AUER Center ArtsLab
Fort Wayne, Indiana
The new Black Box ArtsLab Theatre for Arts United’s Auer Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, had two underlying design themes. First, we wanted to create a flexible laboratory for artists, directors, musicians, and actors to explore their craft. Secondly, we hoped to increase the Fort Wayne community’s engagement with the local arts scene.
Meant to be more than a space where theatre meets patron, the building itself becomes a performer and ambassador for the public. This theatre was designed to demonstrate the energy and creativity of the ideas and themes being explored within its walls.
While the interior lighting had a specific purpose to enhance the performance experience inside the theatre, the exterior lighting was also designed with a purpose. Colored LED panels were installed in an asymmetrical pattern on the exterior of the theatre to be highly visible by downtown motorists and pedestrians. This design element has become an important way to draw community attention to the new building and to the work being done inside.
READ ONProject Details
Services Provided
Architecture, Interior Design, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing Design, Lighting Design,Recognition
Awards
2014, AIA Fort Wayne Design AwardThis project is unique in that the artwork came from the client in the form of a special lighting design that was used to enhance the black box theatre atmosphere.
Design Collaborative worked with Arts United’s Technical Director to develop a lighting treatment that would engage the students and visitors who enjoy the performance space.This lighting approach was crucial because the walls needed to remain untouched, but the client still needed a simple and adaptable way to create visual interest in the space for a variety of occasions. |
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