Lichthalle at Machwerkschau #4 – Encounters in Light

In October 2025, machwerkhaus köln once again became a centre for design, craftsmanship and urban production. For six days, the fourth machwerkschau opened its doors as part of the new idd cologne “urban only”, bringing interior design directly into the city. At the heart of this creative setting stood the Lichthalle, curated by Buschfeld Design.

Here, manufacturers, designers, lighting specialists and studios came together who share a deep respect for materials, technology and design. Together, they created a space where light not only illuminates but connects.

A Space for Exchange and Atmosphere. The Lichthalle was more than an exhibition. It was a space for dialogue. Between the displays, a place emerged where visitors, designers and makers could meet and exchange ideas. The atmosphere was both focused and easygoing, professional and personal. Many participants described it as warm and familiar.

The red light track running above the long table became a symbol of connection. A shared line that brought exhibitors together, invited guests to linger and sparked conversation. Light as guidance, and as presence.

Collaboration and Approach. Buschfeld’s curatorial vision was not simply to show luminaires but to make relationships visible. Relationships between brands, people and materials. Alongside long-standing partners such as Patrick Kersten, Isabel Hamm and Baltensweiler, new collaborations were part of the presentation with Less’n’more, Ambright and Sanja Lulei.

The exhibition was further enriched by additional voices from the lighting world: Exceedation x Casambi, Komot, Next, Lab Binær, Neo, Oligo and RSL.
Together they formed a multifaceted picture of contemporary light culture, defined by craftsmanship, technical intelligence and clarity of design.

Within this context, the Lichthalle understood itself as a curated stage for manufacturers, designers and creators who see light as an integral part of space and architectural expression. What mattered here were not brands but people and their individual approaches. It was about what happens when craft, ideas and materials work hand in hand.

A Weekend of Encounters. Over 10,000 visitors came to machwerkhaus köln during the exhibition days. This marked a significant increase compared to the previous edition. Opening the doors early on Friday afternoon proved to be the right choice. Many visitors took the opportunity to experience the exhibition in a calm setting before the weekend brought a livelier rhythm.

Conversations were engaging and grounded. Exhibitors spoke of new connections, inspiring meetings and an atmosphere that felt genuine. The tone was personal and collaborative, far beyond a traditional product showcase.

Design in the Urban Context. As part of the idd cologne “urban only”, the Lichthalle was embedded in a wider movement that brought design into the city. Instead of exhibition halls, the premiere took place at 16 locations across Cologne, from the Design Post to the historic Stoff-Pavillon Moeller. machwerkhaus köln became one of the central venues where urban production, design and culture intertwined.

Within this context, the Lichthalle positioned itself as a curated meeting point for craftsmanship and design at eye level. It reflected a shared understanding of quality and authenticity, showing how design develops where people collaborate, not behind glass but within the open fabric of the city.

The positive feedback confirmed that the Lichthalle’s concept resonates. A curated exhibition space that embodies attitude and fosters community. For Buschfeld, it was also an invitation to keep exploring, to think about how such an open format could evolve and what new collaborations might emerge in the future. There are no concrete plans yet, but the openness for new ideas remains.
 
This year, the Lichthalle became a shining example of how closely craft, design and community are connected and how light grows stronger when many contribute to it.

Photos: M. Weber | keine Filme; N. Dietze | Ambright; Buschfeld Design