Kay Meek Centre for the Performing Arts

The lighting design concept for this live production theatre was two-fold; to create anticipation of the performance from the moment one first sees the building and, to reinforce the architecture without visible luminaires.

Arriving at the Centre one is greeted by the interior of the foyer illuminated with grade-mounted adjustable CMH luminaires located outside the building creating a glare-free transparent façade.

Visual adaptation is aided by the drop in light source colour temperature and illuminance as one moves from the entry (4000K MH, 500 lux) through the lobby (3500K fluorescent, 300 lux) to the auditorium (3200K studio-quartz, 150 lux).

Overhead house lights are concealed above curved wood ceiling panels to provide uniform, glare-free illumination for the seating areas. Concealed ellipsoidal 575W HPL framing projectors frame the proscenium and illuminate the curtain.

Incandescent RLM domes provide high vertical illumination and remain the desired choice for stage work lights. Blue running lights are located above the stage and catwalks allowing the crew to work while being invisible to the audience.

Sadly, on the evening of the Centre’s inaugural performance Mrs. Meek passed away, leaving behind her half-century old script light. It remains illuminated on stage every evening in her memory.