TLD Planning Group delivers spectacular staging with GLP KNV Cube and JDC Burst 1 in the open space at Apothekenhof in Munich
At this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich, Mercedes-Benz showcased its brand universe in the open space of the Apothekenhof (pharmacy courtyard) of the Residenzhöfe, a museum complex. The team from TLD Planungsgruppe GmbH was responsible for the technical planning, implementation and lighting design. High-performance LED systems from GLP, including the KNV Cube and the new JDC Burst 1, were at the heart of the presentation.
In addition to the freely accessible open space in Munich’s city centre, Mercedes-Benz also had a presence at the IAA Summit on the exhibition grounds, where the brand’s technical expertise was the focus. The open space, on the other hand, emphasised emotion, design and staging—and thus light as a central design element.
Light meets form: the new GLC in focus
Early in the design phase, it became clear that replicating the distinctive radiator grille of the new Mercedes GLC — in the reception area of the open space — would require an exceptional lighting module … compact, thermally stable and with enormous brightness to withstand the even, direct sunlight.
“We were looking for a powerful, square spotlight that could precisely replicate the scale of the grille’s LED pixels,” recalls Alex Orkisch, project manager at TLD Planungsgruppe. After comparing measurements with various systems, the choice fell to the KNV Cube – thanks in part to the intensive support of GLP Key Account Director, Oliver Schwendke.
The compact KNV Cube combines strobe, blinder and pixel block in a single device, delivers up to 50,000 lumens and, with its high brightness and robustness (IP54), proved to be the ideal solution for integration into the open-plan brand architecture at Apothekenhof.
“Olli Schwendke not only provided us with technical advice during this early phase, but also tremendous support with the availability, sampling and integration of the luminaires,” emphasises Richard Profe. “We were immediately sent a demo unit, which impressed us with its brightness.”
In close collaboration with GLP, the exhibition construction company, and various planning partners, TLD then developed a modular structure that integrated 265 KNV Cubes into an oversized interpretation of the signature GLC grille in the entrance area of the open space. Custom-made diffuser units were installed to refine the visual effect. At the same time, thermal properties, inspection access and electrical parameters had to be considered, as the luminaires were mounted in hard-to-reach outdoor areas.
From the iconic grille to an immersive experience
The imposing and elaborately illuminated radiator grille marked the beginning of a staged ‘journey through light’, leading visitors from the outdoor area into the immersive interior of the open space. There, light, video, and sound merged into an atmospheric 360° experience centred around three premiere vehicles.
For this application, 86 JDC Burst 1s were used as powerful horizon and effect lights. Building on the successful JDC1, the JDC Burst 1 offers even greater brightness, enhanced colour performance, and a fully enclosed IP65 housing for outdoor use. In Munich, TLD used the devices specifically to create additional light pulses and depth in the environment dominated by very bright video screens.
“When you project video onto three large LED surfaces, you need devices that can be perceived and seen with a targeted, precise effect. The JDC Burst 1 is one of the very few devices that can prevail in this area,” says Richard Profe. With its high colour brilliance, segmented control, and 185° tilt, the device proved to be an ideal tool for supporting the multimedia environment with dynamic lighting scenes.
Following the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC, the immersive space also served as a club location on the visitor days – a seamless transition from brand presentation to evening event, which placed special demands on the performance and flexibility of the chosen spotlights.
Perfect preparation, precise implementation
In addition to lighting design and operation, TLD was also responsible for the overall technical management and the coordination of logistics, infrastructure and suppliers. Approximately 3,000 square meters of exhibition space were created in just 14 days. All light shows were pre-programmed in advance to ensure smooth operations on site within the extremely tight schedule.
A 10-person TLD team from their ‘pool of experts’ was responsible for the on-site implementation, providing technical management, programming, and scenic execution. Finished modules of the light sculpture were prefabricated in advance and simply assembled on-site – a crucial factor given the tight schedule.
“TLD’s performance on this high-profile project was inspiring and spot-on,” says Oliver Schwendke. “It combined technical expertise, creative vision and absolute precision in execution. We are delighted that our KNV Cubes and JDC Burst 1 were able to be part of this extraordinary brand presentation.”
Technical Credits:
PreNight Lighting Design: Richard Profe
Project Management and Lighting Planning: Alex Orkisch
Overall Technical Management: Alex Steckel
Technical Service Provider: Sound & Light Veranstaltungstechnik GmbH
