A total of 20 vehicles had to be put in to perspective in only 2000sq.m. "Presenting so many different models on the stand provided a challenge as we had to define the separate identity of each model," said chief lighting designer Richard Profe. To maintain this distinction, a huge architectural sculpture was created by the stand architects, Schindler Architekten, while Richard and his team at TLD animated the sculpture with various atmospheric lighting schemes. LED screens were integrated into the sculpture to show films of the cars, which were complemented by the sculpture changing colour according to the model that was being showcased - so the mood of the stand was constantly, but subtly, changing.
With the show running for two weeks and the launch of the Mercedes Benz M-class generating so much attention, the stand had to be robust, yet impressive and stylish, so lighting was a key factor in the presentation. Pre-programming and controlling everything on a Wholehog 3, Richard used over 300 moving lights, including Mac 2000s and 600s, plus 130 ETC Source Four PARs.TLD also had the challenge of designing the lighting for the DaimlerChrysler AG Corporate Boulevard. This was a corporate area which united the brands and presented the technological advances made by DaimlerChrysler AG. The illuminated walkway ran between the stands and required trussing, rigged with 150 moving lights, which were again controlled by a Wholehog 3.
(Lee Baldock)
