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Utah State University Performance Hall

Logan, Utah

From the minute we saw the chip board model, it was clear that the architects, Sasaki Associates, had been inspired by the folding mountain ranges surrounding the site that would become this Utah campus music center. The folded zinc panels and undulating roof line needed dramatic lighting at night to complement the amazing scenery surrounding the building by day. Ansel Adams' black and white images of Yosemite provided us with additional inspiration as we began our study of naturally occurring Chiascurro.

Subtle brush strokes of light were used to define the architecture. Direct burial uplights in the lobby and in the plaza outside the lobby reinforced the architect's goal of creating a transparent façade at night. The folded zinc panels that surround the building were grazed to allow light to seep out from them at night and reinforce the origami-like nature of the building. At night, the ceramic metal halide uplights and wallwashers lighting the wood and zinc panels serve to illuminate critical surfaces supporting the illusion of the glass-less façade. The sweeping mountain range metaphor is once again reinforced with the uplight as the light strikes the ceiling and structural framework. Using a small aperture adjustable light slot in the lobby ceiling we were able to aim lighting to the floor despite the angles of the roof line. Incandescent PAR lamps were used for dimming purposes during intermission. The ceramic metal halide uplights and wallwashers provide a complementary warm color to the zinc and wood panels.

This 440 seat theater serves as both a performance center for prominent musicians from around the world and as a learning studio for the music students at the university. This created an interesting challenge for the design team who needed to create a professional caliber theater while evoking the spirit and sensibilities of the aspiring young musicians. To create a sense of movement, rhythm and sparkle, low voltage xenon striplights in stainless steel slots were used. The contrast between the rich wood walls and the twinkling lights hints at the magic and excitement of the performance to come. The stage wall serves as a backdrop for the musicians. Concealed PAR lights hidden behind the floating acoustical stage cloud brightly illuminate it. The wall slots provide soft uplight articulating the planes of the technical and acoustical ledges. Performance run lights mounted on the technical ledge high above the audience provide a soft mysterious glow. Meanwhile the acoustical ledge is articulated with small aperture MR16 downlights recessed into its lower surface.