Stuttgart | Freitreppe and Bibliotheksplatz

The grand exterior staircase and the square above it, featuring the restored Fitz-Faller fountain, form a new public space in the heart of Stuttgart along the Kulturmeile. The fountain was dismantled in 2012 during construction works for Stuttgart 21 and now occupies a new position between the extension of the Württembergische Landesbibliothek, the existing building and the Hauptstaatsarchiv.

Two complementary lighting concepts

The lighting is composed of two complementary concepts. The fountain is illuminated through the cascading water walls along the copper panels, with subtle accents within the fountain walls and lit handrails along the steps. This element was designed by landscape architect Helmut Hornstein of Überlingen.

The square and staircase are lit by a public lighting system. The light columns follow the architectural axes of the existing library building and are equipped with multiple lighting modules — illuminating both the square and the staircase from a limited number of positions.

A sustainable lighting solution

The client opted for a considered and environmentally responsible approach: carefully calibrated light colours, precise beam angles and intelligent light management combine to create a solution that performs well functionally while supporting the architectural quality of the space after dark.