The client for this project was the Mies van der Society. The idea was to redesign the theatre space for the Illinois Institute of Technology by implementing changes to lighting strategies. This was a group project.

 

The underlying issue with the existing theatre space was that it was dull and boring, with no natural light. The existing lighting created a stark contrast with the surrounding, making it even harder for people to relax. The theatre is used for performing arts as well as lectures. Because of the poor lighting, the students accessing the space would feel bored and tired. 

 

After interchanging ideas, it was unanimously decided that bringing in natural light was going to be an integral part of the project. To implement this, we added angled ‘fins’ outside the theatre to bring colour to the space. All the existing rooms on the ground floor were demolished, clearing the obstructions to the glazing. Timber acoustic sliding doors were added between columns to allow people to open them conveniently when natural lighting was required, and close them when it wasn’t. 

 

Artificial lighting included was intended to be creative, as well as to add drama to the space. A hallway was created to access the entrance of the theatre, with ‘arched’ lighting. The gallery next to the theatre has a reflective rippled metal ceiling, paired with laser lighting and reflective floor tiles to bring in a sense of theatrics while keeping the “technological” aspect of the Institute. The colour scheme of the space was changed from warm tones to cool tones, which was done by getting rid of the bright timber and changing it with black carpeted flooring, walnut timber panels, royal blue suede for seat covers and charcoal paint finish on the walls and ceiling. A faux window was added behind the stage with LED lighting to allow varied stage production opportunities.

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Note: The content included was my contribution to the project.