Prize(s) Honorable Mentions
Company Tillotson Design Associates
Lead Designers Erin Dreyfous, Suzan Tillotson, Scott Baillie-Hinojosa, Noor Traboulsi, Sophia Mitchell
Other Designer's names Diller Scofidio + Renfro (Interior Design), Altieri Sebor Wieber (Consulting Engineers)
Client College of the Holy Cross (Confidential)
Photo Credits Iwan Baan / Brett Beyer
Completion Date 9/1/2022
Project Location Worcester, MA
Entry DescriptionPrior PAC, comprised of 4 distinct pavilions, hosts a variety of highly flexible production facilities and theaters.
Access to natural daylight is a key component in the central “Beehive”. Snooted adjustable LED accent lights mounted in continuous track supplement this while an inconspicuously detailed pipe grid at the perimeter walkways can host theatrical lighting for special events.
Adjacent to the Beehive, the scene and costume shops are illuminated by high-efficacy linear lensed LED pendants that meet the light levels needed for detailed tasks and fabrication. The Media Lab and black box theater use adjustable surface mounted LED accent lights with low-end dimming capabilities supplemented with work lights for production needs. The gallery incorporates motorized track heads with modifiable optics to assist with quick changeovers for rotating exhibits.
In the proscenium theater, adjustable accent lights and recessed downlights deliver an even, soft layer of general lighting. The custom concrete panelized walls, designed to look like drapery, are dramatically featured with linear LED grazers that discreetly mount in architectural pockets at the ceilings and floor.
The upper terrace is gently uplit by in-grade adjustable LEDs, acting as a beacon which can be seen from all of the campus. The architectural “swoop” of the cortan surface is reinforced with light after dark.
Sustainability ApproachFlexibility is the key to the sustainability efforts for the lighting design of this performing arts center. Overarching lighting systems that are dual system, physically movable and/or include interchangeable optics and adjustable intensities add up to more longevity as the PAC continues to grow into the ever-changing needs of the students. As much as is possible within a theater space, natural light is promoted and celebrated within the larger public zones and ancillary work spaces.
