The project of the Tatar Theatre named after Galiasgar Kamal, created by the architectural bureau Wowhaus in collaboration with the Japanese bureau Kengo Kuma & Associates, has become the most long-awaited and high-profile architectural object of recent months. The large volume of work, tight deadlines, complex technical solutions remained behind the scenes, and the result was worth all the efforts. Specialists from the engineering company QPRO shared details of lighting design solutions developed for the theater.

Lighting plays a significant role in this large project, which combines innovative architectural solutions and elements of traditional Tatar culture. The team faced a large-scale task of creating the evening appearance of this unique building. In order to get final result exactly as it was conceived by the architects, lighting design solutions were worked out at every stage: from the development and approval of the conceptual idea and image to the author’s supervision. QPRO specialists carefully monitored the work process, mockups were carried out on site. Only this approach could guarantee 100% realization of the lighting effects.

The Kamal Theatre is an impressive, large-scale and complex object, in which both the external appearance and the internal content play an important role. The interior amazed visitors with its spectacular decor using national motifs. The artificial lighting of the front part of the theatre building acts as an integral and intangible element of the architecture and space. It creates a simultaneously solemn and comfortable lighting environment.

“The main accent in the interior of the new theater was the unique petals with patterns, and dynamic lighting scenarios were developed for each element of the pattern of each petal. Since the patterns themselves have three finishing options (one gold and two silver), it was decided to use three color temperatures of white light for the backlighting in order to correctly convey these features. QPRO specialists developed dynamic petal scenarios for each hall.
Dynamic scenario options provide for switching on control not only by seasons (summer/winter), but also by time of day (day/night). They also depend on the length of daylight hours. Smooth switching on and off with dimming from 0 to 100% of the power of lighting devices in combination with a change in color temperature emphasize the uniqueness of a high-tech theater. Moreover, light scenarios change depending on the event taking place in the theater.
The light pattern also comes to life depending on the music playing in the lobby, hiding and revealing individual elements of the pattern. We approached the development of lighting design solutions in a comprehensive manner, so the light and color transitions, their switching on and off, echo the changes in the facade lighting and glass triangles. Deep and thorough development of lighting solutions and dynamic scenarios became a kind of challenge for the lighting designers. Creating something unique is never easy, but the more valuable is the final result and experience gained,” – Alevtina Kalinina, QPRO Lead Design Engineer.