The history of DAY & LIGHT is characterised by professional continuity and the passing on of knowledge over decades. It follows a trajectory that has emerged within the field of professional lighting design.
Its origins lie in lighting design of the 1970s and are closely linked to the circle around Christian Bartenbach. During this period, lighting design was systematically researched, measured and established as a discipline in its own right.
Ulrich Werning has its roots in this professional context. As a former managing partner at Lichtplanung Christian Bartenbach, he transformed this background into an independent practice. In 1982, he founded Lichtplanung Ulrich Werning and, at the same time, established the lighting design department of the building services group HL-Technik AG. Within this environment, research, measurement, daylight control and systematic analysis were consistently integrated with architecture.
In the late 1990s, further key figures joined the group: Frank Vetter, Stefan Vetter and Markus Tuppen. The methodology, working practices and experience developed within this research-oriented school were carried forward into their joint practice and refined within new project contexts.
The partnership with Werning Tropp und Partner from 1998 onwards, and its subsequent continuation as Werning Day & Light from 2004, led to the development of a distinct form of practice. The name DAY & LIGHT became established in this context. During this period, the team worked on the Stuttgart 21 project – beginning with daylight measurements at the Fraunhofer Institute, and later on artificial lighting design in the subsequent project phases.
The company is founded by Ulrich Werning
Structure of the Lighting Design Department at HL-Technik AG
Stefan Vetter is coming on board
Partnership with Clemens Tropp
The Frank Vetter and Markus Tuppen are coming on board
Clemens Tropp leaves the partnership
Frank Vetter is set to become an equal partner of Ulrich Werning
Ulrich Werning is withdrawing from the partnership
Managing Director
Frank Vetter and Markus Tuppen
Today, DAY & LIGHT stands for lighting design that combines technical precision with creative clarity. In the field of corporate lighting, the firm shapes the spatial identity of brands such as Google and Porsche. Here, light is designed as an integral part of architecture, brand identity and the building’s function. At the same time, DAY & LIGHT works within sensitive cultural contexts. The invitation to Japan to illuminate the Manpuku-ji Zen temple, founded in 1661 by Ingen Ryūki Zenji and now a national treasure, exemplifies a practice in which restraint, expertise and an understanding of context are paramount.
In addition to its project work, DAY & LIGHT is actively involved in teaching and professional associations (fild). These activities form part of an ongoing engagement with lighting design as a discipline and its further development within professional discourse.
