Lighting the Event Gallery
Charitable Lighting and Design for the Depart of Social Services
Design Dialogue by Jack Kelly
August 2008 | Wachovia Atrium | Charlotte NC

8 Chauvet Colorado 1
4 Global Truss 12" Box [2m]
4 Global Truss 12" Box [2.5m]
8 Global Truss 2' x 2' Square

Dynamics and contrast is simply noting the difference between the loudest and softest moments in a medium. Excuse my oversimplification, but the message is about clarity. By creating clear differences in our mediums whether that is in lighting or interior design; greater value between items is perceived by our audience. In order to achieve a greater value for our portraits, we gathered them into groups. If we spread the portraits evenly throughout the room, every space in the room appears to be equal. This discourages accidental interaction, an important fertilizer in growing a community. If we put all the portraits in the same area, only one space appears to be important. Singular events don’t warrant a party and can be completed too quickly; once again discouraging accidental interaction. We created six stations around the room. Each one presented a unique collage of beautiful children placed on easels and felt presentation display boards.

As interesting as the picture placement was, we needed more. In most situations, pictures warrant a frame. The more creative and extravagant the frame; the more important the picture seems to be. The room was too bright and the budget too small to keep the stations from getting lost in the massive room. I scratched my head thinking that the stations needed more [long pause]. . . . . . truss towers! Using uplit truss towers we created a dynamic display for the four stations around the room. Uplighting the towers for each of the four stations with the colors: blue, red, green, and orange; we added a childish fun that towered above the tallest guest. Pulling the guest to the far corners of the room, the event had the natural social flow it needs to succeed. But some guests are stubborn, so we created another element of motion. Every 6 seconds, each tower switched to the next color. The constantly changing colors of the stations created motion and encouraged migration. Swirling with colors, the room’s playful yet direct message created a fertile social environment. Potential foster families were inspired as they interacted with experienced couples looking to foster a second or a third child.

Reversing the design concept, we used the final two portrait stations to frame the stage. The stage naturally draws a crowd. Mere location brought the emphasis I needed. Maybe I am admitting too much. . . if the pictures at the stage were unnoticed until the speaker began, the guest would immediately feel the need to walk up to the stage to see what they had missed. Curiosity would heighten the guests senses making them more receptive to the message they were about to hear. Trusting the inspirational ability of the speakers and the guest curiosity, I hoped to create a final gathering point at the stage. The community leaders now have one final opportunity to create another loving family for those without a home.