Multi-award winning theatre development employing Digilin's advanced auditorium and backstage lighting technologies
Introduction
In the redevelopment of The Round in Victoria, Digilin’s lighting solutions were crucial to delivering both aesthetic and functional excellence. We manufactured high-output, low glare Freedom fixtures, advanced Smooth DALI Drivers for smooth dimming transitions, and specialized Liberty backstage fixtures for a safe, efficient working environment. With multiple awards in 2024, including the IES Award of Excellence, this project demonstrates how cutting-edge lighting technologies can elevate the performance environment.
Award-Winning Design and Redevelopment
The redevelopment of The Round has been met with acclaim across multiple industry awards in 2024, cementing the theatre as a standout project. Notable accolades include:
- AIA Victorian Chapter Awards: Public Architecture Commendation
- AIA Victorian Chapter Awards: Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture Commendation
- AIA Victorian Chapter Awards: Melbourne Prize Shortlist
- Victorian Premier Design Awards: Architectural Design Finalist
- Australian Interior Design Awards: Public Shortlist
- INDE Awards: The Building Category Shortlist
- Think Brick Awards: Shortlist
- World Architectural Festival (WAF): Cultural Category Shortlist
- IPWEA Excellence Awards: Best Public Works Project over $5m
These recognitions reflect the transformative impact of the project and the seamless integration of technology, architecture, and design.
Digilin’s Lighting Solutions for The Round
Our lighting solutions have played a pivotal role in bringing the design vision of The Round to life. The bespoke fixtures we supplied include:
Freedom Fixtures: These high-output suspended luminaires provide exceptional lighting with low glare output. Their precise control allows for a clear, bright environment when needed, while minimizing distractions, ensuring optimal lighting for the performance space.
Smooth DALI Drivers: Our Smooth DALI Drivers are integral to the theatre’s lighting control, offering ultra-smooth dimming transitions that are crucial for performance moments like the “fade to black” and “lights on” transitions. These drivers allow for seamless lighting changes during performances, enhancing the dramatic effect.
Liberty Backstage Fixtures: The Liberty series, featuring surface-mounted backstage lights with blue/white output, is another key component. These fixtures provide a safe working environment for backstage operators during shows while ensuring the light spill is minimized so the audience’s experience is undisturbed. The blue light specifically allows staff to move efficiently without distracting the performers or audience.
