Award for Outstanding Book Design
Award-Winning Overall Concept
serien.book was recognised by Stiftung Buchkunst in the “Reference and Non-Fiction” category. The award acknowledges a design approach that reflects our philosophy: clarity, care and precision down to the finest detail.
Like our luminaires, the book is conceived as an enduring object in which design and function are inseparably linked.
One of the Most Beautiful German Books in the Reference and Non-Fiction Category
Since 1966, Stiftung Buchkunst has recognised books distinguished by outstanding design quality. Its focus extends beyond content and concept to the interplay of design, typography, materiality, finishing and production.
The awards honour books whose design precisely supports their content and allows the book as a medium to be experienced in all its qualities.
The jury’s statement:
How can more than four decades of iconic lighting design be captured in a book? The answer comes courtesy of this 568-page catalogue of works, which weighs in at over two kilograms and combines in-depth information with exceptional production standards. Its robust all-black cover, which features vertical relief-varnish stripes that become narrower as you look from left to right, not only nods to the subject matter in the way it reflects the light, it also echoes the sculptural look that is the hallmark of Rodgau-based manufacturer serien.lighting's designs. Featuring a strictly consistent layout, the book block is similarly captivating. Here, too, the first-class printing and silver spot colour, along with the excellent binding, create a suitable stage on which to tell the firm's remarkable story. "The design more than does justice to the content-the typesetting, the high-quality materials and the image concept all contribute to the book's impressive look" , concluded our judges. They were particularly
taken with the carefully considered image concept, which combines product photos with insights into production processes and authentic snapshots of staff. Black fold-out pages introduce the individual lighting products via images, technical details and texts. The following pages then provide further context, presenting design sketches of each model and photos of their in-situ use.
All in all, this is a book that subtly yet unmistakably conveys the firm's dedication to good lighting, brilliantly combining materials, production values and design concept to create a harmonious whole—a shining example of great book design, if you will.
The Same Care as Our Luminaires
The award affirms our commitment to developing books with the same care and attention to detail as our luminaires. From the editorial concept and design through to production, the result is a book that brings together information, inspiration and materiality as a coherent whole.
On Display at Book Fairs and in the Anniversary Exhibition
Over the coming months, the award-winning books will be presented at book fairs in Germany and abroad, as well as in exhibitions at libraries and bookshops. A particular highlight will be the Stiftung Buchkunst award ceremony on 4 September 2026 at the Museum Angewandte Kunst in Frankfurt.
The anniversary exhibition “Stiftung Buchkunst: 60 Years of Beautiful Books” will open at the same time, presenting a selection of outstanding book designs from six decades from 5 September to 1 November 2026.