Acqua Lounge

Acqua Lounge is a staple of the nightlife scene in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The venue’s management required a fresh, futuristic, and immersive audiovisual experience that would distinguish the club from its competitors while maintaining commercial viability by enhancing bottle service sales.

To achieve this, the owners enlisted Tirso Lighting, led by Tirso Pelaez, to oversee the complete redesign of the venue’s interior, lighting, and video system.

Tirso Lighting integrated a combination of LED screens, custom furniture, eye-catching décor, and advanced lighting fixtures to create a visually captivating environment. The venue’s layout was restructured with a raised stage, VIP seating, and a compact yet striking bar. High-gloss reflective ceiling panels were installed to amplify the lighting effects and create the illusion of a larger space.

For lighting, ADJ products were predominantly used due to their versatility, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The primary fixtures included:
• ADJ Focus Beam LED (18 units) for narrow, punchy beams and aerial effects.
• ADJ Focus Spot 5Z (8 units) for larger GOBO projections on the floor and ceiling.
• ADJ Jolt Bar FX (10 units) for RGB color washes and intense strobe flashes.
• ADJ 12PX HEX LED Pars and COB Cannon Wash Units for stage illumination and ambient lighting.
• Magmatic Prime Hazers for enhancing beam effects.
• Obsidian Control Systems Onyx lighting software with an NXP Wing for tactile control.

Tirso Lighting also custom fabricated backlit bulbs that were connected to the DMX lighting system through independent dimmer channels and used to illuminate Japanese-inspired artwork painted in black on exposed brick walls around the room. LED strip lights were also installed to run beneath the banquet seating, frame the bottle displays behind the bar, and highlight the arches which break up the side walls.

A large, curved LED video screen provides a backdrop to the stage, while smaller curved LED displays wrap around the outside of each side arch, providing an immersive experience. The screens are driven by a Resolume Arena media server linked to the lighting control system to deliver a synchronised and cohesive visual experience.

One of the primary challenges of the Acqua Lounge renovation was the venue’s low ceiling height and limited floor space, which could have compromised the club’s desired high-end aesthetic and lighting impact. To counter this, high-gloss reflective ceiling panels were strategically installed to create the illusion of a taller space and enhance the visual intensity of the lighting effects. This innovative approach effectively doubled the perceived number of moving light beams, making the venue feel more expansive and dynamic.

Another significant challenge was ensuring a seamless integration of the lighting and interior design elements. Since Tirso Lighting was responsible for both aspects, they meticulously planned the placement of fixtures and decor to prevent obstructions. The use of 3D LiDAR scanning allowed for a precise digital rendering of the venue, ensuring accurate design execution and optimal fixture placement.

The project also faced logistical challenges due to the geographical distance between the Tirso Lighting team (based in New York) and Acqua Lounge (in Massachusetts). To mitigate this, a team of local technicians was employed to maintain consistent progress on-site. Remote coordination was facilitated through FaceTime and digital collaboration tools, ensuring that Tirso Lighting could oversee every phase of the installation despite limited in-person visits.

Additionally, the need for interactive and customisable visual elements posed a creative challenge. This was addressed through the Resolume Arena media server, allowing for real-time content customisation, such as personalised birthday shoutouts and bottle service activations. These features not only enhance the club’s visual experience but also serve as a direct revenue driver by encouraging bottle sales.

Through innovative problem-solving and strategic execution, Tirso Lighting successfully transformed Acqua Lounge into a state-of-the-art venue, overcoming the constraints imposed by space, logistics, and integration complexity.

Acqua Lounge’s renovation by Tirso Lighting represents a pioneering example of immersive nightclub design, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology, aesthetic innovation, and commercial functionality. The project exemplifies excellence in entertainment lighting and LED video integration.

Unique Design Approach: Acqua Lounge was transformed into a fully immersive experience where lighting, architecture, and visual storytelling converge. The combination of custom-shaped LED screens, high-gloss reflective surfaces, and dynamic content control sets it apart from typical venue designs.

Technological Innovation: The use of 3D LiDAR scanning for precision planning, integration of intelligent and conventional lighting fixtures, and the deployment of a media server demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to venue design. The ability to customise visual elements in real-time enhances the guest experience, making the club truly adaptable and engaging.

Overcoming Spatial Limitations: Despite the club’s low ceilings and compact layout, Tirso Lighting engineered a visually expansive atmosphere through strategic reflective paneling and layered lighting techniques. This solution not only maximized the venue’s perceived size but also amplified the impact of lighting effects, creating an unparalleled ambiance.

Enhanced Guest Engagement and Revenue Optimization: The integration of customized bottle service activations, where lighting cues focus attention on specific tables, elevates the guest experience while directly influencing higher revenue generation. This level of interaction goes beyond aesthetics, demonstrating how thoughtful lighting and visual design can drive business success.