Case study · VILCO Bad Vilbel · Germany
LED step lighting for movable seating at VILCO Bad Vilbel.
Three moving seating modules, removable access steps and lighting designed to work with both: integrated LED profiles, cable carriers, plug-in connectors and wireless DMX.
Follow-on order 2026: 24 additional mobile steps with plug-in connections and 18 double-step units.
The challenge
A seating installation that changes its shape.
At VILCO, the seating consists of three fully movable modules. Access steps may be added or removed for different events. This changes the layout, electrical connection points and cable routes.
The lighting could not restrict the movement of the structure. The LED profiles, cables beneath the seating and separable connections therefore had to be designed together.
System design
Four technical layers. One moving structure.
The visible light lines are only part of the installation. The key design work is in the integration with the structure and the technology beneath the seating.
Cable carriers and cable management
Moving structures need a defined cable route.
The new photographs show the cable carriers and the electrical installation beneath the seating. The cable routes were designed around the movements of the grandstand.
Cable carriers, mounting structure and fixed cable routing form a coordinated system beneath the seating.
Integrated into the step
The light line becomes part of the structure.
Machined recesses allow the LED profiles to be neatly integrated into the step. The mounting position, fixing detail and cable routing are coordinated with the seating mechanics.
Profile position, cable routing and access for future servicing were coordinated with the seating mechanics.
Follow-on order · 2026
Appointed again to equip additional mobile and double-step units.
Bissinger Lights received a new order in 2026 to extend the step lighting. The additional units are equipped with connections designed around the seating structure.
with lighting and plug-in connection system
under the same follow-on order
These photographs document the connection details: the cable with its holder and the integrated socket. The designated connections can be disconnected at the intended points when the layout changes.
Overall view
The scale of the installation becomes clear in the room.
The new photograph shows illuminated step edges across the auditorium and was taken during work on the extension.
The clear, completed seating photograph remains the hero image.
Project sequence
Understand the movement before planning the light.
Installation and handover
Original project details.
The result
Step lighting designed to move – and to be extended.
The original project documents approximately 660 metres of step lighting, three moving seating modules and 124 variable access steps. The 2026 order for 24 mobile steps and 18 double-step units is shown as a separate extension; no unverified new total length is implied.
Integrated profiles, cable carriers, plug-in connections and wireless DMX demonstrate the essential principle for movable grandstands: the lighting and seating mechanics have to be planned together.
- Three fully movable seating modules
- Cable carriers and defined cable routes
- Plug-in access steps and double-step units
- Wireless DMX and backup-compatible supplies
- 2026 follow-on order
Frequently asked questions
What makes this installation different?
The challenging interfaces involve movement, cable routes, plugs and controls.
Why does movable seating need a dedicated connection concept?
Moving the structure or adding access steps changes cable routes and electrical interfaces. The lighting system must therefore match the actual travel paths and intended configurations.
How are cables guided during movement?
At VILCO, energy chains guide the moving cables. Other cable routes and electrical distribution beneath the seating are coordinated with the supporting structure.
What is covered by the 2026 follow-on order?
Lighting for another 24 mobile steps with plug-in connections and 18 double-step units. These quantities are presented separately from the original installation.
Can the lighting operate from a backup supply?
The documented solution includes backup-capable power supplies. Compliance with any regulated emergency or safety-lighting function must be reviewed for each project.
Your project
Planning movable seating or removable access steps?
Send us a drawing, photos or a short description. We can coordinate the lighting profiles, cable routes, plug-in system and controls with your seating structure.