L eft: Pa c ha Gr ou p C EO, Sa n j a y Na n d i, a n d Ar c hit ec t , Tibor Ma r t in .
“Both systems allow us to work in digital mode from the source until the final amplifier, voiding analoguedigital-analogue conversions, which keeps the audio quality high,” Torres explained. “We use d&b R1 control software to monitor and tune every zone and parameters needed live during each show.” The essence of the venue The hexagonal ceiling rig was fabricated in Lucid’s workshop in Kent, UK. “It was a massive undertaking as there were a lot of pieces, including thousands of tiny screws,” recalled Swan. And little did anyone know that the task was to become even more challenging, as in February 2020, with the fabrication in full swing, the emergence of COVID-19 threw the ultimate spanner in the works. “demanding that everycompany involved in the build would have to create working ‘bubbles’ to stay on track with production. “It was a huge commitment for everyone to alter their lifestyles for the sake of the project,” Swan said, praising her team. Of course, as the impact of the pandemic became clear, with flights grounded and no sign of the hospitality sector opening anytime soon, it was quickly apparent that the initial delivery date would not be required and the project was put on ice, with a loose plan to deliver later that year with a view to installing and programming in time for the following season. “It was an incredibly tough time and a huge challenge to adapt to a different way of working, without any of the usual site visits and even before anybody had got used to remote working,” she reflected. As the 2021 season also fell victim to the pandemic, to see the project finally installed after more than two years in the making was extremely satisfying for Swan. “I am particularly pleased with how the team brought together the kinetic elements,” she revealed. “It is something that we have worked on in our workshop for a while and it is an exciting bit of tech integration to be able to use the mechanical and electrical in that way to produce something that is visually strong and an exciting experience in such a high-profile and
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prestigious nightclub as Pacha Ibiza.” Swan’s sentiments were very much echoed by Murray. “It looks sensational,” he beamed. “It is a design feature in its own right, but it hasn’t taken anything away from the essence of the venue. We all know the history and the heritage of Pacha and how important it is to preserve that, and with this project, we have certainly played our part.” Commenting on the venue’s design as a whole, Murray was full of admiration for Architect, Tibor Martin. “The element of drama and surprise when you pass through the old whitewashed front door, arrive at the top of the steps and look down onto the dancefloor in the main auditorium remains just as magical as it always was,” he praised. “All the intricacies and the little touches that make Pacha what it is today are still there. The rough stone back wall, the whitewashed surfaces, the little alcoves accentuated with candles… At every turn, the patrons encounter visual references to the venerable past, emphasising the long history and memories created within the original iconic farmhouse and club.” Martin added: “For us, it is extremely important that when you come in, the club feels like it has for the past 50 years. The result we wanted was that the club must always look good, even if it’s closed and with no FX lighting, and I think we have created this with the renovation. At the same time, we wanted people to feel the latest in tech with the highest quality in all aspects. We wanted to integrate sound, lights, and video into the architecture, giving us endless possibilities for content creation and production. I think you will see that we have achieved this on the Grand Opening Party on 29 April!” CEO, Nandi had the final word: “Our main priority has been improving customer experience with a larger dance floor, market-leading AV technology, better ventilation with energy-saving systems, and improved access and focus on the artist,” he concluded. “We are proud that the project has been executed in collaboration with our key stakeholders, DJs and clubbers alike.”
