Senior Capstone Project:
Mees Hall Lighting Plot
Embedded Files
Introduction
Introduction
Capital University’s Mees Hall is a staple performance venue on campus. Built in 1924, the hall has undergone several renovations since then, most notably in the 1990s, when the organ was installed. Throughout the years, lighting and audio have been changed and updated, however, documentation of these changes is lacking. Furthermore, some aspects of the space have never been documented and shared with the right parties. My senior project aims to remedy some of these issues by creating lighting plot documentation for Mees Hall, using updated, professional lighting fixtures.
Schedule
Schedule
By 1/21: Vectorworks Certification and Measurements taken
By 2/17: Vectorworks plot complete, fixtures picked out, budget proposal
By 2/24: Finishing touches and presentation complete
Project Summary
Project Summary
The steps are measuring the space’s hanging positions and stage, picking fixtures, and compiling a budget for the renovation. In addition, I will obtain the Vectorworks 2025 Core Associate Certification through Vectoroworks University, free through an educational version of the software. Some aspects of this project fall outside the scope of my knowledge. This includes structural capabilities, electrical restrictions, safety concerts, and other architectural design elements. Measurements taken of Mees Hall will have errors, as I am not an architect with fancy laser measurement tools. The budget will only account for fixtures and any necessary accessories. To truly make the lighting plot a reality, many aspects of the space will need to be changed, including renovating the catwalk above Mees, which would take an insane amount of time, money, and logistics. For this reason, I will not investigate the possible costs for that aspect.
Creating an updated lighting plot for Mees will help Todd and future facilities managers improve the space. Additionally, this project will help the dean budget for future improvements.
My final project will be a lighting plot and instrument list. The lighting plot will show the fixtures, hanging positions, channel number, address, and other important details. The instrument list has fixture purposes and other information for focusing the lights.
ponder detailed narrative.pdfJanuary Project Update
January Project Update
As of January 21st, I have completed Vectorworks 2025 Core Associate Certification. I have taken measurements of Mees Hall.
What is Vectorworks?
Vectorworks is 3D modeling CAD software for architecture, landscaping, entertainment, and design. Regarding lighting design, Vectorworks is used to model lighting plots, complete with fixtures, trusses, and any other elements needed. Vectorworks can also keep track of paperwork necessary for a light hang, including patch information, gel, and gobo information, fixture purpose, etc.
January Update Pictures
January Update Pictures
Measurements of stage hanging positions relative to the pit.
Measurements for boom poles above the side of the stage.
Math for stage measurements.
Stage measurements- including walls, stage, and pit.
House hanging positions distance from edge of pit.
Visualization of house hanging positions.
February Update 1
February Update 1
Using Vectorworks, I modeled the stage and each hanging position using the measurements I took. My next steps are to add fixtures and create a proposed budget.
Mees Lighting Plot! Hanging Positions 2:3:25.pdfMees Lighting Plot- Stage Drawing 2:3:25.pdfFebruary Update 2
February Update 2
In the same Vectorworks file, I added fixtures to the drawing. I also updated the prints for the measurement drawings. My next steps are making a channel/address list, writing out fixture purposes, and creating a proposed budget for the fixtures.
3-Fixture Plot 2:12.pdfFixtures for this plot were determined using a variety of resources:
Knowledge obtained from my internship at Interlochen Center for the Arts
Updated Measurement Drawings:
2-Hanging Positions 2:12.pdf1-Stage Drawing 2:12.pdfFebruary Update 3
February Update 3
Since the last update, I replaced discontinued lights, created a budget, and updated fixtures with channel, address, and purpose notes. I also cleaned up the plot drawings. My next steps are to make a presentation for the project and finalize all paperwork.
5-Paperwork2_15_25.pdfInstrument Schedule: includes fixture name, type, purpose, cost, system, channel number, and address.
The final cost for just fixtures for this project is: $461,431.92!
Updated fixture information and resources:
Martin Mac Aura XB
Why did I choose this fixture?
Mover- no need to refocus
LED
RDM (remote device management)- allows for addressing without touching the light
Used at Interlochen Center for the Arts
Martin MAC Viper Wash DX- Replacement for Robe DL7S
Why did I choose this fixture?
Mover- no need to refocus
LED
RDM (remote device management)- allows for addressing without touching the light
Elation Seven Batten 72
Why did I choose this fixture?
LED
RDM (remote device management)- allows for addressing without touching the light
Used at Interlochen Center for the Arts
Martin MAC Viper Profile- Replacement for Robe BMFL Follow Spot
Why did I choose this fixture?
Mover- no need to refocus
LED
RDM (remote device management)- allows for addressing without touching the light
Chauvet SlimPAR 64
Why did I choose this fixture?
LED
Used at Interlochen Center for the Arts and in Mees
Martin ERA Profile 300
Why did I choose this fixture?
Mover- no need to refocus
LED
RDM (remote device management)- allows for addressing without touching the light
Additional Recommendations for Mees Hall:
Wall DMX controller to replace current system:
ETC Paradigm -recommended product- touchscreen system
Updated Drawings:
3-Fixture Plot2_15_25.pdf4-Fixture Plot- Channels_Addresses2_15_25.pdfFinal Update
Final Update
Everything is done! I made a presentation and poster to display my project!
Senior Project Presentation!.pdfReport abuse