EJ Thomas Hall on the University of Akron campus features a unique movable auditorium ceiling, aided by a counterweight system in its lobby. To add visual interest and showcase this engineering feat, UA partnered with VLS to illuminate the counterweight display.
Opened in October 1978 on the University of Akron campus, EJ Thomas Performing Arts Hall is a three-level auditorium with a seating capacity of 2,955. One of the focal points of the building is the movable 44-ton ceiling, which can close off either the Flying Balcony or both the Flying Balcony and Grand Tier, creating a one-, two- or three-level auditorium. In the Goodrich lobby, visitors can see the 27 computer-controlled chrome counterweights, which clock in at more than 45 tons to balance the ceiling in the hall and determine its position. The entire transformation takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
To highlight this unique feature, VLS Project Designer Steve Arnold designed the permanent lighting installation so that—no matter which of the three positions the counterweights were in—the lighting would create an interesting look. He also added a gobo projection fixture to project the EJ Thomas logo, as well as any image or logo for corporate events, school graduations, or other special occasions.
