken. The homeless shelter in Forchheim won against 92 competitors for the prize.

The structure is notable not only for its large picture windows that admit abundant light, but also for the careful attention that was devoted to artificial lighting. The spaces exhibit a well illuminated and congenial atmosphere at all times of the day and night. The lighting for the living rooms and loggias was provided by RZB Rudolf Zimmermann, Bamberg GmbH, a regional company that is active worldwide. Thanks to their archaic form, the Flat Polymero luminaires that were used blend beautifully into the shelter’s superb architecture. The use of opaque plastic diffusers constructed of sturdy polycarbonate, as well as a patented fastening system, fully protect these circular luminaires from vandalism. RZB is currently marketing these classic luminaires as energy efficient high-end products – and it’s no wonder: these Flat Polymero LED High Efficiency luminaires provide outstanding efficiency amounting to 91 lumens per watt, and greatly help to reduce the carbon emissions of public buildings.

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