Robert Juliat announces its major participation in an ambitious investment project led by the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles, as part of a European programme to renovate the energy efficiency of cultural infrastructures in Belgium.
Ten emblematic French-speaking theatres have benefited from the renewal of their lighting systems: Les Tanneurs, La Raffinerie, Le Botanique, Le Varia, Le Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles and Les Halles de Schaerbeek in Brussels, L’Orchestre Philharmonique Royal, Le Manège Fonck and Le Forum in Liège and Le Manège in Mons.
This remarkable project enabled the replacement of tungsten lighting with LED solutions, making a strong contribution to the energy transition. To guide the process, end users were invited to a series of demonstration days to compare the solutions offered by different manufacturers, as well as to a dedicated conference on the LED transition.
Nivelles-based Inytium won the public contract and worked in coordination with AED Distribution, Robert Juliat’s Belgian distributor. Guillaume Canart, CEO of Inytium, explains the reasons for choosing Robert Juliat:
“The choice of 1117 Robert Juliat LED fixtures was not made by chance; it was a deliberate investment in both the brand and the advanced technology of Robert Juliat’s new LED range. As a long-established manufacturer, Robert Juliat has stayed closely in tune with the market and has a deep understanding of the theatre world and its very specific way of working, whether in major national venues or the most intimate stages.”
The list of Robert Juliat fixtures selected covers its entire LED range: Sully 650SX and 650SX 4C profiles, Charles and ZEP profiles, Sully 4C Fresnels and PC, ZEP Fresnels, Dalis 860 cyclights, Dalis 861 washlights and Dalis 862 footlights, and Arthur followspots.
“This project also illustrates the value we place on local manufacturing,” continues Canart. “Choosing Robert Juliat, whose fixtures are designed and built in their French workshops, was the obvious decision both for quality and for sustainability. A key part of this commitment is the supply of nearly 300 Sully retrofit LED modules, allowing us to convert existing 600SX tungsten profile fixtures instead of replacing them outright.”
The Théâtre National Wallonie-Bruxelles was among the first venues to upgrade its lighting to LED, receiving 130 Sully 4C retrofit modules, around 100 Sully 4C 315LF Fresnels, 30 Dalis 860 cyclights, 30 Dalis 861 washlights, Charles profiles and two Arthur LED followspots.
As Technical Director Guillaume Stasse, explains, “It was essential for us to upgrade 130 of our old RJ 600SX tungsten profiles to LED colour versions, without discarding a large stock of equipment that was still fully functional. That makes this not just a technical choice, but a truly sustainable one.”
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“With Robert Juliat fixtures, we feel the operating modes have been designed to ensure a smooth transition towards new working practices.
The ergonomics stay true to what lighting designers are used to, while the tungsten emulations allow us to preserve the quality of light we rely on, particularly at low intensity levels.
Chasing ever more power is not the goal; we mustn’t lose sight of the initial ecological objective, which is to consume less, not endlessly produce more.”
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Xavier Huybrechs, Robert Juliat Brand Manager Benelux at AED Distribution, joined many of the technical discussions during the comparative demonstrations. “What we’ve seen time and again in many theatres is that Robert Juliat fixtures appeal just as much to experienced technicians, who are already familiar with the products, as to new generations or less experienced users.
Robert Juliat’s real strength lies in its ability to combine innovative technology with a user interface that remains coherent and intuitive. The ergonomics and overall philosophy of the brand remain faithful to what professionals expect, regardless of their level of experience.”
The success of this project demonstrates Robert Juliat’s commitment to guiding European theatres through a responsible technological transition, while fully respecting the artistic and technical demands of live performance. Its comprehensive range of white and colour LED spots, in short or long throw versions, embodies that balance.
For more information on Robert Juliat LED products and its full range of lighting solutions, visit www.robertjuliat.com
