ProjectThe Royal Theater Carré (Koninklijk Theater Carré)LocationAmsterdam, The NetherlandsInstallerAnolis / Lumen Solutions (Controllux)Submitted ByRobe
The Royal Theater Carré (Koninklijk Theater Carré) is an attractive Neo-Renaissance style theatre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands located on the banks of the river Amstel.
The auditorium lighting has recently received an upgrade with the existing lighting replaced by 36 x Anolis Ambiane XP56 LED fixtures fitted with 20-degree lenses.
These were delivered by Lumen Solutions, the architectural division of lighting sales specialist, Controllux.
Carré’s head of technical, Marco Hartendorf, explained that they generally wanted a more sustainable lighting solution to illuminate the spacious auditorium and supersede the old white halogens bringing in more cost-efficient and dynamic LED fixtures.
The new lighting also had to match the dimming curve of 8 magnificent chandeliers – also recently refurbished with 72 LED light sources each – which are a vital part of the venue’s history, heritage, and visual elegance, together with the plush red seating and velvet décor and elaborate roof frescos.
Anolis was specifically chosen not only for its value and reliability, but because of its smooth and well-defined dimming curves, which were needed to work in unison with the ornate chandeliers
Being a heritage-listed building, the Ambianes had to fit into the venue’s existing over-audience lighting positions. However, as they sat 4 centimetres higher than the gap, bespoke brackets were made to bring them flush with the auditorium ceiling for a seamless look.
Installation was a tricky process requiring diligence and attention to detail undertaken by the Carré’s own lighting crew.
This lighting upgrade is a testament to innovation and sustainability, whilst maintaining a deep respect for the Carré’s heritage. The installation of Anolis Ambianes modernises the potential of lighting designs and enhances the theatre’s visual offering.
Having the Ambianes in the house also saves the team time and the rigging of additional lights for productions needing colour changing audience lighting or assorted colour temperature whites in auditorium space. The Ambianes are also much easier to use. At the touch of one button, lights can be changed to provide nice moody lighting for dinner events or bright crisp whites for boxing tournaments.
