FBP Group, owned by Frank Heinrich and Bob Athey, were contracted to produce a first-class A/V design and turned to lighting designer Matthew Paupst to design the lighting scheme. "TAO Las Vegas came to FBP Group to produce a world-class outdoor nightclub that was stylish and able to be used for its dual purpose," comments Matthew Paupst. "The main goal was to create an environment that would not be visually obtrusive during the day and at night would morph into a nightclub, entertaining a few thousand people each weekend."
Paupst reports, "I chose the MAC 250 Entours because of their size, light output, and reliability. While shopping for lights I needed something that was durable enough to handle the brutal weather that Las Vegas summers tend to give us, and for me these were the best choice. The second gobo wheel allows me to add texture to some architectural features, mainly the large Buddha statue that sits on top of a fountain feature. I added underwater LEDs to accent it a bit and allow for chases that draw attention to the statue and DJ booth."
Paupst has the Entour fixtures spread out over the underside of pre-existing trellises on the Venetian pool deck. The Atomic strobes are placed two on each side under the trellises, spread out over the main dance floor. "The entire deck is considered a dance floor which is why I spread out the fixtures so much," Matthew continues. "Plus, two of the Entours are dedicated to nothing more then providing effects in the actual pool."
The system is controlled by a GrandMA Micro that feeds two Doug Fleanor Optos that split out to a large LED system and automated lights over two universes. The Martin fixtures were supplied locally by PRG Las Vegas.
(Jim Evans)
