Theatre Consulting: Vista Lounge-Case Study

ms Zuiderdam, Holland America Line

The Vista Lounge aboard Holland America's ms Zuiderdam was designed primarily as a live-event showroom for review productions, with full audio, lighting, special effects and video systems. As space was limited by the physical dimensions of the ship, NED designed flexible and compact automated rigging and stage machinery systems, as well as equipment rooms and control booths for optimum operation within a minimal footprint. The rigging systems were designed to accommodate the movement of the ship over high seas.

Side-by-side projectors provided high resolution and high intensity projection, which could be converged on either the downstage roll-down screen or the rear cyclorama to provide full stage scenic treatments. A Pathport ethernet-based data distribution system replaced the traditional analogue DMX 512 lighting distribution, providing the flexibility to move outputs from one location to another without requiring wiring changes. The audio system also utilized a computer-based network, from Meyer Audio and Yamaha. The RMS audio network allowed the sound engineer to monitor all the speakers in the room from one location, and make adjustments during the show if needed.

Architect: VFD Interiors

Project Specifications:

• Approximately 16,000 square feet on 3 decks
• 738 seats

Audio System:

• 1st ship to be designed around the install of the Yamaha PM1D console with a complete digital processing path through the audio system.
• Fully automated control and monitoring system of audio system.
• 96 channel mix system.
• Over 50,000 watts of audio power.

Lighting System:

• 212 base lighting package with 112 owner supplied Vari*lites.
• 312 dimmers
• 100 power contactors
• Whole Hog II moving light console
• Expression 3 static light console
• Pathport Ethernet DMX distribution system

Rigging System:

• 15 full-height, variable speed, motorized scenic line sets (guided for maritime operation).v
• 7 meter (23 ft) diameter variable speed turntable.
• Four 1.15m x 4.6m (3.5ft x 15ft) integral, independently operated stage lifts within the turntable capable of 1.5m (5 ft) travel above the stage at 12 inches/second.
• Orchestra Lift capable of housing 9 piece orchestra
• Motorized orchestra wagon capable of moving 9 piece orchestra from storage position below the stage to the orchestra lift and up during performance.
• Mechatronics computerized control console with redundant manual backup system.

Video System:

• 2 x 12,000 lumen DLP center projectors
• 2 x 4000 lumen LCD side projectors

Show Control / Integrated Control System:

• AMX control system integrating all audio, video, and effect system in central control point with touch screen interface.
• DATATON show control system with SMPTE distribution and integration with AMX system for full show control programming capabilities of all show systems.

Nautilus Entertainment Design's Services:

• Teamed with the Owner to confirm the technical requirements of the shows and general entertainment planned for the space.
• Developed a preliminary budget specification and a revised specification which met the technical requirements of HAL Operations while still remaining within the financial budget of the contractual specification. This included specific choices of components and detailed cost analysis of both the contract spec and the revised spec to verify that the budget remained constant.
• Created detailed conceptual drawings and paperwork which were used in discussions with the shipyard.
• Create computer generated 3D models of the venue to test sightlines from control booths and audience areas.
• Created detailed system arrangements, one-line diagrams, and rack elevations for all systems.
• Reviewed and coordinated shipyard and sub-contractor drawings.
• Coordinated with the architect, shipyard, and subcontractors to incorporate the entertainment components within the venue in the most unobtrusive manner possible while still maintaining the functionality of the components.
• Tested and commissioned all systems onsite and organized a punch list database for troubleshooting all systems.