Let there be light: Boardinghouse II in Mathildenviertel shines as a "pole of light"
"Evolution", "self-discovery", "city awakening", "hear the beat" - a total of nine different light installations can be admired at Boardinghouse II of the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management in Hermann-Steinhäuser-Straße"/ Kantstraße.
As part of a unique façade illumination, the building was christened "Lichtpol" in the presence of Lord Mayor Horst Schneider and GBO Managing Director Winfried Männche as well as guests and residents of the district. The name underlines the importance and radiance of the building for the Mathildenviertel, which is increasingly becoming a quarter for students and creative entrepreneurs. "Living and working in the Mathildenviertel: more and more students and entrepreneurs from the creative industries are appreciating the advantages of Offenbach's former 'old town'. It is the short distances to the Main, the S-Bahn and the city center. Nevertheless, rents are still affordable despite the attractive location. The city of Offenbach is supporting this development with a coordinated package of measures. Examples include the ostpol start-up center and the refurbishment of buildings so that they can be rented out to students. We are well on the way to positively changing the structures in this district. This change also needs symbols. The light installation has the potential to become such a symbol," says Lord Mayor Horst Schneider.
Lighting designer Professor Stephan Horn explained the lighting project, which students at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences had developed under his guidance and in close collaboration with composer Patrik Bishay. The task was to "give a geometric basic body, which is perceived as a high-quality, crystal-like red cube during the day, a dynamic façade at night using light installations". To achieve this, around 10,000 individually controllable LED lights were integrated into the façade, which ultimately made the building "shine". From now on, nine light compositions accompanied by music illuminate the entire district.
Following the light spectacle, the brass players of the Neue Philharmonie Frankfurt set the mood for the Christmas season with traditional and international Christmas carols from the roof of the building. This "Musical Atmosphere for the Christmas Season" will take place on the roof of the Light Pole every year on the 1st Advent from next year onwards.