Shaping identity with light at Thalia Hamburg
In the new Westfield Hamburg-Überseequartier, Thalia has opened a flagship store that sets new standards in design and customer experience.
ITAB worked with Thalia to develop a carefully planned lighting concept that highlights the store’s unique architecture, supports diverse zones, and enhances the customer journey with precision and inviting atmosphere.
- A standout retail space that reflects the character of Hamburg’s HafenCity: The store spans two generous floors and brings together a broad book assortment with themed interior zones — inspired by harbor life, and the distinctive look of the Speicherstadt.
- Design concept highlights: The interior design was developed by Thalia’s own construction department in close collaboration with the design agency NOMNOM Design. Copper-colored shelves, visible ventilation grilles and a striking container world lend the store industrial charm and Speicherstadt flair. The water theme is particularly evident in the children’s area, the centerpiece of which is a large yellow octopus slide. The “Buch & Bohne” café invites you to linger – it combines a cozy atmosphere with a wonderful view of the Elbe.
More than just illumination
The lighting concept needed to support each design theme, highlight the materials used, and contribute to a welcoming atmosphere throughout the store. Specific customer requirements included custom-colored fixtures, decorative lighting inspired by dockside elements, and a flexible lighting system for the café area, controllable via Casambi technology.
Tailored lighting supporting identity and atmosphere
As an experienced lighting partner, ITAB developed a customised solution that supported the architectural vision and operational needs. Our team collaborated closely with the design studio and Thalia to ensure that lighting enhanced both functionality and storytelling.
- Custom-coloured technical luminaires in rust brown were used to integrate seamlessly into the visual concept.
- In the children’s area, the arrangement of the track lighting complements the dynamic shapes of the interior.
- The café lighting was designed to create a sense of comfort and flexibility — with adjustable scenes via Casambi for different times of day.
- Across all areas, light was used deliberately to highlight product zones, guide customers, and bring out the qualities of materials like brick, metal, and wood.
- Successful completion: Despite several construction pauses and delays during the building process of the Westfield center, the store was successfully completed and opened in April 2025. The lighting installation was delivered on time and according to plan, including all custom solutions.
- New chapter for Thalia: The final result is a clearly zoned, well-illuminated store with distinctive design character. The lighting supports customer orientation, creates inviting areas for browsing and resting, and underscores Thalia’s ambition to offer a modern and inspiring retail space in one of Hamburg’s most prominent new urban quarters.
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