Functional and differentiated

A modern lighting concept was developed for the new Migros Markets. The goods are illuminated with spots, so that customers aren’t dazzled by glaring lights. Many branches also feature unique light sculptures whose light is pleasantly similar to daylight.

Migros had already tried to create a light and friendly atmosphere in the self-service shops. This is more difficult in the Migros Market since “the modern supermarket has no windows”, as the Brückenbauer explains to its readers in 1952. Hence, daylight enters the Limmatplatz branch only through the glazed entrance area. This then requires “functional differentiated lighting” to create a “homely atmosphere”, while simultaneously showing off the products to their best. According to the Brückenbauer, the architects have achieved this perfectly. They have arranged the lighting in a “completely new manner” and created lighting that is “gentle and deceptively similar to daylight”. This is due especially to the ‘cloudy sky’ with its “bright cloud edges and a mild light which cheers and elates”. Only the spots built into this sky shine directly on the goods. In later Migros Markets, the cloudy sky is replaced by pillars, which dominate the space and are effectively light sculptures. The façades, however, are opened up to the daylight and give customers a view.
Light also plays an important role when the Migros Markets are closed in the evenings. Then, the range of products inside remains lit and, thanks to the glass façade, can be seen from afar. And the Migros sign is illuminated even brighter. It promises another modern shopping experience the next day.