“The integration of the pulsating Lichtkanal posed a particular challenge – both in planning and implementation. The precise calculation of mitres and angles required the utmost accuracy, as even the smallest deviation would have disrupted the harmonious light flow. Thanks to the close collaboration between the electrical engineering office Miller + Stucke GmbH & Co. KG and us lighting designers at LTS, we were able to realise a solution that is technically and aesthetically perfect.” 
– Selina Bleicher, Lighting Designer, LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH

The August Meier Haus in Nuremberg is among the most modern care facilities in the region. Completed in 2023, the new building offers 158 residential care places based on the “household” model. This is complemented by a day care unit with 16 places and a publicly accessible cafeteria, which serves as a meeting place in the neighborhood.

The building was developed by Georg Reisch GmbH & Co. KG from Bad Saulgau as general contractor, in collaboration with the architecture firm arabzadeh, schneider, wirth – with a clear focus on functionality, orientation and quality of life. 

Afshin Arabzadeh, Dipl.-Ing., Chartered Architect BDA, was responsible for the project on behalf of the architecture firm. The aim was to create an environment that provides orientation, encourages community, and allows for private retreat. Generous window areas, open access routes and strategically used daylight are therefore key elements of the architecture – a design approach that is also reflected in the lighting concept and was carried through to execution in close cooperation with the general contractor Georg Reisch.

“The light seems to pulse through the building, connecting the rooms on an emotional level – a powerful statement for a place that is meant to be much more than just a care home for its residents.” 
– Afshin Arabzadeh, Dipl.-Ing., Chartered Architect BDA, arabzadeh.schneider.wirth architects

This modern care facility spans four floors and was built in five construction phases. Its standout feature is a continuous LED Lichtkanal shaped like a heartbeat, running along the main corridors on three storeys. Each zigzag form was individually adapted to its respective floor to integrate harmoniously into the architecture. The result is a lighting design that provides pleasant brightness and clear direction – guiding residents and staff towards doors and pathways.

Specially adapted luminaires were developed for the August Meier Haus to provide glare-free, user-friendly lighting – while purposefully accentuating architectural structures. In close coordination with the general contractor Georg Reisch GmbH & Co. KG, LTS designed bespoke lighting solutions that combine visual clarity with functional efficiency.

The central design feature – the LTS Lichtkanal in the shape of a heartbeat – was developed in accordance with the specifications of the general contractor Georg Reisch, in close collaboration with LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH and the planning office Miller & Stucke GmbH & Co. KG. The result is a solution that is both technically and aesthetically precise, combining orientation with atmosphere. 

The corridors and circulation areas in the August Meier Haus serve far more than a connecting function. They structure the building, provide guidance, and create a pleasant spatial atmosphere through targeted light placement. 

The light lines intuitively guide residents, visitors and care staff through the building. They clearly indicate routes and changes in direction, gently direct attention to doors and hallway intersections – and connect the different areas like an invisible thread running through the architecture.

The greatest technical challenge lay in the precise mitring of the custom-made LTS profiles for the Lichtkanal. Every angle had to be calculated to the millimetre to ensure a continuous and homogeneous distribution of light – as even the slightest deviation would have caused light leakage at the joints. 

Thanks to detailed planning, precise CAD drawings and high-end manufacturing at the LTS facility in Bürgermoos, this complex requirement was executed to technical perfection. 

"A project that held special meaning for me,” 
says Selina Bleicher, Lighting Designer at LTS. 
“It was impressive to see our plans come to life. On site, you can really feel that every detail was realised with utmost precision. The Lichtkanal is not just a design element – it creates identity and orientation. What’s particularly fascinating is that it’s also visible from the outside. It shows how much light can shape architecture.”

To ensure smooth installation on site, detailed plans were created for electricians and installers. Thanks to a well-conceived mounting system, the installation process was simple and efficient. 

“One key tool was the LTS Lichtkanal Configurator,” 
adds lighting designer Selina Bleicher. 
“It not only displays exact lengths and light inserts but also all required accessories. This is a huge advantage for us as planners – and a major help for the installers, who can access all relevant details at a glance.” 
– Selina Bleicher, Lighting Designer, LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH 

This thoughtful lighting solution creates a dynamic, vibrant atmosphere that has a positive impact on the wellbeing of everyone in the building.

Stairwells pose special demands for lighting design – especially in care facilities. Elderly people or those with limited mobility require clear and high-contrast illumination to move around safely. 

LTS uses the Lichtkanal 060 in these areas, which provides uniform, linear light distribution to optimally illuminate the steps. The lighting reduces glare and shadows, improves visibility and supports safe navigation. At the same time, the continuous light lines emphasise the architectural clarity and visually highlight the handrails.

In the communal spaces – the open kitchen with dining area and the lounge corner – decorative LTS Skive luminaires are used. Their flat, circular design blends harmoniously into the homely atmosphere and highlights the communicative nature of the space. 

The homogeneous light distribution provides soft, glare-free ambient lighting and supports various usage scenarios: dimmed lighting creates calm and relaxation, while daylight-like brightness activates and encourages social interaction. Additionally, the lighting enhances the spatial structure, supports visual perception, and stabilises the circadian rhythm – an essential foundation for a healthy and stimulating environment in everyday care routines.

Lighting solutions in resident rooms The resident rooms in the August Meier Haus serve as private retreats – here, lighting plays a central role in both comfort and functionality. 

The originally planned standard luminaires were replaced by a tailor-made wall luminaire from LTS, based on the Lichtkanal 060 DI (direct/indirect). In close cooperation with electrical planner Markus Österle from the planning office Miller & Stucke GmbH & Co. KG and the team at LTS Licht & Leuchten GmbH, a special solution was developed to meet the specific design and care-related requirements. 

The linear wall luminaire combines direct and indirect light with asymmetric light distribution – ensuring a glare-free zone around the head area, while the rest of the room is gently and pleasantly illuminated. An integrated blanking cover for switches and sockets ensures visual order and intuitive use. In the event of a power failure, an integrated emergency lighting system takes over to provide orientation – for maximum safety at all times. 

This solution combines technical precision with design sensitivity – it creates a homely lighting atmosphere, supports everyday care tasks and makes a significant contribution to the residents’ quality of life. 

Modifications & requirements for the special luminaire: 

The custom-designed luminaire for the resident rooms meets the highest standards in terms of function, comfort and aesthetics: 

- Indirect and direct light distribution: The system combines soft, indirect light with targeted direct components – for balanced visual comfort and practical illumination. 

- Asymmetric light distribution: It prevents glare and ensures targeted, pleasant lighting of the head area. 

- Blanking cover for switches and sockets: The clean design supports intuitive operation and ensures a calm, uncluttered appearance. 

- Architectural integration: The luminaire blends seamlessly into the room concept while remaining visually discreet – in line with the homely character of the space. 

- Care-oriented and user-focused: The lighting solution enhances resident wellbeing while supporting the daily work of the care staff – a perfect balance between comfort and function. 

“Our goal was to develop a lighting solution that not only meets functional needs, but also integrates harmoniously into the living environment. The special luminaire based on the Lichtkanal does exactly that – it combines excellent lighting quality with a homely character. I was particularly pleased that the building owner was immediately convinced and implemented the solution in all rooms.” 
– Markus Österle, Electrical Planner, Miller & Stucke GmbH & Co. KG 

The warm white light supports the natural day-night rhythm, improves spatial orientation and enhances the wellbeing of the residents. For additional safety, the Lichtkanal is equipped with an integrated emergency lighting system that ensures reliable orientation in case of a power failure – an essential feature for both residents and care staff. This individually developed lighting solution highlights how crucial customised planning is in sensitive environments such as care facilities. Light not only shapes the perception of a space but also significantly influences the wellbeing of the people who live there.

Markus Österle, Project Manager at Miller & Stucke GmbH & Co. KG, was responsible for implementing the lighting concept at the August Meier Haus. For him, light is far more than functional illumination – it is part of the architecture, providing orientation and creating atmosphere: 

“Light is far more than just brightness – it creates orientation, atmosphere and safety. Especially in a care facility, light must intuitively guide people, clearly structure spaces and at the same time convey a sense of security. Through targeted lighting design, orientation, safety and architectural quality can be harmoniously combined.” 
– Markus Österle, Miller & Stucke GmbH & Co. KG

The continuous LTS Lichtkanal in the shape of a heartbeat becomes a visual leitmotif: it shapes the identity of the building, connects rooms and people – and symbolises the life that flows through this care facility.