Throughout the hall’s multi-phase renovation, Schuler Shook provided design of the seating and rigging and advice for new, safe working access in the attic. In the final phase, lighting design for the ceiling laylight was provided.
DAR Constitution Hall
Washington, D.C.
Since 1927 the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Constitution Hall has been the home for not only the DAR, but arts and events in Washington DC. As those events have evolved over the last near century, necessary accommodation has similarly evolved.
Until it was tarred over in the 1950s, a glass ceiling flooded the hall with natural daylight and an incredible view of the night stars. Restoration of the illuminated laylight was central to the project’s success.
The original ceiling
An edge-lit system mimics diffuse daylight seen in historic photographs.
Etched edgelit clear acrylic panel. From left: appearance when on, appearance when dimmed, appearance when off.
The owner also requested that the laylight be able to provide the appearance of a nighttime sky, with twinkling points of starlight. Using individually controlled LEDs embedded within the fixture lens, multiple reviews were conducted to ensure the scale, brightness, and density of ‘stars’ met stakeholders’ expectations.
972 custom-fit LED fixtures were used to redesign the lighting, with an independently controlled starry night sky effect reminiscent of the ceiling’s original transformation from day to night.
With the original design intent restored, guests are delighted by the sense of place the reawakened auditorium brings. Providing a safe, flexible, and adaptable venue with reclaimed architectural grandeur, Constitution Hall will continue to serve new generations.
There is perhaps nothing that confirms the success of the project more than the oohs and aahs emitted from the patrons, and members, as they witness the daylight of the ceiling turn into a starry sky. The ceiling has changed from a design challenge for productions to a design feature that is incorporated into events in many ways. The laylight is the highlight of every site visit both from new clients, and clients who have produced events at the Hall for decades.”
Paul Gulderson
Managing Director, DAR Constitution Hall
Project Details
Service
Architect
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Quinn Evans Architects
Acoustician
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Jaffe Holden
Recognition
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IES Illumination Design Award Special Citation, 2023
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National Lighting Bureau Tesla Awards, Award of Merit, 2023
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AIA Northern Virginia, Award of Excellence, 2022
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AIA Virginia, Historic Preservation, Award of Honor 2022
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AIA Maryland, Excellence in Design Award, 2022
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DC Preservation League, Historic Preservation, Award for Excellence, 2022
