is now

Theatre Design / Architectural Lighting

Soka University of America - Performing Arts Center & Academic Building

The Soka Performing Arts Center meets the varied needs of the University with an elegant and easily operated facility that provides exceptional intimacy and aural quality. The Concert Hall’s seating configurations can accommodate up to 1,200 patrons for concerts, lectures, dance, drama, spoken word and convocations. A system of easily accessible catwalks and a two-tiered rigging and lighting grid is incorporated into the room’s architectural and acoustic environment.

The integrated architectural lighting design enhances the built environment without drawing attention to light fixtures. The lighting for all the spaces is designed to be flexible and easily programmed to accommodate the multiple uses of each venue, and meet the strict energy usage goals of the University.
In addition to the Performing Arts Center, the facility includes a black box theatre and dance studio. The PAC’s photovoltaic cells power 15 percent of the structures’ electricity, including the performance and architectural lighting systems.

Back to All Projects

Soka University of America – Performing Arts Center & Academic Building

Image

1 of 5

Location

Performing Arts Center

Description

The facility supports a wide variety of performance events and groups, including University concerts, theatrical productions and commencement, in addition to community and professional touring companies.

Image

2 of 5

Location

Performing Arts Center

Description

Drama and dance production occurs throughout the year.

Image

3 of 5

Location

Performing Arts Center

Description

Catwalks and fore stage tension grid accommodates both architectural and theatrical lighting.

Image

4 of 5

Location

Exterior

Description

The feature curved wood lobby walls are washed with light to reveal the volume and form of the space and provide an inviting destination when viewed through the expansive glass curtain wall at night.

Image

5 of 5

Location

Nelson Mandela Hall

Description

The Black Box Theatre in Nelson Mandela Hall serves as a studio classroom and supports a variety of student productions with flexible configurations that encourage experimentation within the technically advanced studio.

Project Details

Location

Aliso Viejo, California

Discipline

Theatre/Performance Environments / Architectural Lighting

Size

47,836 SF Performing Arts Center (1,200 Seat Concert Hall) / 48,974 SF Nelson Mandela Hall (250 Seat Black Box)

Partners

ZGF Architects (Architect) / Nagata Acoustics (Acoustics)

Photo Credit

Services

Facility Programming / Theatre Design / Theatrical Lighting System / Theatrical Rigging System / Theatrical Automation Controls / Orchestra Lift
Variable Architecture / Machinery Design / Interior Architectural Lighting

Certification

LEED Gold