Still Standing
Beam Me Up meets Lucha Libre. An encounter that could probably only have happened in Mexico. Precise lighting technology on one side, masks, acrobatics, and grand gestures on the other. On paper, the two have little in common. In Martin Siebel’s world, they are surprisingly close.
Lightnet’s Mexico City location is in Coyoacán, a historic, creative neighborhood in the south of the city with colonial charm.
As head of Lightnet Mexico, Martin moves between project business, cultural differences, and operational responsibility every day. His working life is shaped by time differences, international clients, and unexpected turns – and by the fact that “Ahorita” has a meaning all of its own.
You have been heading Lightnet’s Mexico City location since 2015. What does a typical workday look like for you?
The day starts early, usually at 6 a.m., with emails and WhatsApp messages from different time zones. At the same time, there are discussions with Cologne and the day-to-day organization to take care of. From around 10 a.m., Mexico really gets going, bringing a mix of projects in Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, and Uruguay. No two days are the same.
What kind of tasks shape your day-to-day work?
From client meetings with lighting designers and architects to presenting new Lightnet products and coordinating certifications, imports, and delivery processes. Then there are events such as Design Weeks or Luzchas.
Chichén Itzá, one of the most iconic New Seven Wonders of the World and an important testament to Maya culture, is located on the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico, in the state of Yucatán.
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Martin Siebel
From around 10 a.m., Mexico really gets going, bringing a mix of projects in Mexico, Peru, Guatemala, and Uruguay. No two days are the same.
Mexican Lucha Libre fighters, colourfully masked wrestlers and part of a long-standing performance tradition full of acrobatics and symbolism.
What do Lightnet and Lucha Libre have in common?
Lucha Libre is the Mexican form of professional wrestling and has genuine cult status in popular culture. In Lightnet terms, you could say that every day is a new fight in the ring of market challenges. Technical requirements, local certifications, and strong competition are all part of it. Lightnet often comes out on top through quality.
If Lightnet were a wrestler, what would its name be?
Sombra Azul – cool, calm, calculated.
What is the biggest challenge in everyday working life in Mexico?
Definitely the word “Ahorita.” It sounds like “now,” but can mean anything from in a moment to later – or sometimes never. That requires a lot of interpretation and flexibility when working on projects.
What have been some memorable moments in everyday life at Lightnet?
Downpours on the final few feet to a client that leave you completely soaked within seconds, and eating Tacos de Gusanos (worms!) together at Hacienda Morales.
Do you miss Germany?
Of course. Friends and family.
Favorite Mexican food?
Aguachile. Basically the spicier, wilder version of ceviche. Raw shrimp are marinated in lime juice, chili, cilantro, and cucumber – extremely fresh, extremely spicy, and perfect for Mexican temperatures.
What’s more dangerous: Mexican traffic or German lighting standards?
German lighting standards, definitely! Mexican traffic is almost relaxed by comparison: whoever is in front goes first. A bit like Formula 1 in everyday life. And the surprising thing is that the others really do pay attention and brake.
What fascinates you most about Mexico from Lightnet’s perspective?
The architectural diversity, from Maya and Aztec structures to colonial influences and modern high-rises. This mix makes the market extremely exciting.
Interview: Cennet Kropf
Beam Me Up Collection
In the interview, Beam Me Up meets Lucha Libre. Reason enough to take a look at the whole family.
Code-Compliant, Yet Still Unsaf
Martin Siebel considers German lighting standards more dangerous than traffic in Mexico. The Deep Dive raises a different question: what if a space is lit in accordance with standards, but the light causes glare or there isn’t enough contrast?