Back when Philips’ factories still dominated the streetscape of Eindhoven, no one could have predicted what this area would look like today. Where machines once ran and thousands of workers went about their daily business, Strijp-S now stands in 2026: a vibrant urban neighborhood where Eindhoven’s rich industrial history meets modern urban living. Amid the iconic buildings, creative hotspots, and lively squares, one building towers above the rest. Visible from afar against Eindhoven’s skyline: The Cohesion Lighthouse.

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The story begins with Niko

One day, Niko was walking through the former factory grounds of Strijp-S. As he looked up at the buildings around him, he had an idea. If this area were ever to develop into a new urban district, it would need a landmark—a building that people could see from afar, a place that would literally and figuratively serve as a beacon of light in the city. Niko therefore decided to build the tallest residential tower in Strijp-S.

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A tower that rises above the neighborhood and is visible from various parts of Eindhoven. Just as a lighthouse helps people find their way, this tower was meant to become a recognizable beacon for everyone coming to Strijp-S. That’s how the name Lighthouse came about.

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But Niko wanted to create more than just an eye-catching building. He envisioned a place for a community—a home for students, young professionals, and international tenants who wanted to make the most of city life together. A place where meeting others, connecting, and forming new friendships take center stage.

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Once the tower was completed, it quickly became one of Strijp-S’s most recognizable buildings. Tenants and visitors still use the tower as a landmark. When you see the Lighthouse appear on the horizon, you know Strijp-S is nearby.

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Today, The Cohesion Lighthouse is much more than a residential tower. It forms the heart of a vibrant community in the middle of one of the most innovative neighborhoods in the Netherlands. A place where Eindhoven’s history is still visible, while at the same time the future is being built.

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And Niko? We’d love to tell you that this legend actually happened—that a single visionary walked through Strijp-S and decided to build a lighthouse for the city. But the reality is just a little less mysterious.

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When the former Philips site was redeveloped, the various lots were designated by letters. The spot where Lighthouse stands today was known as Lot N. Later, this location was named Niko, in reference to that letter. So, no legendary urban innovator—just a name that has its origins in the history of this very place.

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Still, we think it’s a beautiful story. Because even though Niko may never have actually existed, the idea behind the story lives on: creating a place that brings people together and serves as a recognizable beacon in the heart of Strijp-S.