Project Index

Schuler Shook provided lighting design and theatre planning services for the new 450-seat Tower Auditorium in this Global Communications Hub in Charlotte. The room is designed for video production and teleconferencing as well as live lecture and assembly.

Working closely with the architects at Perkins+Will, we created a seating layout and appropriate lighting of the onstage presenter and the audience that works well for those in the room and for those experiencing the room through the bank’s Knowledge Channel video broadcasts.

The Minneapolis Convention Center expansion began in 1998. Included in the expansion was a large flexible 3,400-seat auditorium to be used for large assembly events. Because it was recognized that a 3,400 seat auditorium would have limited use due to its size, a space capable of reconfiguration from a single large house into multiple smaller spaces was designed.

The lighting design challenges presented by the flexibility of the space were met with the use of dual downlight systems, custom wall sconces located in movable and stationary walls, and a meticulously programmed lighting control system. Area lighting and accent lighting integrated into the room design afford flexibility, task lighting, and accenting of ceiling and wall planes.

Schuler Shook’s theatre planning scope included the auditorium, its lighting control systems and stage rigging. Schuler Shook provided additional architectural lighting design for all public spaces, meeting rooms, and exhibit halls within the expansion.

The McNamara Alumni Center was designed to serve as an entrance and gathering point for the University of Minnesota campus. The unique shape of the space, designed by Antoine Predock and managed by KKE Architects, creates a variety of lighting design challenges.

In order to create an inviting environment as it is viewed from the outside, theatrical and recessed adjustable fixtures were utilized to provide illumination of the interior surfaces. Also, the building’s historic ​“arch” was relocated to the lobby and accented with a light reveal.

This conference and presentation space is characterized by polyplanar surfaces of rich woods and metals. Flexible track lighting is integrated within gaps between finished ceiling elements. Grazing light, both up and down, glows perimeter walls and ceiling planes. Integrated room lighting and presentation controls provides for convenient user operation.

Schuler Shook specified the lighting control system that provides daily and special event settings to account for varying levels of daylight and individual control of the theatrical accent fixtures.