Platform on architecture, interior design and landscape architecture
The renovated Kronenburg bus station in Arnhem is more than just a public transport hub. It is an architectural statement in which form, function, and light reinforce each other and are the talk of the town. Designer Ruud-Jan Kokke's design consists of two undulating glass and steel canopies. The lighting, an essential part of the experience, was supplied by Unlumited Lighting Solutions and professionally installed by RXLight.
“This project wasn’t just about lighting, but about reinforcing an architectural idea,” says David Dros, Commercial & Technical Support Manager at Unlumited Lighting Solutions. “We first spoke with the municipality of Arnhem during an appointment with our account manager. It was great to see that they employ real lighting experts. They understand what light can do and asked exactly the right questions. This led to practical issues being discussed, such as maintenance.”
RXLight already had experience with projects for the municipality of Arnhem and knew how important quality and sustainability are in public spaces. For this project, ArcFlex, part of Unlumited's Free Bend series, was chosen. This flexible silicone light line is unique in that it can not only bend but also twist, a feature that was crucial for this project.
“Normally, you can bend LED lines horizontally or vertically,” explains Dros. “But at Kronenburg, we had to both bend and twist the lines, creating a kind of wiggle effect. That’s only possible with ArcFlex. It allowed us to make the light lines follow the contours of the structure. Almost like a roller coaster of light.”
The result is a dynamic interplay of steel, glass, and light that reflects the rhythm of passenger flows. During the day, it accentuates the contours of the canopy, while in the evening, the bus station transforms into a bright landmark.
In addition to ArcFlex, Flexglo F22 was also used, a high-quality LED line known for its robustness and versatility. The blue version was used for the Arnhem project to subtly illuminate the bus station logo. The silicone housing makes the fixture suitable for outdoor use and resistant to wind and weather, a requirement in this open station area.
RXLight took care of the delivery and installation of the complete lighting plan. “It took some searching to find the right adhesive that would bond well to steel,” says Dros. “Thanks to tips from partners, we were fortunately able to find the right product. That's what we find important: honesty, thinking along with us, and making sure it works.”
The result is a remarkable statement in a neighborhood that the municipality of Arnhem is gradually renovating. “The architect understood the art of turning an idea into an image. Our task was to bring that idea to life with light. That is what we do at Unlumited: we merge lighting with architecture.”
