Energiehuis was transformed into a new multi-venue cultural centre by Jonkman Klinkhamer Architects - a stylish and cool integration of majestic civil engineering with contemporary industrial design and modern performance facilities offering the very highest production values.
The once thriving power station was closed in the 1970s and lay derelict and neglected before the three year regeneration plan commenced in 2010. The Energiehuis project was instigated and driven by Dordrecht Town Council and the performance elements developed in conjunction with theatre consultants, PB Theateradviseurs, who produced the technical specs in conjunction with Pieter Kop, Technical Manager for Bibelot, which then went out to tender.
Robe moving lights were central to the proposal put forward by Controllux, based near Amsterdam, who won the tender to supply and install stage lighting, dimming, rigging and a data network for the project's five main spaces - which all have varying capacities.
Energiehuis's various venues are operated and run by several different organisations, the main ones being Bibelot and ToBe, who between them stage an eclectic programme of shows and events that include all types of live music, theatre, dance productions and creative workshops, etc. Their inclusive schedules also embrace educational elements aimed at encouraging and developing new and emerging talent across all performance disciplines and genres.
All the spaces have flexible seating options which include standing and the lighting rigs had to be equally as adaptable.
Pieter Kop is delighted with the performance of the Robes - a mix of LEDWash 300s, 600E Spots and Washes - all from Robe's Robin range - plus some LEDForce PARs.
Controllux's Kuno van Velzen, project manager for Energiehuis, explains that the tender was based on offering the most flexible and elegant lighting solutions and facilities for the budget. "Having Robe moving lights on the spec was a major aspect that helped enable us to offer great value and cutting-edge technology. Everyone lighting a show, whatever the size or style, will have all the options they need."
Controllux supplied the Robe fixtures together with an extensive amount of generic theatre lightsources.
Van Velzen concludes: "It was a very special project - a fantastic conversion which retains all the character and industrial heritage of the building and makes great use of the space. Once a powerhouse for the local community and commercial activities, now the energy will be continued through all the new creativity and excitement emanating from the Energiehuis."
(Jim Evans)
