Gustav Mahler Staircase in Kassel – atmospheric and pioneering lighting

Just in time for the opening of documenta 15, the nearly ten-meter-wide Gustav Mahler Staircase is once again open to the public after a year-long renovation. With over 107 steps and several landings, it forms the main connection between the Karlsaue park and the city center.

The listed staircase was designed and built by Hans-Herbert Westphal in the 1960s. The main focus of the renovation was to preserve the original design concept and exposed aggregate concrete. "Recycle & Reuse" was the innovative approach used to achieve a positive CO2 _balance . This involved removing, cleaning, and reinstalling approximately 7,000 slabs and steps. New bands of contrasting concrete, a luminous handrail, and new overall lighting complete the restoration and redesign of the ensemble.

In addition to new pole lights, our NauticProfil® Sta. Maria-5 LED strips in the handrails and along the edges of the stairs ensure safety through functional, uniform illumination. Thanks to their high light quality and low lumen output, our LED lights not only create an inviting atmosphere, but are also durable and energy-efficient – ​​truly "groundbreaking".