ETC Adds Color to Estonia's Paide Kultuurikeskus

	Paide Kultuurikeskus houselighting with ETC ColorSource PAR luminaires

The multifunctional Paide Kultuurikeskus, located in the middle of Estonia, opened to the public in December 1987. In recent years, this cultural center has undergone significant improvements to its facilities to maintain its status as a national landmark, all while retaining its original and distinctive 1980s design features. The latest development phase incorporated the installation of a series of ETC ColorSource PAR luminaires.

The unique venue is home to a number of flexible spaces that are designed to accommodate a variety of cultural and entertainment events. The 529-seat main hall serves as a movie theater, as well as a space for theatrical and musical performances. Other facilities include a spacious foyer for exhibitions, a dance studio, a ballroom, several classrooms, and a small hall suitable for concerts, and seminars.

The most recent improvement project involved an upgrade to the lighting configuration in the building's largest auditorium, known as the Great Hall. Focuspoint, ETC's Estonian dealer, was appointed to supply and install a suitable solution.

To fulfill the venue's specific dimming and color-changing requirements, ETC ColorSource PAR luminaires were selected to replace the original houselights. Despite an increase in the number of fixtures from 30 to 41, the energy-efficient LED PARs offer a significant reduction in power consumption versus the 500W fixtures previously used to illuminate the space.

"As Paide Kultuurikeskus hosts such a diverse program of events, the venue was keen to have the option to use color, even for the houselights," says Kalle Karindi of Focuspoint. "LED luminaires were a natural choice, but it was absolutely crucial that the fixtures offer perfect dimming to zero percent. This was quite a challenge, particularly on such a limited budget, but the ColorSource fixtures fit the bill perfectly. The PARs are positioned over the audience and are typically used as regular houselights. However, their versatility means they can also be integrated into visiting productions to create a more immersive environment. They have the whole color spectrum to play with."

The recent updates have cemented Paide Kultuurikeskus's position as a center of excellence in the Jarvamaa region of Estonia. The venue is now fully equipped with cutting-edge technical features for a busy schedule of upcoming events, including National Opera and Ballet performances, standup comedy and cabaret shows, graduation ceremonies and trade shows.