Albertslund Maxi Post lights line a paved promenade beside the water on Juist. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Lighting that withstands the rage of the sea – and captures its beauty

Lighting by Louis Poulsen guides pedestrians safely along this pier on the German island of Juist, to the dramatic sail-shaped observation tower. Built in 2008, the pier is a bold addition to the island landscape. But in a way, it feels like it has always been there. Crafted with a respect for nature and the elements, the modern structure seems to blend in with the rolling dunes and the waves of the North Sea. And thanks to the carefully considered lighting design, it’s as dramatic by night as it is by day.

Seebrücke Juist


Category: Transportation
Location: Juist, Germany
Architect: Droste-Droste-Urban
Electrical engineer: Bröggelhoff
Photographer: Volker Droste
Products: Waterfront, LP Icon Mini Opal Post, Skot

A grey Albertslund Maxi Post on a harbour promenade, with sailboats, mooring posts and a clear sky. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

Architects Droste Droste & Urban of Oldenburg chose to use 17 of Louis Poulsen’s Icon Mini opal post-top luminaires to light the pier. Icon Mini was chosen for its aesthetic appeal, robust construction and glare-free light. The fittings needed to be extremely tough to withstand this harsh seafront location. They were supplied with specially strengthened water-resistant poles, and access doors positioned high on the pole, to protect against high tides. Louis Poulsen’s ability to respond to these sorts of special requirements was a crucial factor in the project’s success.

Albertslund Maxi Post lights line a wooden pier on Juist, bordered by rocks with the sea beyond. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.
Albertslund Maxi Post lights the rocky pier on Juist, with a sculptural observation tower rising behind it. © 2026 Louis Poulsen.

The interior of the observation tower is lit by Louis Poulsen’s Skot ceiling lamps, while the area around it is lit by several Waterfront bollards. The project shows how, by selecting the right materials, colours and elements, great lighting design can succeed not only in respecting people’s experience of their natural surroundings, but actually enhancing it.

Products used