ZUMTOBEL supports the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation’s exhibition
Press Release
02.04.2026
Dessau, Germany
ZUMTOBEL supports the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation’s sustainable exhibition ‘Algae | Rubble | CO₂’
On Sunday, 28 March 2026, the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation opened the exhibition “Algae | Rubble | CO₂” in Dessau city centre, which also features sustainable lighting systems from Zumtobel. Zumtobel was invited by the curators to contribute to the project both in terms of content and technology, in recognition of its commitment to the circular economy and sustainable lighting solutions. The planning and implementation took place in close collaboration with the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation and the Zumtobel team, comprising architects, lighting designers and sustainability specialists.
As a partner, Zumtobel has provided a TECTON C continuous row lighting system in addition to fitting out the premises; this system will remain permanently installed in the building. With the exhibition, which runs until 27 September 2026, the former Zeeck department store is being revitalised as a venue for sustainable design, research and use. The Bauhaus Dessau Foundation is thus revitalising the listed building as a venue for art and culture and inviting visitors to engage in an interdisciplinary exploration of resource-efficient construction.
Since September 2025, the Bauhaus Dessau Foundation has been celebrating the 100th anniversary of its move to Dessau with exhibitions, an artistic programme, conferences and festivities. The exhibition “Algae | Rubble | CO₂” is part of a series of anniversary exhibitions and events under the title “To the Essence. Bauhaus Dessau 100”, which focus on materials from the modern and contemporary eras. It consistently follows the principles of reuse, repair and recyclability. Materials and components are preserved, refurbished or reinterpreted – from historic window panes to façade panels. Additions and repairs are guided by circular design approaches and the aim of operating with the lowest possible CO₂ emissions.
In addition to the Tecton-C continuous row lighting systems, Zumtobel has also supplied the newly developed TECTON II continuous row lighting system and luminaires from the PANOS III series. TECTON II and PANOS III are not only used for lighting but are also displayed as exhibits in the exhibition because they are particularly circular products. Both TECTON II and PANOS III were developed in accordance with the Circular Design Rules and thus with a view to their subsequent reuse and recyclability. The result: TECTON II can be dismantled quickly, whilst PANOS III has a highly modular design and features a special fastening mechanism. Through a remanufacturing option, the continuous row lighting systems and luminaires can be completely overhauled after their first product life cycle and continue to be operated with a new manufacturer’s warranty – this is unique in the industry to date.
“Algae | Rubble | CO₂” is conceived as a showcase for sustainable design and as an open space for research, exchange and cooperation. The momentum generated by the exhibition extends beyond its duration: the exhibition floor will remain open for charitable use for at least a further three years.
Press contact
Nicole Vesting
Vesting Communications GmbH & Co. KG
Klenzestraße 7
80469 Munich, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 172 836 9922
[email protected]
vestingcommunications.com
Vesting Communications GmbH & Co. KG
Klenzestraße 7
80469 Munich, Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 172 836 9922
[email protected]
vestingcommunications.com
Juliane Wöhrle
Brand Communications & PR Manager
Zumtobel Lighting GmbH
Schweizer Straße 30
6850 Dornbirn, Austria
Tel: +43 (0) 664 80892 6014
[email protected]
About Zumtobel
Our passion is to create quality lighting solutions that deliver total perfection. We are convinced, that the right kind of light can create the right atmosphere in a building at any time of day or night. When tailored to people’s individual needs, light becomes something of an experience. We are always exploring new ways to come up with unique and timeless designs and are inspired by an unrivalled creative ambition. When working on tomorrow’s lighting, we are driven by our philosophy of innovation and continuously improving the aesthetics of light. With passion, a sense of beauty and a forward-looking approach, we are constantly seeking to use light to help improve people’s quality of life. The Zumtobel brand is part of Zumtobel Group AG, based in Dornbirn in the Vorarlberg region of Austria.