Mondo-DR Awards 2024 Supplement

WELCOME

Held on the evening of the opening day of InfoComm, we were overjoyed to welcome a record-breaking number of guests to the 2024 MONDO-DR Awards at Ole Red, Las Vegas. The event also saw our highest number of entries yet, with an abundance of incredible submissions across 16 categories, including our new ‘Hotel’ division. The show invited over 300 guests to Ole Red’s rooftop terrace for a fabulous evening of food, drinks, and networking, all in addition to the triumphant awards presentation itself. This supplement serves as an opportunity to detail all the winning venues and the entries that were shortlisted. I’m sure you’ll agree that there were some outstanding projects submitted, which serves to highlight the superb work undertaken by installers and integrators around the world, who successfully utilise leading technologies to help complete projects of all shapes and sizes. We could not have achieved such a brilliant event without our expert judges who collectively offered a wide scope of experience within the pro AV industry – we’d like to thank them for their input in selecting worthy winners across all categories. Congratulations to the winners, and to those shortlisted, and we would like to thank all of the event’s sponsors and supporters, along with everyone who submitted an entry. Further details of next year’s MONDO-DR Awards will be announced in due course and we look forward to seeing you in the vibrant city of Orlando!

See you in 2025.

Todd Staszko Editor

EDITOR: Todd Staszko: t.staszko@mondiale.co.uk | ASSISTANT EDITOR: Daisy Thorogood: d.thorogood@mondiale.co.uk

DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER: James Robertson: j.robertson@mondiale.co.uk |

MANAGER: Cameron Crawford: c.crawford@mondiale.co.uk |

THE CATEGORIES

For the MONDO-DR Awards 2024, there are 16 categories covering the entertainment installation market. There are four shortlisted entries, with one winner per category.

ARENA

A venue for musical concerts and indoors sports, hosting games such as ice hockey, basketball, tennis and cycling.

BAR

A drinking establishment, usually with subtle background music in the daytime and evening, getting livelier as the evening progresses.

CONCERT HALL

A performance venue for live music performances from philharmonic orchestras to rock bands.

MUSEUM

Museums are relying on an everincreasing use of technology to improve the overall experience of the visitor and functionality of exhibition pieces.

NIGHTCLUB

A club is generally open from late evening until the early hours of the morning. It has facilities such as a bar, a dancefloor and often a DJ or live performer.

PARKS & ATTRACTIONS

A park with roller coasters or a water themed park, midway or tourist site.

STADIUM

A sporting venue, most commonly with an open / retractable roof. Home to sports such as football, rugby, cricket and athletics.

SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Venues, companies, products and concepts that fit the worldwide drive to reduce carbon emissions in every sector.

HOTEL - NEW FOR 2024

Accomodation encompassing a mix of connected zones requiring AV solutions, such as bars, meeting rooms, communal areas, and gymnasiums.

HOUSE OF WORSHIP

A place of worship for any religion.

MULTIPURPOSE VENUE

A large complex, which might include conference centres, casinos and cinemas. This category also incorporates cruise ships.

PERFORMANCE VENUE

A small-to-medium-sized venue for live music performances.

RESTAURANT

An eating establishment, usually with subtle background music in the daytime and evening, getting livelier as the evening progresses.

RETAIL & LEISURE

Incorporating hotels, shopping centres, individual stores and gymnasiums.

THEATRE

An auditorium for spoken word plays and musicals.

TRANSPORT AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

This category will focus on transport hubs and public spaces which are created or upgraded using technology to enhance their overall function.

THE JUDGES

A panel of industry experts are on hand to assess the individual merits of each venue, drawing on their years of experience to narrow down the entries into a shortlist, before selecting their final winners in each category.

ROSANI GOMES

ARCHITECT AND LIGHTING DESIGNER CEO, ILLUMINE E DECORE

An architect specializing in lighting design, she has been working in the area for over 13 years, recommending lighting products for nightclubs, concerts, events and high-end homes. Also graduated in engineering, Rosani Gomes unites technique with the harmony of architecture to create beauty. Her specialty in pixel-by-pixel lighting makes her a differentiated professional in the market, making her known worldwide with her projects and lectures.

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AKARI-LISA ISHII

LIGHTING DESIGNER AND PRINCIPAL, I.C.O.N

After studying Fine Arts and design, then training in pioneer lighting design firms (US, Japan, France), she founded I.C.O.N. in 2004.

She leads a wide range of international lighting design projects: urban, architecture, interior, event etc. (Yves-Saint-Laurent Museum Marrakech, Dior Perfumes boutique chain etc.)

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LAUREN ROGERS

SENIOR PRODUCER, BILD STUDIOS

Lauren has extensive experience working with complex productions as an executive and senior producer and project manager – managing senior stakeholders, artistic talent, internal teams and external delivery partners. She has worked across a range of large scale, high profile projects in the UAE, including the Dubai 2020 Opening and Closing Ceremony AR.

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BROCK MCGINNIS

PRINCIPAL, AVITAAS

Brock McGinnis is Principal Consultant at avitaas inc. His mission, since the ‘80s, has been helping people, businesses and institutions choose and implement the right technologies for their aspirations and objectives. He’s worked with sports and entertainment venues, government and educational facilities, as well as a broad spectrum of corporate and conferencing clients.

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SIMON FRASER

MANAGING DIRECTOR, PTARMIGAN

Simon Fraser is the founder of the Ptarmigan group of companies, specialising in the design and implementation of complex entertainment technical systems for architectural, entertainment and cultural projects. Having trained in theatre electrics in London, he has worked in the West End, toured on a wide variety of shows and events, and delivered a diverse range of museums, visitor centres and attractions.

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BECKY DALEY

STAGELIGHTING CONSULTANT, CHARCOALBLUE

Becky has spent 18 years working in professional theatres, opera houses, concert halls and performance spaces around the world. Currently at Charcoalblue as stagelighting Consultant, Becky is involved in many design projects across the world. Prior to joining Charcoalblue, Becky worked as a Technical Solutions Manager and Primary Install Consultant with Enlightened Lighting. Managing projects, systems programming, design and specification for theatrical, events and performance spaces.

CRISTINA MARTINEZ

SENIOR LIGHTING DESIGNER AND ARCHITECT, ACTLD

Born and raised in Venezuela, Cristina is a Lighting Designer and Architect based in Brussels since 2014. She is also the ambassador for Women in Lighting for Belgium since 2018.

Currently, Cristina holds the position of Senior Lighting Designer and Project Manager at ACTLD. Her work experience has immersed her in a great variety of projects, different typologies, and scales, teamed up with a highly international team.

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MALLE KAAS

CEO AND CO-FOUNDER OF WILM, LIVE SOUND ENGINEER, WOMEN IN LIVE MUSIC (WILM)

Malle Kaas entered the live music industry in the mid nineties, and has been in and out of the industry since. In 2013 she helped launch the European chapter of Soundgirls.org, which she was running until 2018 where Malle stepped out to co-found Women In Live Music which she is heading.

As a sound engineer Malle has worked for Britannia Row in the UK, RAT sound, USA, Nordic rentals, DK and many more. Additionally Malle holds a title as a Nurse anesthetist.

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ROBERTA MCHATTON

OWNER, LASER SAFETY SERVICES

Roberta McHatton of Laser Safety Services LLC have been providing laser safety consultation to the entertainment industry since 1995. In 2023 Roberta was awarded the prestigious International Laser Display Association (ILDA) Career Achievement Award. The Career Achievement Award is ILDA’s highest honor, given for work spanning many years in the area of show quality, innovation, and industry service.

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SCOTT WILLSALLEN

DIRECTOR, AUDITORIA

Scott is an Emmy award-winning expert in sound design for major international events, immersive experiences and performance venues. His design credits include ABBA Voyage, FIFA 2022 World Cup, Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Ceremonies, Dubai Expo 2020, Audio upgrade of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sochi 2014, London 2012, Vancouver 2010 and Athens 2004 Olympic Games Ceremonies, Baku 2015 European Games, MDL Beast Music Festival 2019, the UAE National Day Celebrations from 2017 to 2023.

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MICHAEL NISHBALL

PRINCIPAL, THEATRE PROJECTS

As our principal theatre equipment designer, Michael has overall responsibility for providing clients with efficient, cost-effective systems and safe workplaces. Since 1995, Michael has provided stagehouse design, stage equipment details, and specifications for hundreds of performance spaces. His work includes on-site review of structural systems, site acceptance testing of rigging equipment, and stage machinery to identify field deficiencies affecting project quality and timely completion.

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ROB HOFKAMP

CONSULTANT, OPS+ CONSULTING

From early beginnings in the retail hi-fi sector Rob migrated into the Pro Audio distribution sector in 1984. Working with some wonderful partners which specialized in the import and distribution of British loudspeakers and electronics within North America. Over the last 40 years Rob has had the opportunity to assist clients in providing them with cutting edge products to enhance their clients’ projects.

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SHORTLISTED - ARENA

DNB ARENA

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Stavanger, Norway

Installer: Goal Sport

Submitted by: Absen

DNB Arena is an indoor ice hockey rink in Stavanger, Norway, and home to the Fjordkraftligaen side Stavanger Oilers. Opened ahead of the 2012–13 season, the arena has a capacity for 4,500 spectators during ice hockey matches and 6,000 during concerts, including 36 executive boxes. Goal Sport, an international AV integrator with expertise in LED screen technology, was tasked with delivering a turnkey installation for the new central visual display in the DNB Arena.

Goal Sport chose Absen to supply these screens due to a longstanding relationship with its European team and exceptionally high standard of its products. This equipped the Goal Sport team with the assurance and certainty that the result would exceed all

expectations, fully enhancing the fan experience at the arena.

The Absen K3 Plus was specified for its lightweight and flat design, flexible installation, and easy front and rear maintenance. To maximize the impact, the screens were customized with a 3.9mm pixel pitch to provide a higher brightness and refresh rate for optimal visibility from all angles.

Goal Sport worked closely with Norwegian partners, VideoForce to also upgrade the content management system for smart inbroadcasting and video officiating applications.

With four screens in total and installed in a convex design, each screen measures 6m by 7m, resulting in a striking 168m2 of LED.

The centre cube brings the arena to life, providing a 20% larger surface area and edge-to-edge LED at a slight tilt of 2° for a sleek finish and clear view. To ensure the venue’s versatility, the lower two meters of the centre cube can be dismantled to accommodate events with varying height requirements. This beneficial flexibility allows the arena to host a wide range of events, including music concerts, circuses, and indoor motocross, while still utilising the

SHORTLISTED - ARENA FORTRESS SYDNEY

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Sydney, Australia

Installer: The Avit Group

Submitted by: NEXO

Leading the charge with a meticulous level of premium-tier technology throughout, Fortress Sydney’s uniquely esports-driven capabilities have placed it firmly on the map for gamers across the country and beyond.

Sponsored by high-end PC gaming titan Alienware, Fortress is by nature, a hub for the tech-savvy. The venue was looking for a premiere audio system ; faced with providing a loudspeaker solution befitting of such a technological pedigree, The Avit Group selected NEXO’s P15 point source system for the Alienware Arena. NEXO’s reputation for delivering pristine sound quality, combined with the versatility of their P+ series, made it a clear choice in choosing the right system for this particular venue.

The Avit Group’s Operations Manager, Adrian Davis, outlines Avit’s role in realising the venue’s grand vision: “For the Fortress esports project, we were given the brief to create a dynamic, immersive, and technologically advanced AV system, which sits somewhere between an entertainment venue and a broadcast studio.

“The vision was to set a new benchmark for esports venues not only in Australia but across the globe. It was essential to provide seamless and high-quality audio experiences that would engage audiences, whether they were on-site or connecting digitally.

“Our goal was to ensure that the AV infrastructure was flexible and robust enough to accommodate a variety of events and broadcasts without compromising on quality or user experience.”

MIDCO ARENA

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota USA

Lighting Designers: Chris Bullock, Nick Teal, Jeff Meuzelaar, & Josh Lentz

Installer: Pinnacle Productions

Submitted by: ADJ

Twelve of ADJ’s Focus Spot 7Z moving head luminaires have been installed in the new Midco Arena at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Supplied by local technical specialist Pinnacle Productions, the lights are the crowning jewels of the 154,000 square-foot arena.

They are utilised extensively to enhance the production of home games for the Augustana Vikings through custom GOBO projections, spotlighting player entrances, washing the ice in vibrant colors, and creating intricate texture patterns.

Providing a new gateway to Augustana University’s campus, Midco Arena is a state-of-the-art ice hockey facility which houses a 3,082-seat main space as well as suites, hospitality areas, training facilities, and administrative offices. It is part of the university’s ambitious ‘Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030’ strategic plan to transition the Vikings athletics program from Division II to Division I. Augustana launched its Division I men’s ice hockey team in the fall of 2023 and Midco Arena was officially opened midway through their first season in late January of 2024.

Based in Sioux Falls and boasting extensive experience in a wide variety of professional lighting applications – including one-off events, tour production and permanent installations – Pinnacle Productions was the obvious choice for the Vikings administration when it came to designing and installing entertainment lighting equipment to enhance the arena’s game-day experience.

Led by one of the company’s partners, Jeff Meuzelaar, the Pinnacle team designed and installed a simple but effective lighting system which involved twelve ADJ Focus Spot 7Z fixtures attached via beam clamps to the arena’s roof structure. The units were strategically positioned above the ice so that specific fixtures can shoot directly down to hit the five faceoff circles, while the full complement of units offer coverage of the entire arena.

“We considered a number of potential fixtures for the project,” explained Jeff, “including ADJ’s Focus Spot 6Z and Focus Profile. However, we decided the Focus Spot 7Z was the ideal choice. Ultimately, we wanted the brightest fixture that we could get within the client’s budget as we didn’t know how the arena was going to control their overhead lighting.

“The 7Z is incredibly bright, has very good optics, and is also extremely versatile. One of the main requirements from the client’s perspective was that they wanted projections of their stylized Viking logo on the ice. We ordered custom glass GOBOs for all twelve fixtures to give complete flexibility. Installing them was very easy, even at 50 ft in the air, which we had to do because the project moved so quickly that the GOBOs didn’t arrive until after the fixtures were hung. Another reason we chose the Focus Spot 7Z was its LED light source, as accessing the units to change lamps would be problematic during the season. Overall, it was the perfect fixture for the job.” READ MORE ONLINE

SCOTIABANK ARENA – 200 LEVEL SUITES IMMERSIVE AUDIO WINNER ARENA

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Toronto, Canada

Architect: BBB Toronto ON

Lighting Designer: WJHW Dallas USS

Installer: Branch Audiovisual

Submitted by: Branch Audiovisual

In the realm of sports and entertainment, the atmosphere of being amidst the fervour of the game is unparalleled. Yet, those ensconced in the private suites of sports venues often encounter a peculiar dilemma: the luxury of exclusivity comes at the cost of feeling detached from the pulsating energy of the main arena. Addressing this conundrum, Branch Audiovisual (BAV) has innovatively bridged the gap between luxury and live action, introducing an avant-garde 360-degree immersive audio experience tailored for the 200-level suites at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada home of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leaf’s and the NBA’s Toronto Raptors.

This pioneering solution is a collaboration involving the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), BAV and Wrightson, Johnson, Haddon & Williams (WHJW). Together, they’ve conceptualised and executed a setup that virtually transports suite occupants directly into the heart of the arena’s excitement. The core of this audio marvel lies in its sophisticated components and meticulous programming.

Strategically placed Shure MXA910 microphones within the scoreboard area allows the team to capture specific areas of gameplay for both hockey and basketball games. The audio is then processed through their centralised QSYS Digital Signal Processor (DSP), ensuring clarity and precision in sound transmission.

The key to the project is the TiMax SoundHub product. TiMax creates full-saturation immersive audio that allows for the creation of a two-dimensional multi-zone playing surface package, laying the groundwork for this immersive audio landscape. The BAV Integration team in conjunction with the TiMax built the program to enable audio to envelope suite occupants in a sound field that mimics being in the outdoor seating bowl.

Each suite is equipped with a mix of Renkus Heinz, 1Sound, and QSC speakers, each selected for their exceptional sound reproduction qualities.

This collaboration marks a milestone in enhancing audio experiences within enclosed arena spaces. It demonstrates how technology can be harnessed to bridge the sensory gap between luxury suite isolation and the raw, unfiltered joy of live sports and entertainment events.

For MLSE, this means offering their suite guests an unparalleled auditory experience that keeps them truly connected with the game’s heart-pounding action.

This project presented several challenges.

1.Complex Acoustic Environments: Each suite presented a unique acoustic environment, influenced

by its size, shape, and furnishings. This variability necessitated a tailored approach to programming and calibration to achieve optimal sound quality across all areas.

Solution: Leveraging the versatility of the TiMax SoundHub, the team conducted detailed acoustic analyses of each suite. By adjusting the sound imaging and spatialisation parameters for the diverse speaker setups – combining Renkus Heinz, 1Sound, and QSC units—the team managed to create a consistent and immersive audio experience tailored to the specific acoustics of each suite.

2. Precision Timing and Coordination:

The synchronisation of sounds captured by Shure MXA910 microphones with the playback system in each suite required precise timing avoiding any delay discrepancies.

Solution: Through programming within the TiMax platform, the team fine-tuned the audio delay settings to ensure real-time sound transmission. This effort ensured that the excitement of live events was conveyed instantaneously, preserving the authenticity of the immersive experience.

3. Customisation Complexity:

The challenge was not just technical but also creative, requiring the programming of a multi-zone playing surface ‘package’ that could adapt to the dynamic nature of live sports and entertainment.

Solution: The team utilised the advanced capabilities of Soundhub to program complex, dynamic soundscapes that could change in response to the live action in the arena focusing on the realism of the immersive experience.

4. Stakeholder Collaboration:

Collaborating effectively with the diverse stakeholder group— including audio technicians, and arena management—was crucial. Ensuring that all parties’ expectations were met while adhering to technical feasibility was a balancing act.

Solution: Through regular meetings and demonstrations, the team effectively communicated the technical requirements and potential of the TiMax system, ensuring stakeholder buy-in and facilitating a collaborative approach to the project’s challenges.

Overcoming these challenges required a blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and collaborative effort. The result was a groundbreaking immersive audio experience that bridged the gap between the luxury of private suites and the electric atmosphere of the live arena, setting a new standard for sports and entertainment venues.

The innovative 360-degree immersive audio project at Scotiabank Arena stands as a beacon of creativity and technical ingenuity, making it a prime candidate for a MONDODR award. This project exemplifies how outside-the-box thinking and the ingenious utilisation of off-the-shelf components can revolutionise the spectator experience in sports and entertainment venues. The core reasons for its nomination are its innovative approach, a custom solution tailored for the client, and the potential for global replication in similar venues.

Innovation and Creativity –READ MORE ONLINE

VYBZ SHORTLISTED - BAR

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: New York City, USA

Lighting Designer: Tirso Pelaez, Tirso Lighting

Installer: Tirso Lighting

Submitted by: Tirso Lighting

Vybz Astoria represents a pinnacle of innovation in Bar design, marrying sophisticated interior aesthetics with cutting-edge visual technology to create an unparalleled nightlife experience. This project stands as a testament to our team’s ability to transform a client’s vision into reality, meticulously integrating modern LED lighting and custom led screens within an existing design. The project not only met the owners aspiration of bringing a slice of Las Vegas to New York but did so in a way that preserved and enhanced the venue’s original charm and vibe.

The integration of linear LED pixel bars, strategically placed to complement the venue’s gold panels and pergola ceiling design, introduced a layer of sophistication and modernism. The choice to use a tinted black diffuser ensured that the lights blended invisibly into the design when not in use but transformed the space into a vibrant spectacle once turned on. This careful consideration allowed us to enhance the ambiance subtly, creating an immersive experience that reacts dynamically to the bars programming, thereby achieving the Las Vegas-inspired

vibrancy the owner envisioned.

To elevate the existing artwork and offer a versatile canvas for digital art, we designed large LED screen panels framed to mimic traditional picture frames, finished in gold to match the bars existing palette. This approach allowed us to introduce modern technology in a way that felt intentional and intrinsic to the venue’s design. These displays, capable of showcasing an expanded digital art collection or branded content, have become a focal point for creating thematic experiences, thereby enriching the visual narrative of the bars events.

A primary challenge was ensuring the technological enhancements complemented, rather than overshadowed the existing interior design. To achieve this, meticulous planning and 3D space planning was used, allowing us to preview and refine the integration of LED screens within the existing layout. Another significant challenge was executing the installation with minimal disruption to the club’s operations. Through strategic scheduling and efficient coordination with electrical and millwork teams, we managed to implement the upgrades behind the scenes, unveiling the transformation just in time for the bars bustling weekend nights.

Winning an award for this project would recognise the creativity, technical skill, and sensitivity our team brought to Vybz Astoria, setting a new benchmark for blending technology with design in bar venues.

CHASING RABBITS SHORTLISTED - BAR

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Vail, Colorado, USA

Architect: Rockwell Group, USA

Installer: Anthem SSL Productions

Submitted by: 1 Sound

Chasing Rabbits is an elevated nightlife and entertainment venue that debuted within the Solaris Plaza in Vail, Colorado. Designed by Rockwell Group, the 13,000 sq ft concept comprises four spaces— the Restaurant, the Library, Moon Rabbit an intimate speakeasy cocktail bar featuring live jazz and international DJs, and Rabbit Hole a sophisticated arcade with karaoke during the week and renowned DJs on the weekends. “The interior has been conceived as a maze-like series of distinct experiences that unfold as you move throughout, where you are ‘chasing’ the rabbit to another world,” said Rockwell Group partner Shawn Sullivan in a Hospitality Design article. Anthem Productions was contracted to take on the entire venue’s installed audio integration and choose 1 SOUND for all of the rooms.

The Restaurant utilised the smallest model in the Cannon Series, the C4i which has a 4-inch coaxial and is special for its extended low-frenquency down to 100 Hz with high-fidelity sound quality. The C4i’s were distributed throughout the restaurant utilising the C-Clamp to mount to the walls and ceilings. For bass, 1 SOUND’s

Floor Subwoofer FSUB45’s, were distributed underneath the booths, resulting in a consistent distributed sound design and hidden subwoofers for easy listening in the space.

The Library, a more elevated dining room for special reservations or versatile space used for private events, utilised Cannon C4is and Tower LCC44 because of their controlled narrow on the vertical but wide horizontal dispersion pattern and also because of their SPL output in the case of private parties. These loudspeakers were hidden on the bookshelves in the room. SUB310s were used for bass coverage.

MoonRabbit, a sophisticated intimate cocktail lounge with weekly live jazz nights and word-class international DJs, utilised Tower LCC44’s that were mounted and aimed with the Tower Wall Bracket and SUB310s hidden in the room. Chasing Rabbits also invested in a portable Contour System that is used as a PA in Moon Rabbit for DJ performances and that is shared for headlining DJ monitors that perform in Rabbit Hole. “From our Live Jazz nights in the Moon Rabbit to our DJs in the Rabbit Hole, Lou [Founder & Designer of 1 SOUND] and Angelo [CEO of Anthem Productions] have created a uniquely detailed integration concept for an emotional audiophile experience that inspires our guests and musical artists,” says Todd Scheurich, Director of AV and IT for the Solaris Plaza, while commenting on the loudspeakers audio quality and the heard experience of the audio design.

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PALACE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Miami, Florida, USA

Installer: Infinite Audio Systems, Inc.

Submitted by: Powersoft

The Palace Bar, located in the heart of Ocean Drive in South Beach, Florida, has been serving up amazing dining experiences for more than three decades and holds an iconic status within the LGBTQ+ community. To the delight of its party-hungry crowd, the bar underwent a complete sound system overhaul throughout the entire venue, adding more oomph to its shows courtesy of 14 Powersoft amplifiers.

Since its opening in 1988, the Palace Bar has built a nationwide reputation thanks to its exuberant drag brunches and live entertainment. With around 1,500 guests visiting every weekend, the owner, Tom Donall, recognised the need for a sound system that could match the energy of the shows. Thus, he invested in new audio equipment that would be capable of conveying the energy of the Palace Bar shows.

It was important for the bar owner, who has been in the club business for 20 years and knows how important sound is to customer experience, to have the sound, clarity, and the bass impactful and evenly distributed. The brief given to Infinite Audio Systems was to deliver a sound system that is suitable for the lip-sync performances at the bar and is able to deliver “best sound and to give the punch and clarity” to represent the energy the Palace Bar performances create to the visitors. “This is why having high-quality audio was crucial for us. It sets the stage for the energy customers find here, ensuring each visit is a special experience,” explains Donall.

It is not only live shows Palace Bar’s sound system caters to. The venue also has top level DJ’s performing there and the audio system was optimised to ensure it was easy for the Palace Bar’s staff to adjust everything with an on/off switch for the areas they do not use all the time, as well as controlling the microphone volume levels.

The Palace Bar new audio setup consists of 50 Infinite Audio Systems speakers in the lower level, powered by Powersoft X Series, Quattrocanali and Duecanali amplifiers, and 12 speakers on the rooftop, also driven by Powersoft.

The venue comprises four different areas: café, dance floor, roof top and main outside area. Collaborating with Lord Toussaint, CEO of Miami-based loudspeaker manufacturer, Infinite Audio Systems, Tom Donall wanted to cover every part of the venue, so each customer that comes in can hear clear, high-quality sound wherever they are. “We needed a system where we could tailor each area to the requirements of what we needed,” says Donall. Donall and Toussaint designed the sound system together and went through the requirements of each area. The most important was to ensure the outside areas could withstand the outside elements, especially the salt from the ocean water, and that the audio system would be able to run the live show seven days a week, twice a day, while maintaining pristine sound quality.

One the challenges for the installation was to provide warmth, clarity, and fuller tonality, which was difficult for Toussaint to provide, as he says: “sometimes those don’t go hand in hand.” It was a complex scenario because of the live show that is performed on the terrace, at the front of the building, bleeds out onto the sidewalk and the streets. “It’s a very high-energy show that uses a lot of live microphones and house music tracks and it needs to work on the people, but then it also needs to be distributed across various areas throughout the venue,” says Toussaint.

The main challenge was to equally cover and synchronise all areas during the live shows. This proved challenging because all the areas are vastly different. To combat this, the integrator deployed speaker systems individually for each area, as if they were standalone systems and then united them as one via Biamp Tesira Server Class signal processing.

By using the power of Powersoft amplifiers, Infinite Audio Systems succeeded in captivating the Balance Bar audiences with exceptional sound quality.

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ROCK BAR BALI WINNER BAR

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Bali, Indonesia

Installer: Sontastic

Submitted by: Lynx Pro Audio

All cable runs are dug into the cliff in plastic tubes so protected from the elements and without disturbing the aesthetics. Also, special platforms were built on the cliff to ensure good positioning and coverage.

Given the particularities of the installation, Lynx Pro Audio speakers were chosen “for their pristine sound, range of colour options, and the Weather-resistant options for all speakers”, an option offered by the brand for extreme installations of this type, where the venues need protection designed to resist extreme weather conditions, such as sunlight, salt, and water.

Eight WCX-8 enclosures have been installed throughout the bar, a compact, modular two-way coaxial enclosure designed for outdoor applications. It has an 8-inch coaxial speaker that offers 70º conical dispersion coverage and a power of 300 W AES.

As powerful reinforcement for these enclosures, seven two-way HR-1596/7 enclosures have been installed, a full-range system with a power of 700 W AES. This enclosure has a wide coverage of 90º by 60º and a passive / bi-amplified selector, mounting a 15″ speaker together with a 1.4″ driver and a rotatable horn that allows you to choose the most appropriate coverage angle according to the installation.

To reinforce the low frequencies, three high-performance passive HR-218/12 subwoofers have been set up, with two 18inch speakers in direct radiation bass reflex configuration. With omnidirectional coverage and power of 1200 W AES.

Weather-resistant enclosures have specific features for greater durability outdoors and to withstand harder weather conditions: anodized aluminum logo for greater durability, stainless steel grille also available in aluminum with protective layer and microtextured paint, weatherstrip edging, acoustex filter to prevent penetration of water and external elements, 35 ppi acoustic foam to prevent dust particles from affecting internal components, waterproof protected cone on both sides, aluminum back plate with pressure gland for a tight connection and stainless steel screws.

For amplifiers, five Lynx Pro Audio TS series amplifiers have been set up on the south and north of the venue. These amplifiers were ideal with its high power efficiency, great sound and upside-down board design that could be treated with spray to resist corrosion.

This bar, part of the Ayana resort hotel, is located in a unique setting: along a 14m high limestone cliff on the Jimbaran coast, just a stone’s throw from the Indian Ocean.

The unusual shape of long stretches of seating on many levels and the close proximity to salt water, crushing waves, the harsh rays of tropical sunlight all year around, the DJ area carved directly into the rock and the “Round Bar” raised platform at the end of the cliff, poses tremendous challenges from an engineering perspective.

Distributor Melodia, together with their AV integrator partner

Sontastic, have been the companies in charge of renovating the bar’s sound, to ensure correct distribution and calibration of sound throughout the area using the most appropriate enclosures.

Rock Bar is both a happening sunset spot, a party venue and a scenic dining experience. Sometimes the sound needs to be soft to accompany sunset dining, other times there are parties and events that need high SPL. All without disturbing the five-star Ayana Resort above the venue.

Since there’s no sound engineer running the venue, it was imperative to have a system that is easy to operate as well as sounding great with various types of uses. Also, it was quickly determined the all speakers in the venue must be transformerless to deliver a punchy, full sound all along the 300m stretch of coastline that is Rock Bar.

Sontastic is one of SE Asia’s most experienced systems integrators for beach clubs and high-performance entertainment systems in tropical environments. Sontastic had already a good working relationship with Lynx Pro Audio, having worked with the Indonesian distributor, Melodia and having visited the Lynx Pro Audio factory in Valencia in the past.

Sontastic faced many challenges during the installation given the exceptional conditions of the location, unusual shape and make of the venue: to minimise cable runs there are four equipment racks along the 300m venue and each one of them is in an airconditioned space and connect by LAN cable.

“Bali’s most popular sunset” is how people describe Rock Bar Bali, one of the most iconic venues on the island, noted for magical sunsets, high-end cocktails and nightly entertainment since it’s humble beginnings in 2009.

What started as a small design bar on the stunning rock landscape of Jimbaran has grown to become one of the World’s best bars stretching about 300m from north to south.

Sontastic stated: “A well-designed audio system should cater to a diverse range of musical preferences. From mellow acoustic tunes during sunset hours to lively DJ sets after dark, the system should be versatile enough to adapt to the bar’s changing vibes seamlessly.” That’s why they chose the versatile and powerful Lynx Pro Audio systems.

Lynx Pro Audio professional sound systems are ideal for these situations, as they have great adaptability and options for complex installations. The brand never compromises on quality, offering not only highly resistant systems manufactured with care in its factory, but also offering a high level of technical and technological quality, with systems that incorporate software developed by its own engineers.

In late August 2023, Rock Bar celebrated their 14th Anniversary with the new sound system and the party was a blast! Sontastic, together with Lynx Pro Audio and Melodia, have delivered an outstanding package for this outstanding venue and in 2024 the team will continue the collaboration to expand with more areas and more sound in Rock Bar.

BRISTOL BEACON SHORTLISTED - CONCERT HALL

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Bristol, UK

Architects: Levitt Bernstein Architects

Lighting Designer: LSI Projects

Installer: Sound Space Vision

Acoustician: Bob Essert

Submitted by: Bristol Beacon

The refurbishment of Bristol Beacon was the first intervention in the building since the 1950s. Audio excellence was at the core of the redevelopment’s design, removing the overhanging balcony from the main hall and replacing it with 2 smaller balconies and acoustically focussed space for all types of music and performance.

In the main space, Beacon Hall, the sound equipment is comprised entirely of L-Acoustics, installed by LSI Projects. The sound reinforcement system can be deployed in two main configurations. A line-array system features 10 L-Acoustics Kata II on each side of the hall, alongside four boxes of KS21, connected with a Syva system and 5XTs to fill the concert hall with rich audio. The second configuration provides state-of-the-art speech reinforcement which is made up of 30 L-Acoustic 5XTs, 14 positioned as side balcony fills, four as box fills and two Syva at the bottom of the stage.

All of the L-Acoustic systems can be controlled remotely, allowing for different configurations across shows. Allen & Health mixing consoles were installed across the three halls with an S7000 and SQ5 as front-of-house mixing desks, alongside S3500 desks for monitors. Each is connected to consoles via GigaACE for audio distribution, networking and control, for Dante, AVB, NDI video and Green-Go Comms throughout the whole area. Dante Domain Manager Gold allows for secure audio data and facilitates audio

sharing for outside broadcasts.

As a world-renowned classical venue with three orchestras in residence, the team prioritised intelligible communication with four X8s hung from the back truss to allow the conductor to speak to the choir. Inflatable aQflex bass absorbers above the acoustic canopy control bass reverb beyond what the banners can do, and Beacon Hall is the first in the UK to use this technology. Paired with the PA systems, this allows for highly controllable sound. The entire audio system was designed to be adaptable, and when the front stage extension is deployed, the PA can be simply reconfigured with speakers muted to prevent sound directed at the stage.

Similarly to the audio configuration, Bristol Beacon wanted to ensure that all the lighting fixtures could adapt to a multitude of different shows to reduce artists’ touring equipment and transportation. As such, the team focused on a carefully selected assembly of lights that were compatible with as many shows as possible.

Beacon Hall’s lighting equipment is filled with some of the most sought-after products within the industry. All installed by LSI, the main space’s wash lights are 28 Robe Spiiders, with an additional 14 Ayrton Diablo S selected as the framing shutter units due to their very small profile, enabling them to fit under the truss without hitting the canopy. Most of the main hall light is achieved through 10 Ayrton Eurus TCs that sit atop the front truss, which can be moved and focused when needed to ensure a fast turnaround between shows. The ease and flexibility of lighting fixtures can change the tone of the hall to complement the event.

As the largest concert hall in the South West of England, the lighting needed to suit amplified sound, orchestras, spoken word and performers all over the spaces.

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WITOLD LUTOSŁAWSKI CHAMBER PHILHARMONIC

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Łomża, Poland

Installer: Audio Plus, Warsaw

Submitted by: L-Acoustics

Established in 1977, the Witold Lutosławski Chamber

Philharmonic in the Northeastern city of Łomża was named in honour of the Polish composer and conductor, considered to be the country’s greatest musician since Chopin, and ranked amongst the most significant 20th-century classical musicians. After many years in different locations, almost two thousand performances, and receiving numerous awards for its artistic achievements and contribution to the development of musical culture, the Philharmonic took the ambitious step of rebuilding an existing venue and refurbishing it to an ideal specification for music performances. That specification includes a comprehensive, state-of-the-art loudspeaker system from L-Acoustics.

“The building that we chose was designed for sports, not for music, so we needed to completely rebuild it for the Philharmonic,” explains Jan Milosz Zarzycki, general and artistic director of the Łomża Philharmonic. “The project was several years in the making and included significant structural changes, followed by a delayed opening due to the pandemic.

To achieve the Philharmonic’s goals, the roof needed to be rebuilt from scratch to accommodate heavier loads. The concert hall interior was deepened, and the foyer was adapted into a new concert space for chamber concerts. “As the construction advanced, we began to search for an audio system that would be the centerpiece of the new hall,” continues Zarzycki. “While many classical performances would remain acoustic, we required a flawless sound reinforcement system for pop music concerts. We also needed a system that would blend in with the architecture and not visually overwhelm the hall.”

Warsaw-based distributor Audio Plus was the leading contractor for the project, designing and coordinating all technology elements for the complex redesign. Having previously designed award-winning L-Acoustics systems, including Cavatina Hall in the south of Poland, Audio Plus was confident that the brand had the power, clarity, and flexibility for a project that needed to cater to content that would range from acoustical, reinforced, and hybrid.

“This is a great example of an installation that we have tackled from A to Z for the entire stage technology, not just the sound system in which we specialize,” says Robert Kukiełka, Project Manager at Audio Plus. “This allowed us to coordinate different parts of the installation, from acoustic adaptation to mechanics, light, and sound. We are proud to have equipped a facility that boasts world-class equipment for many years to come and L-Acoustics’ exceptional reputation and product portfolio firmly positions them at the centre of this refurbishment.”

The venue comprises a concert hall, foyer, sound booth, and recording studio. The concert hall sound design was created in cooperation with specialist consultants ewkAkustika, which managed the acoustic design, with technology design from SDST.

“Several proprietary products were used to shape the concert hall’s acoustics, with a windowless sound booth allowing engineers to listen directly to the hall’s audio feed,” explains Ewa Więckowska-Kosmala, Acoustics Designer at ewkAkustika. “The foyer, which is used as a second performance space, has also

been acoustically treated.”

The main concert hall audio configuration comprises two hangs of eight Kiva II, topped by two SB15 subwoofers, with a further four SB18 subwoofers positioned on the floor. Six 5XT compact 2-way passive cabinets provide front-fill, while two X12 point source cabinets mounted beside the main hangs are used as stage fills. The entire system is powered by five LA4X amplified controllers, while a P1 Processor drives the Milan-AVB networked system. Monitoring for the orchestra is managed via six X12 and two X8 coaxial enclosures powered by three LA4X amplified controllers, while sound booth monitoring comprises two 108P cabinets.

With classical performances typically reliant on the direct sound of the hall, the house engineers can use either the SB15 subs or further increase the low frequencies by using the SB18, depending on the type of music being played. Different configurations can be quickly recalled using the P1 processor, which also automatically tunes the system if the humidity or temperature conditions within the venue change.

“We intended to create a venue with the ideal aesthetics and technical specification to befit a world-leading classical company,” concludes Zarzycki. “The audio system in the refurbished concert hall has not only met our expectations, but it has exceeded them. We are thankful for the excellent project management from Audio Plus. We are particularly thrilled by the architectural subtlety that the L-Acoustics installation has brought to the project, and the team is amazed at the results.”

AARHUS MUSIKHUSET SHORTLISTED - CONCERT HALL

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Aarhus, Denmark

Installer: Aarhus Musikhuset

Submitted by: Robe

Aarhus Musikhuset has recently invested in Robe PAINTE moving lights and TX1 PosiProfiles for three of its halls. The Rhythmic Hall (Rytmisk Sal) also known as the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall has eight PAINTES, the Small Hall (Lille Sal) has seven TX1, with another eight TX1s – four with gobos – for the 1,172-capacity Symphonic Hall (Symfonisk Sal).

The lights were specified by the Musikhuset’s head of lighting Henrik Hambro and his crew, and delivered by Robe’s Danish distributor, Light Partner.

The venue is a cultural and entertainment beacon at the heart of Denmark’s lively second city and stages over 1,400 shows and productions annually. Originally opened in 1982, it was substantially expanded in 2007 to over 40,000 square metres of facilities offering seven differently sized and styled performance spaces including the three mentioned above.

A diverse and action-packed programme embraces music, dance, comedy, and all forms of live performance from the experimental to the classical and areas of the Musikhuset are also hired for business and private events.

Henrik has been working there for the last 15 years and runs the lighting department comprising six full time staff, who were all involved in the final decision about which lights to purchase.

The eight PAINTES in Rhythmic Hall are providing front light, so high CRI was top of the features wish-list for this, and this space is frequently used for chamber music concerts, so low noise was also important. Henrik likes the punch of the PAINTES, the size fits perfectly with the lower trim height, and this fixture is also

perfectly suited for the music and performance genre of this Hall. In the larger Symphonic Hall, the lighting team wanted to be able to do some creative and funky lighting with colouring and texturing on the ceiling and walls as appropriate, so that’s why eight of the TX1s were delivered with the gobo module.

It was initially intended to place the TX1 PosiProfiles – ideal for when a fixture needs some features of both moving and static light sources – in a tight position in the roof at the sides of the Symphonic Hall as they don’t need additional space for re-setting / calibrating.

The intimate 314 seat Small Hall is truly multipurpose and used for business events, cultural shows, unplugged concerts, lectures, meetings and conferences and sometimes as a cinema – it has a large screen upstage, so the TX1s were a great choice for general lighting.

The quality of the light output of both fixture types was tested and researched thoroughly including against different coloured shirts, faces and skin tones and colour checkers.

Robe’s TE (TRANSFERRABLE ENGINE) technology was also instrumental in the final choice of PAINTES.

Henrik explains that – obviously – any new lighting needed to be LED and as sustainable as possible, but Robe’s whole TE philosophy really impressed them in offering all the practical benefits of extending the fixture’s longevity with a TRANSFERRABLE ENGINE light source that can be changed at any time.

“This greatly increases the product’s sustainability value and enhances its adaptability as the engine can also be swapped out for a light source with different characteristics at a later date if requirements change – without having the swap the entire fixture,” commented Henrik. “To us that makes total sense – why wouldn’t you!”

WINNER CONCERT HALL

THE TUNG AUDITORIUM

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Liverpool, UK

Architect: Ellis Williams Architects

Acoustician: Arup, Simon Jackson, Senior Consultant (Venues)

Installer: Adlib

Submitted by: Adlib

Nestled in the heart of the University of Liverpool’s campus, The Tung Auditorium combines innovative architectural design with the latest acoustic technology to form an exciting blend. The brand-new, state-of-the-art concert hall can transform itself, in a flash, to accommodate a wide variety of music whilst moments later being ready for teaching, redefining what a modern performance venue can be.

Working hand in hand with partners including Ellis Williams Architects, Arup’s Senior Consultant (Venues) Simon Jackson, and the University of Liverpool, the Adlib team, led by Project Managers Stuart Fraser and Paul Holt, has helped to create a venue where creativity and innovation shine, captivating performers and audiences alike.

“The Tung needed to be adaptable and reconfigurable.”

As Tung’s Artistic Director Richard Hartwell explains, the venue needed to be flexible to meet the brief of facilitating pianists, string quartets, singers, and up to 70-piece orchestras whilst also being used as a lecture hall as part of its daily operation.

Collaborating with Arup and working to their cutting-edge audio specification, the Adlib team installed a variable acoustic system that adapts to the unique essence of each performance, changing reverberation time from 1.8 seconds to 1.2 as required. Using an HMI touchscreen handset, Tung’s Technical Manager can adjust the positioning of motorised acoustic curtains to change the space. With pre-sets that include curtain locations for classical performance, classical rehearsal, amplified music, and lectures, the auditorium’s acoustics quickly become tailored to match the performance type, ensuring that every note resonates beautifully.

The acoustic drape system is complemented by a LINA Line Array Loudspeaker System from Meyer Sound, further supported by a couple of loudspeakers on either side of the stage. For control, Adlib supplied one of the first Yamaha Rivage PM3 mixing consoles for mixing performance audio levels.

The house lighting system is centred around Adlib’s implementation of the ETC Paradigm system, which continues with the theme of embracing cutting-edge technology that enables quick venue transformations. Seamlessly integrated, the Paradigm system serves as a control hub for the auditorium’s lighting, providing precision and flexibility in illuminating the stage, audience, and rest of the venue. With a simple button press, the venue can quickly switch between lectures and performance modes or allow touring productions to take control.

In the control room opposite the stage, sits the venue’s integrated live streaming system, which comprises Blackmagic Design ATEM Television Studio PRO HD Vision Mixer for live switching and playback, Blackmagic Web Presenter for live streaming,

CONCERT HALL SPONSORED BY

Hyperdeck Studio used for recording and playback, and BirdDog PTZ Keyboard used for control of venue’ installed PTZ Camera and any other additional camera equipment required by the venue technical team.

To facilitate all the different uses of the space, Adlib have integrated a motor system with the primary goal of moving everything from a series of trusses with lighting fixtures to a very large projector cinema screen or any other equipment brought in with touring productions.

The motor system includes eight motorised winches, with the main operation drum, the power-wind drum, responsible for deploying or retracting metal rope as the system moves. For control, Adlib have designed and supplied a hoist motor control system that includes directional selection switches allowing for precise, vertical positioning of the hung equipment.

Alongside the motorised winches, in the attic room above the auditorium, sits the igus HD e-spool cable management system. Being one of the largest systems out there, it has been deployed to address the challenges of dynamic cable management. The e-spool is characterised by its ingenious twister band that moves cables along without twisting them, thus offering the venue a reliable and efficient way to manage its large amounts of data, audio, and multi-core cabling.

“A space like this will continue to provide for audiences for decades to come.”

As the curtains draw to a close, The Tung Auditorium stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of artistic vision and technical innovation. Guided by collaborative efforts with Adlib, Ellis Williams Architects, Arup, and the University of Liverpool, the auditorium has evolved into a space that nurtures creativity. Richard Hartwell, Tung’s Artistic Director, concludes, “Right at the outset, the most important thing is getting the right team involved. We feel very well supported by Adlib and feel the team was personally invested in what we were doing there. I think it’s more than just a job.”

Arup’s Senior Consultant (Venues), Simon Jackson, added, “We felt like the space that we’ve ended up with, as a result of Adlib’s care and due diligence, has made it the success that it is.”

The Tung Auditorium faced several challenges during its installation. Acoustics were a primary concern from the design to the construction phases of the project, necessitating careful consideration for the audio and lighting systems. This involved selecting lighting fixtures based on noise levels and operational timings, as well as ensuring that the audio system was well-suited for the performance space and could accommodate various acoustic scenarios. To meet the client’s request for a surround sound system, additional loudspeakers were installed, allowing for different configurations as needed.

Apart from audio considerations, the venue’s acoustics extended to stage engineering elements, requiring minimal noise from winches moving equipment. Acoustic isolation pads were used to reduce noise transmission through the building structure.

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SHORTLISTED - HOTEL

KWETU NAIROBI, CURIO COLLECTION

BY HILTON

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Architect: Hilton Architecture, Design & Construction

Acoustician: Hilton Architecture, Design & Construction

Installer: Audio Feed

Submitted by: Funktion-One

Kwetu Nairobi, Curio Collection by Hilton provides a perfect fusion of old historic charm and modern contemporary design, with a blend of comfort and luxury. Nestled in the centre of the Nairobi upper class embassy district, close to a protected Karura forest home to wildlife and many bird species, the main aim was to reduce the sound dispersion and reduce the environmental impact to these areas while delivering high fidelity audio to the hotel’s patrons.

The hotel consists of five individual, interconnected blocks, each containing 20 rooms of varying sizes, themes, and designs and all overlooking the peaceful forested landscape. Guests can relax by the serene poolside, indulge in a spa treatment, or enjoy a wide range of cuisines from one of the multiple restaurants.

Audio Feed working closely with local partner Frontier Audio installed Funktion-One sound systems in the key areas of the hotel complex. This included F101.2s and MB212s in the rooftop lounge, F81.2s in the conservatory, F1201.2s in the outdoor oasis, Evo 6SHs and BR118s for the pool deck, F55s around the pool bar and surrounding areas, with additional Funktion-One Compact Range speakers used around the venue. MC2 amplification was specified throughout. In total there are 30 inputs and 20 zones.

Some of the major technical challenges Audio Feed (working in collaboration with local partner Frontier Audio) faced during this project:

They were hired halfway through the project, as it became clear that the previous supplier was unable to deliver the technical requirements requested: high fidelity audio with minimal propagation offsite. This meant beginning on the back foot and installing many areas that were near completion. The install team had to toil to get our cables through trays and conduiting that were almost at their maximum capacity.

Operating in a third world country created some unique challenges. The electrical installation and health and safety standards were often woefully inadequate. Audio Feed and Frontier Audio were determined to work safely and meet UK standards onsite, however, this was severely tested.

Flooding from rains, lack of equipment readily available spares meant planning well in advance for any occurrences that may have impacted the schedule.

There were some major changes along the way. For example, whole corridors and additional requirements for the spaces such as a spa and gym were implemented halfway through the build meaning doing several runs of cabling through completed walls to achieve the client’s requirements.

As this project was in East Africa, spare parts are not readily available. Audio Feed shipped out spare amplifiers, spare network switches and spare zone control items. Two days before opening, there was a critical zoning component failure, resulting in some serious improvisation to get the system up

and running until a replacement part arrived in Kenya two weeks later.

The project ending up being 12 months later than originally planned, due to ongoing construction issues, meaning safe storage had to be found for the equipment for that period.

This project represents a triumph of collaboration and championing of talent and expertise in a developing market.

In December 2016, Federico Pirzio-Biroli and Audio Feed’s Oz Jefferies landed in Kenya for the Kilifi New Year’s Eve festival armed with a Funktion-One sound system and a passion for sharing high-quality audio with others. Through Pirzio-Biroli’s philanthropy and Jefferies’ technical expertise, Audio Sans Frontieres was born.

The goal was to take world class sound systems to places that potentially don’t have easy access to them.

After providing the sound system for the New Year event, Pirzio-Biroli and Jefferies decided to keep it in Kenya, and set up Audio Sans Frontieres to manage the system and its African projects. This led to a commercial arm – Frontier Audio – being established in 2018. The company now has three full time employees.

This project showcases the benefits of the collaboration while strengthening the local expertise. Generally speaking, East Africa lacks expertise for large scale audio over network systems. While delivering this project, Audio Feed engineers from the UK provided training to increase the expertise of the African work force, and this training will continue. All post installation work and training is being carried out remotely with Frontier Audio being the support on the ground.

The outcome is experienced Funktion-One users in Kenya, who had active roles in the installation and ongoing support.

MOXY DTLA & AC HOTEL

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: California, USA

Architect: Gensler

Installer: Anthem SSL Productions

Submitted by: 1 SOUND

Anthem SSL Productions has built a relationship with Moxy Hotels in the last 5 years, and more recently incorporated 1 SOUND loudspeakers in 2 of Moxy’s latest new hotels. This new venture was monumental for the franchise, Moxy DTLA is joined by AC Hotel in a side-by-side 37-story tower, with a firstof-its-kind multi-dimensional hospitality concept on one of the floors titled, Level 8.

Anthem was awarded the entire audio integration for this project and chose to take a leap, implementing exclusively 1 SOUND. Angelo Poulos, CEO of Anthem Productions, and 1 SOUND’s CEO and designer Lou Mannarino “put their heads together” to develop an outstanding audio design with special attention to each unique location, particularly those inhabiting Level 8. A project that would end up taking a full year of audio designing and installing loudspeakers, with custom loudspeaker colour changes down to a week and a half before opening.

With about 180 plus loudspeakers, this project utilised about every loudspeaker in 1 SOUND’s catalogue and powered by Powersoft amplifiers, spread across Level 8, the AC Hotel’s Lobby, La Lo La Rooftop space, AC Bar and Lounge as well as the Moxy lobby and Bar Moxy.

The entire complex is networked via BSS Audio HiQnet London Architect with audio signal sent throughout all 34 stories and both towers. Because the two hotels – The Moxy and AC Hotel–are linked so closely, Poulos explains, “We had to integrate the same control system, and to be able to do routing of the music from the lobby to the elevators to the event spaces in there.”

Poulos built custom GUIs for individual areas and on Level 8, they’re all connected. There are remotes on the walls for each room. There’s also significant and specific zoning for different

sections. “So when you’re using the GUI on the network, you can control just about anything from it.”

Level 8 is an ambitious concept by the Houston Brothers, consisting of 8 immersive restaurants and clubs that are all connected and situated back to back. Some are relatively straightforward spaces, such as Maison Kasai, billed as an interactive dining experience from a Michelin-starred chef, with deployed WSUB45i (Wall Subwoofer with a recessed French cleat) that hang flush higher up on the walls and with distributed Cannon C6s, and The Brown Sheep, an outdoor rooftop patiostyle dining space with audio delivered by a combination of C5s and SUB12s.

Other spaces that are more unique also became more complex with audio. Lucky Mizu, for example, a Japanese restaurant featuring a 40-foot ‘Earth Harp’ that acts as an enormous, immersive instrument across the whole ceiling of the restaurant. Among the elements are recessed SUB10s that were changed by 1 SOUND Custom Shop to match the wall’s colour and then Cannon C6s. More traditional venues like Que Barbaro, a South American restaurant, have down-firing WSUB45s suspended with threaded rods and 1 SOUND C-Clamp Accessories and C6s.

“The Cannons are soft on the ear and high fidelity,“ Mannarino says, “and there’s an extra octave of low end in the Cannons that allows them to sound full-range in all the locations. The WSUB45 also has unique properties, in that it’s a very fast transient sub, a quick sounding sub, front-loaded, with a big round sound that’s more hi-fi and matches the Cannons extremely well.”

The piano bar required custom wood finish cardioid Tower LCC44 loudspeakers, with booths custom built with a grille opening to hide SUB310s but allow air to push out to not muffle the sonic qualities of the bass.

The standout venue of Level 8 is the Sinners y Santos nightclub, with deployed Contour CT212, a 3-way constant directivity horn loaded point source, as the mains at the dance floor/DJ booth, with distributed Contour CT28s, Cannon C8s as DJ monitors, SUB215s, and SUB2112s.

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SHORTLISTED - HOTEL

VIRGIN HOTELS EDINBURGH

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Edinburgh, UK

Installer: Adlib

Submitted by: Adlib

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh in Old Town’s India Buildings blends luxury and technology, reflecting the brand ethos through personalised service and a fusion of food, music, design, and local culture. With Adlib, they enhanced the guest experience with a bespoke audio environment, aligning with the brand’s musical focus and commitment to excellence.

The hotel’s Commons Club, a central social hub, features distinct spaces such as The Bar, The Shag Room, The Kitchen, and The Restaurant, each offering a unique experience. The Bar, equipped with QSC AD-S4T loudspeakers and QSC AD-S28T subwoofers, provides a cosy setting for guests to enjoy cocktails and connect with others. The Shag Room, powered by LA2Xi and L-Acoustics X8 loudspeakers, offers an immersive audio experience in an intimate environment.

Descending to the lower level, guests discover The Kitchen and The Restaurant, showcasing local and international cuisine. These dining venues are enhanced by discreet audio installations featuring QSC AD-S.SAT loudspeakers and QSC AD-S.SUB subwoofers concealed in furnishings.

Eve, a dedicated live venue, restaurant, and coffee bar at the hotel, features industry-leading audio equipment, including the main hang of L-Acoustics A10i Wide and A10i Focus loudspeakers per side with KS28 subwoofers behind. Two pairs of L-Acoustics X12 delay loudspeakers complement these to maintain consistent sound levels throughout the room without making the area immediately in front of the stage overbearing. For mixing and playback, Adlib integrated an Allen & Heath SQ5

console with a DX168 Stagebox, two Pioneer CDJ2000NXS2 decks, a Pioneer DJM900 mixer, and two limited-edition red Technics SL1200M7L turntables to keep within the brand colours.

The Courtyard, equipped with QSC loudspeakers, ensures a fantastic audio experience indoors and outdoors. Greyfriars Hall, a versatile function room, offers impeccable sound quality with L-Acoustics Syva loudspeakers and bass extensions.

Across public areas like the Coffee Bridge, Funny Library, Reception, or Oculus Lounge, guests can enjoy high-quality audio from QSC pendant and ceiling loudspeakers discreetly integrated into the spaces.

With over 120 loudspeakers integrated by Adlib, the audio environment at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh has been transformed, enhancing the overall guest experience, and paying homage to the brand’s musical heritage.

The networking aspect of the audio installation at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh plays a crucial role in delivering reliable audio distribution and a smooth user experience for the hotel’s staff throughout the building.

The installation utilises the QSC CXD8.4Q, CXD4.3Q, and CXD4.2Q network power amplifiers to amplify the audio signals, ensuring crystal-clear sound reproduction across all venues. The QSC Q-Sys I/O-8 Flex expands the system’s input and output capabilities, accommodating various audio sources and destinations.

At the heart of the network infrastructure are the QSC NS-1148P and NS-1124P Q-Sys network switches, facilitating smooth communication between devices for optimal performance. Together, these components create a robust and intricate audio ecosystem within the hotel, offering its users an efficient and feature-packed audio solution that is easy to use via a web browser or dedicated iPad tablets anywhere in the building.

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COPACABANA PALACE, A BELMOND HOTEL WINNER HOTEL

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Architect: Tah Arquitetura E Consultoria

Lighting Designer: Monica Luz Lobo, LD Studio

Submitted by: Pharos Architectural Controls

As part of a lighting renovation on the façade of the world-famous Copacabana Palace, a Belmond Hotel, a system from Pharos Architectural Controls is being used for lighting control.

The hotel, which adorns the lively Copacabana beachfront in the Brazilian Capital city of Rio de Janeiro has been a feature of the area since opening in 1923. With a large swimming pool, plush bedrooms and plenty of places to dine and drink, it is no surprise that visitors flock to the Copacabana Palace Hotel to soak up the Brazilian sun and enjoy the area.

Award-winning design and lighting company LD Studio was commissioned to deliver the redevelopment of the façade lighting.

The project was led by architect and certified lighting designer Monica Luz Lobo. It was important to the owners of the hotel that the project brought together the tradition of the famed hotspot, with a contemporary feel. Monica has been able to achieve this through her unique vision.

To fulfil the lighting control element of the design, a Designer Lighting Playback Controller (LPC) from Pharos has been specified.

The LPC is controlling a range of architectural linear solutions from LED lighting manufacturer Tryka. The system utilises DMX technology and enables the façade to be changed to different colours, patterns and themes when required, triggered by an iPad touch interface.

The objective of the Copacabana Palace Hotel installation was to rejuvenate the hotel’s iconic façade as part of its centenary celebrations; reducing the famed hotspot’s environmental impact while infusing it with a contemporary feel.

One of the main challenges was the short deadline given for completion. The success of the project relied on all partners working symbiotically, which added pressure on delivering results within the specified timeframe. This required effective project management and coordination among all parties to meet the deadline without compromising on quality. Despite the constraints, the goal was clear: to revive the Copacabana Palace Hotel, preserving its heritage while breathing new life into its exterior.

Another significant challenge was the need to integrate contemporary, energy-efficient LED lighting technology to illuminate the façade while maintaining the traditional charm and heritage of the historic hotel. Balancing the desire for striking visual effects with sustainability considerations posed a challenge that needed to be addressed during the planning and implementation phases.

Monica Luz Lobo, architect and certified lighting designer at LD Studio, had to strike a balance between the hotel’s iconic status and the need for modernisation. Her task was to ensure that the lighting design met the aesthetic and functional requirements of the project. This involved creating dynamic lighting effects that could be adjusted for different occasions, such as international holidays and national events. Monica was able to achieve this by bringing her unique vision to life using a lighting control system from Pharos Architectural Controls. A two universe Designer LPC (Lighting Playback Controller) from Pharos was specified to fulfil the lighting control element of the design.

The LPC controls a range of architectural linear solutions from LED lighting manufacturer Tryka. The system utilises DMX technology and enables the façade to be changed to different colours, patterns and themes when required, triggered by an iPad touch interface.

The project beautifully merges the rich heritage of the Copacabana Palace Hotel with cutting-edge lighting technology. By seamlessly blending tradition with modernity, it preserves the hotel’s historic charm while introducing captivating visual elements.

The innovative design transforms the hotel’s façade into a dynamic canvas, capable of adapting to various occasions and events. The creative vision enhances the hotel’s aesthetic appeal and elevates its status as an iconic landmark in Rio de Janeiro.

By illuminating the façade, the hotel can now be appreciated even during hours of darkness, with its architecture and striking nature being explored through light. To work in harmony with the new lighting, the façade has been restored; and painted in a unique shade of pearly white to showcase its century-old beauty. Implementing a sophisticated lighting control system required technical expertise and precision. The seamless integration of the Designer LPC from Pharos Architectural Controls showcases a high level of technical proficiency, ensuring optimal performance and functionality. The LPC features individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes. It offers the freedom of real-time manual overrides, with the versatility of powerful show control and integration features. With a compact form and minimal power requirements, the LPC can be installed anywhere. By utilising energy-efficient LED lighting, the project aligns with sustainability goals while enhancing the hotel’s nighttime aesthetic. This environmentally conscious approach underscores a commitment to responsible design and operation.

This customisation allows for the hotel to celebrate national days and holidays through a visual display using the façade as the canvas. These include international festivities such as Christmas and New Year and national events including Carnival.

As a must-see destination for visitors to Rio, the glamorous and sophisticated Copacabana Palace Hotel is a star on the Rio skyline, sparkling against the backdrop of the city, representing its history and culture and the Brazilian way of life.

SHORTLISTED - HOUSE OF WORSHIP

DERBY CATHEDRAL

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Derby, UK

Installer: Acoustic Solutions, UK

Submitted by: KV2 Audio

Founded in 1943, the Cathedral Church of All Saints – better known as Derby Cathedral – is one of Derby’s most beautiful and historic sites that holds many monuments of Derby’s and Derbyshire’s past. An important spiritual venue for the city and surrounding areas, the Cathedral hosts no fewer than 18 services per week, plus special and seasonal services to celebrate important events in the religious calendar.

The Cathedral recently turned to specialist consultant and integrator, Charles Brown of Acoustic Solutions to upgrade their audio solution to bring it into line with modern requirements. The Cathedral needed clarity of the spoken word and detailed, low-level playback that could be perfectly heard without overexciting the acoustics of the building. Brown demonstrated several products from several brands, but it was the ESD25 and ESD5 from KV2 that the cathedral (and Brown) preferred above anything else.

Brown replaced around 30 100v line loudspeakers with a total of 16 ESD cabinets in white to blend seamlessly with the architecture. He deployed 4 of the larger, more powerful ESD25s at the front of the space near the altar to provide a little more bottom end, adding that the acoustics are such that any bass frequencies fill the space without effort. The rest of the Cathedral is covered by 12 of the more compact ESD5s.

An Allen & Heath AHM matrix mixer defines eight speaker zones allowing areas to be isolated when not in use and the levels of each zone to be adjusted for flawless coverage with no hotspots

or dead zones. The main challenge with houses of worship projects in general is creating a system that complements and respects historic architecture. The KV2 solution was discreet and unimposing, which meant that it blended into Derby Cathedral’s aesthetic well and didn’t disturb any of the original features.

Apart from this, Audio Solutions faced no challenges with the installation. It was a resounding success and, since the project’s completion, there has been nothing but praise for the system.

Derby Cathedral operations manager said: “We’ve had a huge number of positive comments about how the new system looks and sounds from members of the Cathedral community. It just goes to show that it’s already making a significant impact on the quality of our services, which is marvellous.”

– A comprehensive audio solution met all the needs of Derby Cathedral, including speech intelligibility, live streaming and detailed, low-level playback.

– The KV2 solution is sufficiently compact that it fits in architecturally, yet loud enough without being intrusive and with clarity and detail.

– The solution respected the historic venue, with Acoustic Solutions choosing white models so that the products would blend seamlessly with the space.

– Since the solution was installed, Derby Cathedral has received huge amounts of praise for the system.

– The KV2 solution has had a huge impact on the quality of the services.

SHORTLISTED - HOUSE OF WORSHIP

KHAWANEEJ MOSQUE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Installer: Artabesk

Submitted by: Digital Projection

Throughout the month of Ramadan, after the sunset, the Khawaneej Mosque captivated audiences with a mesmerising video mapping projection loop animation by Digital Projection’s partner Artabesk. This show was a part of Ramadan In Dubai Reflection, which was organised by Dubai Tourism and ran until 23rd April. The event featured impressive projection mapping shows, accompanied by lantern-lit streets.

The Khawaneej Mosque video mapping projection show aimed to enhance the atmosphere of Ramadan by creating a visually impressive experience. Overcoming the challenges posed by Dubai’s light pollution, the installation required high brightness levels alongside high resolution capabilities without compromising colour accuracy. To achieve this, Artabesk turned to Digital Projection’s esteemed TITAN and M-Vision laser projector ranges. Artabesk used three TITAN Laser 37000 WU projectors. A classleading 3-Chip DLP projector that delivers up to 37000 (WUXGA) or up to 31000 (4K-UHD) lumens, the TITAN Laser 37000 is an ideal projector for large outdoor applications. It was complemented by seven M-Vision 23000 WU, a remarkably powerful 1-DLP laser projector with 23,000 lumens output.

“One of the most crucial part for us was to ensure the mapping was perfectly aligned, and the brightness was high enough,” states Mounir Harbaoui, architectural projection designer and founder of Artabesk. “In order to create a stunning visual experience for the

audience, the projectors needed to boast impressive brightness levels. This is the reason we chose these specific models from Digital Projection.”

The Khawaneej Mosque mapping installation featured a strategic placement of seven projectors positioned all around the holy place. Artabesk placed two projectors in a portrait position to project to the minaret, with the remaining projectors set in landscape mode.

Dubai has a significant amount of light pollution that always affects projection mapping shows. Overcoming the challenges posed by the light pollution, the installation required high brightness levels alongside high resolution capabilities without compromising colour accuracy. To achieve this, Artabesk turned to three Digital Projection’s TITAN Laser 37000 WU projector. 3-Chip DLP projector that delivers up to 37000 (WUXGA) lumens, ideal for outdoor applications. And seven M-Vision 23000 WU, a powerful 1-DLP laser projector with 23,000 lumens output.

Mounir Harbaoui, architectural projection designer and founder of Artabesk explains that the most crucial part was to ensure the mapping was perfectly aligned and the brightness was high enough to create a stunning visual experience for the audience.

The Khawaneej Mosque mapping installation featured a placement of seven projectors positioned all around the mosque, with two projectors placed in a portrait position to project to the minaret, and the remaining projectors were set in landscape mode. To deliver content for images under 20 metres wide, the M Vision 23000 WU projectors, boasting a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, were deployed. The TITAN Laser 37000 WU projectors were used for larger images over 20 metres wide.

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Pieces of Heaven

#LEDplayedinBerlin

Studio 14 is open.

rbb rearranged their studio in the 14th oor of the rbb-Fernsehzentrum in the city center of Berlin, Germany. Intended to be a studio as well as a club, a restaurant, an eventlocation and a large scale meeting room, the Studio 14 invites people to be closer to heaven. Depending on the purpose of the room furniture and the lighting can be changed between fun and functional.

Our rgbw-tiles D50 are used in clusters to lighten the room with an outstanding lightquality and to connect the ceiling to the sky.

Photo by KOY + WINKEL Fotografie

SANCTUARY OF LOURDES SHORTLISTED - HOUSE OF WORSHIP

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Lourdes, France

Installer: ACE Event Group

Submitted by: Arbane Groupe

Lourdes is one of the most important Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world, covering 53 hectares and 22 places of worship, drawing in six million pilgrims from around the world every year.

After three decades of service, the outdoor audio system found itself showing the signs of its journey after weathering extreme temperatures (-10°C winters and +40°C summers), humidity and daily operation.

Inside the basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, built between 1883 and 1889 and capable of accommodating 1,500 worshippers on a surface area of 2,000 m², the ageing sound system was lacking intelligibility and needed to be changed. Audiomaster Technologie was given a brief to improve intelligibility and diffusion inside the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and to upgrade the outdated sound system outside.

Outside, where the acoustics can be compared to a classical music venue, the end user wanted to give the people walking down the main street a more immersive and smooth sound experience, hence a decision was made to have no delay and install the loudspeakers facing each other to deliver the same sound everywhere at the same time.

Inside, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary the sound system needed to be reliable, completely automated and digitalised as much as possible. The install needed to improve the visitors experience and not be seen by the pilgrims.

The basilica has no stained glass windows, but impressive mosaics covering over 2000m², and the sound system had to be capable of ensuring perfect intelligibility but also respect the architecture, especially the decorations and mosaics.

After multiple tests, trials and comparisons between a variety of manufactures, Audiomaster Technologie turned to Active Audio column speakers that were able to cover the entire basilica, which can hold up to 1,500 worshippers, with six column loud-speakers.

The Sanctuary of Lourdes’ Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary needed to revamp its exterior and interior sound system to reach better STI and intelligibility due to receiving complaints from worshippers visiting the site.

The equipment had to be chosen with care to meet the challenges of Lourde’s architecture and installed with attention to minimise disruptions to worshippers as much as possible. The Sanctuary has a duty to provide a warm welcome to the worshippers, and that includes good acoustics.

To achieve the aesthetics and high quality sound requirements inside the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, Audiomaster Technologie installed four Active Audio StepArray 180P (1.8m long) column speakers and two StepArray 205P (2.5m).

Two StepArray 250P column speakers are located at altar level to offer sufficient directivity control while respecting the layout constraints; two StepArray 180P are located in the 30m

long nave behind the area occupied by the dome to cover a more favourable acoustic environment; and two installed for the transepts to provide control and directivity while limiting reflections on the curved walls of the chapels.

The central dome, up to 24m in height, requires perfect directivity control to avoid the focusing and echo effects that impair speech intelligibility. The entire structure of the basilica, the presence of multiple smooth surfaces and the rounded shape of the chapels at the ends of the transepts means that the echo is considerable. The presence of numerous decorations and limited number of pillars in the basilica meant that the number of loudspeakers had to be kept to a minimum.

All speakers are powered by Active Audio MPA82000 amplifiers and a NUT audio processor, while a Powersoft Mezzo 322A amplifier is used for speaker monitoring. A Xilica Solaro processor handles the delay and equalisation setting and Allen & health SQ5 console accompanied by a Dante card manages the live broadcast.

The entire system provides clear, intelligible speech throughout the listening area despite the very complex acoustic challenges.

This award entry celebrates the transformation of the Sanctuary of Lourdes, an iconic pilgrimage site, enriching the spiritual journey of worshippers, many of whom spend years to save money to visit the destination.

With a commitment to respect the site’s heritage, the installation not only managed to elevate the audio experience for pilgrims and visitors but also succeeded to preserve the sanctity of Lourde’s architectural design while considering the pilgrims throughout the installation process.

The AV technology subtly integrates in the architecture and enhances the journey of millions of visitors to this sacred site and stands as the convergence of technology, spirituality and architecture, at the Sanctuary of Lourdes.

Vincent Fernandez, head of the audiovisual department, Sanctuary of Lourdes says: “Good acoustics can help with prayer. Visitors go there to attend mass, meditate and pray, and if the sound is not good, the worshippers will not be able to listen properly and therefore be disturbed.”

LUZ CUENCA WINNER HOUSE OF WORSHIP

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: San Miguel Church, Cuenca, Spain

Lighting Designer: Ibercover Studio, Spain

Acoustician: Fluge Audiovisuales, Spain

Installer: Fluge Audiovisuales, Spain

Submitted by: Dataton

Besides the sheer beauty of content and flawless technical execution, Luz Cuenca has effectively revitalized a historic landmark and turned it into an important cultural hub for the city. Luz Cuenca marks a pivotal moment in the city’s cultural development, symbolizing the convergence of tradition and innovation.

During the inauguration President Emiliano García-Page described the initiative as a testament to Cuenca’s cultural richness, underlining its significance for the city’s tourism industry but also in fostering community engagement and appreciation for the arts by broad audiences.

Visitors (including AV professionals who have seen many a mapping!) have been effusive in their praise of the experience and its transformation of the space. The talented AV team has successfully enhanced the existing architecture and famous ceiling, reaching new artistic (and technical) heights while still fully acknowledging the unique ambience and character of the venue.

The sound installation uses 20 KV2 Audio speakers, positioned around the space for maximum impact. The San Miguel Church has numerous arches and side spaces, and any technology has to be discreet to fit in with the architectural/religious ambience.

As with the visuals, the aim is that visitors, no matter where they stand /sit, have the same powerful immersive experience.

20 Barco G60-W7 projectors running under a Dataton WATCHOUT multi-display system (Pixilab Blocks for overall control). The WATCHOUT system runs on four custom servers to deliver content to the projectors, ensuring a truly immersive experience with seamless mapping of the architectural features on the church walls and ceiling from a single production interface. The laser light source of the projectors brings outstanding image quality to the visuals. The projectors are compact which enables integration in the church architecture, with minimum impact on the historically significant space.

The venue has great historical, cultural and religious significance. This meant special attention had to be paid to delivering a discreet yet powerful system, with minimum impact on the architecture.

As the venue is originally a church, the content had to ensure it reflected the right tone and, for best impact, actively use the architectural traits. Lastly, the venue was closed for extensive renovations and the launch of the immersive experience was tied to the re-opening which gave a very strict timeline for installation.

SHORTLISTEDMULTIPURPOSE VENUE PERELMAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: New York City, USA

Architect: REX

Installer: Sound Associates

Acoustician: Threshold Acoustics

Submitted by: d&b audiotechnik

A cultural jewel at the heart of the redeveloped WTC site in lower Manhattan, the Perelman Performing Arts Center represents the pinnacle of 21st century performance venue design. Fittingly for such a historic and hallowed location, the Perelman’s stunning translucent marble edifice houses sophisticated performance and theatrical facilities.

Its three auditoria can operate independently, or be combined and adapted into more than 60 stage-audience configurations to produce a vast range of theatre formats and performance types for audiences from 90 to 950. And of course, such an advanced and ambitious space required a sound system to match.

Charcoalblue was hired as theatre consultant. Josh Loar oversaw the completion of the project as Senior Consultant. The Perelman had developed a uniquely ambitious programming brief to serve a wide range of musical events, as well as theatre, dance, opera, spoken word and film. The plan focused on delivering a “kit of parts” – a system of equipment that could be repurposed across the many different configurations to suit the venue’s varying production needs.

The approach was to provide a stock set of configurations that would act as a baseline for the venue – to allow rental or shortrun events to choose one of the Perelman’s already-tuned configurations and run with it. This approach allowed for these baseline system designs to be enhanced and adapted by visiting

sound designers where needed.

The team settled on a point-source system to provide for a wide range of configurations. Further, they specified V-Series arrays and point sources paired with V-SUBs for end-stage and other array configurations. They also provided designs for a number of expanded systems: The Perelman elected to hold these designs as reference for rentals when needed.

To ensure that sound design possibilities matched the venue’s extraordinary flexibility and sound quality, the solution also included a d&b Soundscape system. d&b Soundscape is an advanced immersive sound solution that enhances the connection between performance and audience, creating a more realistic and natural sounding experience.

The resulting sound solution is a carefully developed ‘kit of parts’ –a sound designer’s playground for art and innovation.

The biggest challenge for this project was the extraordinary degree of performance space flexibility. This meant that the solution had not only to provide a complementary suite of hardware that could be adapted to varying configurations (see above), but also the control infrastructure to enable fast turnarounds with the very highest levels of sound quality to maximise the audience experience.

While d&b Soundscape typically requires more loudspeaker positions than a traditional PA setup, the loudspeakers can often be smaller cabinets at each position, improving sightlines or can even be tucked away out of sight. Since both level and delay processing are independently utilized per loudspeaker position in real time, multiple loudspeakers are producing sound simultaneously to create accurate localization no matter where a listener is seated.

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LEOLAND SHORTLISTED - MULTIPURPOSE VENUE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Lviv, Ukraine

Installer: Robe

Submitted by: Robe

Some great news from war-torn Ukraine comes from Leoland, a 300,000 sqm state-of-the-art sports, educational entertainment & leisure complex for the whole family in Lviv, in the west of the country, which opened a new multipurpose conference concert space. This enhances its already excellent facilities at the heart of this picturesque city.

Given everything that Ukraine has been going through over the last two years, it is as much a small miracle as it is a testament to the strength and unity of all involved in the project who were determined it should be completed and immediately start further benefiting the community.

The room features 270-degree projections and is lit with Robe products including 8 x VIVA CMYs to cover the stage, together with 26 x LEDWash 600+s and eight ParFect 150s that are positioned around the ceiling, all delivered by one of Robe’s Ukrainian distributors, Sound House, based in Dnipro. The lights were all chosen for their expedient size, flexibility, and power. The height to the ceiling is 5.7 metres, so physically smaller fixtures were another consideration, and of course, they had to be bright and intense to fill the space and to dovetail in with the spectacular video projections for which Sound House worked closely with video specialist Front Picture, who supplied a bespoke projection control system.

The planning for the venue started at the end of 2020 intended as a metropolitan venue for business events and gatherings.

The original technical installation date should have been March 2022, but the war started the month before. Since then, people’s immediate needs have shifted, so Leoland’s whole emphasis has also moved to it being more of a social and community hub that can be enjoyed by all the public of all ages as well as those engaged in business.

The requirement for staging commercial events and business meetings started to grow again in 2023, and these are much needed to stimulate different areas of Ukraine’s adapting economy, so the project was reactivated. Sound House created a full technical design – audio, lighting, and AV – package for this new multipurpose room at Leoland and proposed it to their client after taking their brief. They then won the contract to supply and install all of it. The constant and very real threat of enemy ballistic missiles, glide bombs and drone attacks … which are killing Ukrainian civilians every day. Once the war started in February 2022, plans for the multipurpose venue were put on hold, but after a few months the client decided to take the risk and reactivate the project. To no-one’s surprise, a degree of value engineering was required, but everyone wanted to make it happen.

Andrii Garkaviy and his Sound House team took everything in their stride at this

stage given everything else going on. Those left at the company – several crew and staff have joined the ZSU (Ukrainian Armed Forces) while others have found work abroad – were just ecstatic that the project was able to continue. However, this also wasn’t the biggest challenge for Sound House by that time. On March 11th, 2022, two weeks after the start of the war, two Kalibr cruise missiles ripped into their warehouse in Dnipro, completely destroying the building and everything in it including the Robe ParFects and VIVA CMYs, a bunch of audio and AV kit which had already arrived in readiness for the installation. Luckily the LEDWash 600+s had not yet arrived, and as soon as the invasion began, Andrey asked the Robe factory and sales team to leave everything not yet delivered safe in the Czech Republic until the goods were needed on site. When the project cautiously restarted in mid-2023 he had to re-order all the kit that had been destroyed in the missile strike.

The wartime economy also brings many more logistical nightmares – massive increases in the time and cost, crew shortages and the fact that everything takes longer to install onsite amidst constant power and network outages. But everyone was determined.

This project should win because it is a miracle and a huge feat to realise any kind of installation during a full-scale war. It is a wonderful example of the industry and its people working together through times of hardship, and fantastic that the client had the balls and was prepared to take such a risk – knowing that it can also be destroyed at any time. This project was an emotional journey in many ways, but also symbolic of strength, solidarity, and resilience.

Many people on all levels had to work together, believe in each other, and give above-and-beyond the normal passion that everyone puts into their work anyway by default! This narrative says a lot about the spirit of Ukraine and its people.

MOXO RESTAURANT & CLUB

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Warsaw, Poland

Architect: Commercial Audio Sp. Z o.o.

Submitted by: Bose Professional

This is unique project which combines a premium quality of sound, provided by Outline, lighting and an amazing architectural design which is merged with an old factory industrial and original artefacts left (e.g. at the main stage). This place is created in the mini – district architectural concept of Fabryka Norblina which won already many prizes as unique place in Warsaw (Poland).

Outline PA system which consists of the main line array EIDOS 265 (7 pieces per side) with dedicated flying subwoofers FlySub15 and standing subwoofers 4x Sub118. Amplifiers Outline TTM8K4 and Q2404DSP, L3000. System uses also point-source speakers which are spread across the ceiling so the venue is covered from front system and ceiling for immersive experience.

The lighting consists of various lights from ClayPaky and other vendors, and the lighting console is Chamsys. The main challenge was to create an immersive system for both a restaurant background music setting, and a front concert sound for both club music and jazz concerts. It was achieved by a complex design and installation of unified sound system based on OUTLINE s.r.l solutions and Allen & Heath audio matrix, which allows an advanced management of audio configuration, snapshots switching and signal management. Another challenge was to match with the architectural visual which is an old factory industrial design. The final PA system installation and lighting perfectly fits into this unique space and its design. The project should win because the visual beauty meets a premium quality of sound provided by Outline speakers, and its advanced configuration for immersive audience experience. The audience is immersed by the sound which comes from the front system and from all the ceiling speakers, which provide full range quality sound experience. It is also a unique concept of a place – premium restaurant and a music club with a dance floor, live music and amazing jazz concerts during weekends.

DIE WELLE (THE WAVE) WINNER MULTIPURPOSE VENUE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Oberhausen, Germany

Lighting/Visual Designer: geo - Die Luftwerker (planning and construction of Die Welle structure), SIGMA AV (other AV design and integration)

Installer: Ars Electronica Solutions

Submitted by: AV Stumpfl

Planet Ozean (Planet Ocean), a new exhibition focusing on the beauty of the world’s seas, opened at the Gasometer Oberhausen –a former gas holder-turned-exhibition space in the Ruhr, Germany – on 15th March.

Undoubtedly the highlight of Planet Ozean is the large-scale immersive work Die Welle (The Wave), centred on a custom AV Stumpfl Flex Contrast PRO projection screen that rises 40 metres into the sky from the Gasometer’s central gallery. Conceived and implemented by Ars Electronica Solutions, Die Welle allows visitors to experience a photorealistic ocean world featuring gigantic crashing waves, life-sized whales and sea jellies, and huge schools of ocean fish.

The computer-generated content for Die Welle was developed from scratch by Ars Electronica Solutions, which began by simulating a virtual oceanic basin with a volume of over six million cubic metres of water. Using seven 30,000-lumen Epson laser projectors, the final product is projected onto a vast interlocking screen surface, creating an immersive, true-to-life deep ocean panorama. At an imposing 40m by 20m, the L-shaped Die Welle screen presented a challenge for Ars Electronica Solutions and AV integrator SIGMA, which was tasked with the projector set-up. Ars Electronica Solutions’ Patrick Müller and his team came up with the idea to split

the AV Stumpfl projector screens into five sections, each the right size for the projected video content.

Being exposed to the elements, the Gasometer Oberhausen’s 100m-high gallery space (located in the centre of the gas holder) is a challenging space for projected images due to the presence of ambient light. In order deliver a immersive, realistic experience for visitors, Ars Electronica Solutions required a screen that would offer deep black levels and an ultra-high contrast ratio, even in settings with unwanted light, where conventional screens can appear washed out. Flex Contrast PRO (formerly Flex Black PRO) allows for the projection of highly impressive images even in bright environments, with a quality of image reproduction comparable to LED and other light-emitting display technologies, making it a perfect fit for Die Welle.

The screens’ black colour also ensures they blend in with their surroundings – another key consideration for the Gasometer.

The 40m-high AV Stumpfl projection surface featured in the installation is the tallest screen in the world, its colossal size facilitating what Nils Sparwasser, curator of Die Welle, describes as “a completely new, immersive experience that would be only be possible here in the Gasometer.” As Jeanette Schmitz, managing director of Gasometer Oberhausen GmbH, observes, “where else would you get the chance to go on a hunt with sharks or marvel at humpback whales in their original size?”

Helped by the record-breaking Die Welle installation, Planet Ozean is also the Gasometer Oberhausen’s most successful show to date, Schmitz adds: “In the first four weeks, we welcomed more than 150,000 visitors to the exhibition. This makes Planet Ozean the most successful exhibition in terms of visitor numbers in the Gasometer’s 30-year history as an exhibition hall.”

SHORTLISTED - MUSEUM

ARAMCO VIP VISITOR CENTRE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Installer: Creative Technology, UAE, Dubai

Submitted by: Creative Technology Middle East

The installation was designed and delivered as a private space for the CEO to host VIP guests, providing an insightful exploration of ARAMCO’s past and the future vision. Standing out for its immersive and innovative design, Creative Technology (CT) overcame challenges like integrating highly technical requirements within the space limitation of the existing office structure, and power constraints. CT’s solutions ensured a smooth execution, utilising advanced technology and elements like using a pool of plugins and custom scripting to bring together somewhat isolated and separate products to build a truly immersive and fully interactive show.

The audio system works in tandem with other components like video, lighting, and control systems to deliver a seamless and engaging environment for guests. L-Acoustics Soundvision and L-ISA software were used to manage over 150 speakers dispersed throughout the space, enabling a fully immersive multitrack audio environment. This technology allows for precise control over sound placement and movement, enhancing the overall sensory experience for visitors. The installation features three L-ISA systems providing three distinct areas of audio immersion. The audio technology contributes to the interactive nature of the installation. Motion sensor cameras strategically placed throughout the space trigger audiovisual content as VIP guests navigate through different zones. This dynamic interaction adds a personalised touch to the visitor experience, catering to various walking speeds and enhancing engagement.

The fully automated show control, managed via Stage Precision and Q-SYS, further augments the immersive audio experience. By integrating different equipment and manufacturers, CT ensures seamless execution of complex timelines and commands, providing VIP visitors with a truly interactive journey through ARAMCO’s history and future vision. Additionally, the audio system’s redundancy features ensure uninterrupted operation, crucial for maintaining a high-quality experience for VIP guests. Every device has a backup and failover mechanism in place, guaranteeing continuous operation.

One of the primary goals of the lighting design was to complement the immersive nature of the space while aligning with ARAMCO’s brand image and vision. To achieve this, CT utilised state-of-theart lighting fixtures and control systems, including grandMA3 with 7 x PU XLs, 20 x Luminex Nodes with 2 x Disguise servers dedicated to driving pixel based DMX. This is along with customdesigned lighting solutions with over 100 individual lighting globes installed as ‘chandeliers’. The lighting technology is seamlessly integrated with other elements such as audio, video, and control systems, ensuring synchronised operation to deliver a cohesive and immersive experience for visitors. Through precise control and programming, the lighting system enhances the storytelling aspect of the installation, effectively highlighting key elements and creating dynamic visual effects.

The lighting technology adapts to the interactive nature of the space. Motion sensor cameras strategically placed throughout the venue trigger dynamic lighting effects as VIP guests move through different zones. Furthermore, the lighting design contributes to the overall ambience and atmosphere of the space, creating different moods and enhancing the storytelling narrative.

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Thank you, Mondo DR, for recognizing these fantastic projects that we are grateful to have contributed to, with our applicable tools and thoughtful support.

We look forward to seeing what we can create together in the future.

Introducing the Next-Level Point Source...

The L38 is a flush-mounted, full range, 3-way point source with passive cardioid behavior and a rotatable progressive horn.

SHORTLISTED - MUSEUM

DÔME DES INVALIDES / AURA

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Paris, France

Lighting Designer: Moment Factory

Acoustician: Jean Michel Caron

Installer: Moment Factory / Novelty

Submitted by: NEXO

Dôme des Invalides / AURA was one of the best projects ever accomplished by Moment Factory, Novelty and NEXO, due to the many challenges faced, the beauty of the venue, and the monumental experience which is almost sold out every night. It’s a major achievement to install a powerful, discreet, and coherent sound system in this extraordinary space.

Eight clusters of four NEXO GEO M6 compact line array elements are wall-mounted close to the pillars at the entrances of the four corner chapels, with each cluster facing the opposing pillar. L18 subs are mounted above each of the four corner arches, with a single GEO M620 at each corner firing into the dome to create a virtual source. Compact NEXO ID24s above each arch face the floor, with additional pairs of ID24s mounted above the Turenne and Vauban monuments in the two side chapels, and pairs of ID24s supplemented by an IDS110 sub in each of the four corner chapels.

Sound is central to the experience which has been described by visitors as magical and sublime, as spoken word, music and soundscapes are used in a 3-movement journey that covers the design and construction of the building, its history, the characters connected with it, and its role in the present day. The building height and the natural reverberation due to its architectural configuration were features that had to be considered. The installer had to position strategically the loudspeaker around the audience area. An all-NEXO sound system had to be supplied with custom RAL colour to match the stone walls of Les Invalides.

SHORTLISTED - MUSEUM

INDIA IN FASHION: THE IMPACT OF INDIAN DRESS AND TEXTILES ON THE FASHIONABLE IMAGINATION

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Mumbai, India

Architect: Munro Acoustics

Acoustician: Kapil Thirwani, Munro Acoustics

Installer: SI company Innovative Systems

Submitted by: Outboard, TiMax

The prestigious inaugural exhibition of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in Mumbai, Vogue’s “India in Fashion: The Impact of Indian Dress and Textiles on the Fashionable Imagination”, was a first-of-its-kind exhibition in India.

It required an audio solution that was equal in stature to the visual and historical elements exhibited, which could create multiple zones playing spatial music and effects that segued from zone to zone across 15 different fashion brands or genres, some of which were spatially immersive.

Each zone works independently, starting and stopping automatically without anybody having to touch the system. The 128 speakers required had to be practically invisible, as did any cabling. It was soon clear to acoustician and designer Kapil Thirwani that: “Genelec 4430 Dante IP speakers and TiMax SoundHub were the only products that would meet the requirement.”

The exhibition, which ran continuously for two months and closed in early June, led visitors around 15 zones to explore India’s rich fashion history and its influence on the West since the 17th century.

Each zone featured a strong theme or era, such as the Mughal chinz hugely popular in the 18th century; the Indian impact on Parisian designers Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves St Laurent; the history of the sari and Western interpretations by Schiaparelli, Balenciaga, Madame Grès and Jean Paul Gaultier; the Hippie Trail section featuring 1960’s Indian-influenced fashion; film costume designers and Bollywood creations; and a Valentino lace wedding outfit made

for Nita Mukesh Ambani’s daughter Isha, using thousands of crystal beads that took almost a year to complete.

Some of the zones were made to feel interactive, including the Great Exhibition London 1851, a nod to the Crystal Palace exhibition marking the complex colonial relationship between Britain and India, bringing Indian art and culture to London at the height of the empire. Here, a central display of shoes, jewellery and accessories was mounted on a plinth with 14 speakers underneath. As visitors approached, they were greeted by the chatter and ambience of a bazaar.

“We wanted some of the soundtrack from the adjacent Journey of the Sari zone to blend with this as well, adding to the bazaar ambience,” explains Thirwani.

A stunning centrepiece by House of Worth – the Peacock dress worn by the Vicereine of British India, Lady Curzon to the 1903 Delhi Durbar celebrating the coronation of King Edward VII – was surrounded by silk hangings suspended from the ceiling imprinted with trees and flowers. Visitors were led behind the dress display into a “garden” where a field recording immersed them in countryside ambience and birdsong and string ensemble accompaniment.

Two TiMax SoundHub-S64s dubbed “Jio1” and “Jio2”, each with 64 inputs and 64 outputs on Dante, together with a laptop PC, each handled one half of the exhibition, playing out a mix of stereo and multi-stem spatial music and soundscape tracks to the 128 Genelec POE-powered speakers.

Running off a single ethernet cable, the IEEE802.3bt High Power PoE-powered speaker incorporates Genelec’s Smart IP Manager which can operate across an unlimited number of zones and include device discovery, a room equalisation toolset, system organisation and status monitoring while supporting external control via third-party hardware or software. READ MORE ONLINE

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EPHESUS EXPERIENCE MUSEUM WINNER MUSEUM

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Izmir, Turkey

Architect : Atelier Brückner

Lighting Designer: Atelier Brückner, Marshmallow Laser Feast

Acoustician: L-Acoustics, Asimetrik, Karakutu Electroacoustics

Installer: Astel Proje Ve Entegrasyon A.S., Astel Profesyonel

Goruntu Sistemleri A.S.,

Submitted by: Astel Profesyonel Goruntu Sistemleri A.S.

Ephesus was an ancient port city whose well-preserved ruins are in modern-day Turkey. The city was once considered the most important Greek city and the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region. Throughout history, Ephesus survived multiple attacks and changed hands many times between conquerors. It was also a hotbed of early Christian evangelism and remains an important archaeological site and Christian pilgrimage destination.

Today the Ancient City of Ephesus which attracts nearly 3 million visitors worldwide annually, is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ephesus Experience Museum is the first example where we combine scientific archeological knowledge with storytelling, people and emotions. Our goal was to create a museum that harmonizes with the original texture of Ephesus while using stateof-the-art technology to showcase this unique world heritage. To achieve this, we utilized cutting-edge storytelling technologies while also emphasizing the importance of preserving the historical heritage. Our first priority and challenge were ensuring that the museum built in Ephesus would not have any negative impact on the historical texture, which is a well-preserved archeological site. We’re somehow in the situation of creating spaces for the content, on the other hand we had a strong archeological site which we want to treat respectfully. So, we lay a strong emphasis on the environmental factors on sustainability, design and also implementation of the architecture. So, we want to be minimalistic and we want to be peaceful co-existing with the surroundings with a real minimal disruption of the archeological site. We placed the archeological volumes within an existing pine-tree forest and of course the existing flora was respected. Everything was prefabricated of course to avoid any invasions.

The surrounding area is densely covered with trees, allowing the proposed structure to blend in modestly without overshadowing the nearby archaeological finds and artifacts. Nearly 150 experts all over the world in different time zones and 10 archeologists took part in the whole project and it is completed within 26 months in August 2023.

We aim to combine reality and mythology in an engaging visual experience. There are cutting edge technologies such as virtual reality, 3D animations, artificial intelligence and all of these technical possibilities are used for immersive, personalized museum experience. The most difficult part was; the whole experience is not so much about technology, it’s more about access to communicate the content with emotions. We work both in the digital and analog

space. We allow visitors to actively participate in storytelling and explore content via using all-state-of-the-art technological possibilities.

Museum visitors receive their pre-disinfected and personalized audio guides and headphones from museum staff. From the moment they enter the door of the museum, consisting of three separate halls, under the influence of the scenario that is created multi-lingual audio-guide which offers 17 different languages with video-synch. In addition to the audio from professional Sennheiser headphones, and the sound effects that circulate in all areas of the facility and continue synchronously with the flow of the immersive content, we bring together the images that make visitors feel like they’re wandering the streets of the historical city of Ephesus.

In our First Hall, all of the wall, floor and angled ceiling images were created using the “mapping” technique, which is defined in literature in the field of vision systems and combines very large and high resolution images from very short distances with more than 33 projection devices and special ultra short throw lenses. When it’s time to leave the First Hall, special curtains that keep the sound and effects we provide with subwoofers accompanying more than 30 speakers included in the automation are opened and visitos are directed to the main hall.

In our main hall,the only example of the mapping application, which was made using special lenses with a total of 90 Panasonic DLP projection devices of different light power and color quality, is the vibrations coming from the walls equipped with special speakers and sound systems of the L’Acoustics L-ISA system, which are heard separately from all parts of the hall in the background, with the earthquake effect of the content. We watch the visitors wander around a real street, in a real city, at the moments when we experience the real earthquake. We bring together the system, which gives the feeling of immersiveness, being in the ambient sounds and the tone that travels throughout the hall with the storytelling in the headphones simultaneously, in the perfect balance of the acoustics of the space with approximately 40 speakers and subwoofers.

In our Third Hall, we leave our visitors alone with a giant replica of Artemis, the goddess of the nature. Our Absen P1.6 LED Screens, effects coming from the sound system consisting of nearly 40 speakers, and a narrative that includes different light shows at every moment.

Lighting

The lighting and visuals are designed by worldwide brands Atelier Bruckner and Marshmallow Leaser Feast. Special lighting robots, which are one of the most important parts of this system, take their place in the automation, visitors can walk between the virtual columns with the activation of our fog/haze devices positioned with engineering calculations, and they’re fascinated by the silhouette formed on our hologauze screen, which gives a ghost effect that they didn’t notice before.

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SHORTLISTED - NIGHTCLUB

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Las Vegas, USA

Architect: Rockwell Design Group

Lighting Designer: SJ Lighting

Installer: SJ Lighting

Submitted by: SJ Lighting

LIV nightclub in Las Vegas is a project that commanded the highest levels of coordination. The consulting teams involved spent countless hours “massaging” this project to be a cornerstone of Las Vegas nightlife. Timelines for delivery and installation are an overwhelming challenge that must be dealt with on a daily basis… the ability to balance all the different trades in a tight workspace takes a lot of care and consideration. We rely on each other to meet the expectations of the client.. and our own goals that we set for ourselves. I am extremely proud of our team and our associated firms that we worked with on this project. LIV nightclub lighting system has a balanced list of equipment that give the operator a full set of tools at their disposal.

The system is designed to accommodate all musical genres whether pre-programmed or set for busking. The layered fixtures from the high ceiling to the bottom of the mezzanine ceiling give the room the ability to expand and contract visually – allowing the room to ‘breathe’.

The venue’s equipment list is as follows:

44 Ayrton Diablo

8 Ayrton Levante

8 Soled Strobes

24 KNV Line

48 Magic Dots

3 Beam Brush 10

4 Beam Brush 6.8

1 GrandMA3 Lite

Fontainebleu and LIV nightclub afforded our firm the latitude to specify the most appropriate equipment and set them up for success.

The video system is custom built and provided by NanoLumens. There are six fully articulating video panels in the ceiling that move on 4 points each. There are two elliptical rings that have a video border on the inside and outside of each.. these rings also fully articulate. The soffit edge of the club facing the dancefloor has a video border. The back wall behind the main bar has video screen.

The video surfaces throughout are carefully laid into the interior design to create a cohesive look to the venue. Triggered by a Hippo Video server.. the video system is able to accommodate visiting artist and also gives the inhouse operators unfettered control and access to all imaginable features.

All theatrical structure in the design was fabricated and installed by SGPS Las Vegas. Additionally, they provided the Raynok automation system. The system fully articulates at variable speeds. LIV is an extremely well balanced venue… it is not just about the AV technology, what makes LIV special is that the symbiotic relationship between the architecture, interior design, AV system. And the operations team that runs the club all flow together, like a well oiled-machine. The ultimate goal when building a project like LIV is that the experience is paramount… the experience of the customer… the experience of the performing artists… the experience of the staff… this is the “magic sauce”… and this is why LIV has reached a pinnacle.. and why I feel that LIV should be recognised as a landmark project that sets a standard.

O BEACH

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Ibiza, Spain

Installer: SPL Audiovisuales

Submitted by: DAS Audio

The DAS Audio installation at O Beach Ibiza by SPL Audiosistemas should win because it masterfully balances the vibrant energy of a premier entertainment venue with the environmental sensitivities of its locale. This project stands out for its:

Innovative Approach: Implementing a versatile and flexible audio system, the project caters to varied events, music types, and moods, all while adhering to stringent sound regulations.

Customised Integration: With meticulous design, the installation harmonizes sound across diverse areas, maintaining coherent and high-quality audio, whether guests are by the pool or in the restaurant, creating an immersive clubbing experience.

Technical Mastery: The project overcame significant challenges, such as managing sound spillage and cancellation, through strategic placement and tuning of speakers, ensuring minimal noise pollution.

Environmental Consideration: The use of cardioid subwoofers and careful system calibration showcases a commitment to sound directionality and pressure control, respecting local noise ordinances without compromising the club’s legendary atmosphere.

Enhanced Experience: The tailored audio solution enriches the venue’s sensory experience, elevating the status of O Beach as an iconic destination in Ibiza’s party scene. This project not only represents a technical triumph but also stands as a beacon of responsible entertainment, enhancing guest experiences while preserving the tranquil balance of the island’s environment.

During the audio system upgrade at O Beach Ibiza, SPL Audiosistemas encountered several challenges that were systematically addressed to achieve a superior sound installation.

Compliance with Sound Restrictions: Adhering to Ibiza’s strict noise pollution regulations was paramount. The solution was to design a distributed sound system utilizing line arrays and cardioid subwoofers that focus sound directionally, minimizing spillage and respecting local laws.

Versatility and Flexibility: The diverse array of events hosted at O Beach necessitated a system that could adapt to various musical genres and performance styles. This was achieved by selecting a range of DAS Audio systems known for their clarity and consistency, ensuring optimal performance for each event type.

Environmental Challenges: The unique open-air setting of the club, affected by humidity and wind, required daily simulations for four months to ensure that the chosen audio components could withstand and perform well in the changing conditions of Ibiza’s climate.

Avoiding Sound Cancellation: To prevent frequency interference, careful speaker placement and alignment were crucial. This was accomplished through meticulous planning and tuning, ensuring sound coherence throughout the venue.

Maintaining Aesthetic Integrity: Ensuring that the installation did not detract from the club’s stylish environment was essential.

Customization of the audio products facilitated a seamless integration into the venue’s aesthetic, providing not only functionality but also maintaining the club’s sleek design.

The O Beach Ibiza sound system installation, led by SPL Audiosistemas with DAS Audio technology, should win because it showcases innovation, environmental responsibility, and technical excellence. This project successfully merged premium sound quality with stringent noise regulation compliance. It demonstrates adaptability to a variety of live events, a commitment to the venue’s aesthetic, and respect for the local community. The precise and versatile audio solution elevated the legendary party scene, balancing immersive entertainment with environmental consciousness, setting a new benchmark for outdoor club sound systems.

SHORTLISTED - NIGHTCLUB

RANCHO MERENGUE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Reading, PA, USA

Lighting Designer: Tirso Pelaez, Tirso

Lighting Installer: Tirso Lighting

Submitted by: Tirso Lighting

The Rancho Merengue project stands out as a beacon of innovative design and technological integration in the nightlife industry. Our holistic approach not only revitalized the venue but also redefined what is possible in creating immersive entertainment experiences.

Our project utilised innovative lighting design to create a dynamic, adaptable environment. Through the strategic placement of custom LED linear fixtures and the integration of advanced control systems (Madrix & Onyx), we crafted scenes that ranged from intimate and cozy to vibrant and energetic, matching the club’s diverse entertainment offerings. This versatility transformed the venue into a captivating space that could shift mood and atmosphere at a moment’s notice, enhancing the overall guest experience.

The installation of high-resolution LED screens, managed by Resolume, introduced a visual storytelling element to Rancho Merengue. These screens became canvases for immersive visuals that complemented events, setting the tone and enhancing the atmosphere. Whether showcasing live performances, DJ sets, or thematic visuals, the screens added a layer of engagement, making each visit to the club a unique encounter.

One of the main challenges was integrating our envisioned lighting and display solutions within the existing structure without diminishing its character. By carefully planning the installation of our selected technologies—Madrix, Nebula hardware, Onyx, and Resolume – we achieved a harmonious blend of old and new. Another challenge was ensuring the ease of use for the club’s staff. Customized training sessions were conducted, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to leverage the new systems to their full potential, thus ensuring the venue’s diverse programming could be supported with ease.

The careful selection and application of lighting and display technologies, including Madrix for LED control, Onyx for moving fixtures, and Resolume for video content, were instrumental in achieving this transformation. Yet, it was our vision for a space that could adapt to any event and resonate with every visitor that truly set this project apart. Winning the MONDODR Award would affirm our commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in nightclub design and integration.

MANTRA WINNER NIGHTCLUB

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

Installer: Superlative

Submitted by: Superlative

Mantra has a very good supply of mobile lights, mainly from the PROLIGHTS brand: 10 x Airfan, 10 x StarK Blade, 10 x MiniversaPar, 10 x Astra Wash 7 Pix, 10 x Jet Wash 19, 30 x Pixie Beam, 20 x Ruby FCX, 10 x Sunrise 2 IP. Also from MARTIN brand there are 20 x VDO Atomic Dot CLD, 20 x Rush MH 10, 16 x Mac Allure Profile,12 x Era 300 Profile, and MINUTE UNE with 8 Photon. Finally, we are using 60 x Beam light from POLAR BRAND. To control all the moving lights we are using Grand MA 3 Compact XT

Regarding LED technology Mantra has more than 20,000 x 2W pixels

RGBW installed in a mesh on the ceiling, more than 600 m of digital Neon Flex and 350 RGB LEDbar with Black diffuser. We also installed 800 LED Hanging Japanese style.

To control all LED Digital Systems we are using MADRIX system with Ultimate License.

Mantra has more than 200m2 of LED screens distributed in different areas of the room, ceiling 20 x 6 m, mezzanine 15 x 2 x 2m, DJ booth 7 x10 x 6 m and screens of various formats in the kinetic areas of the club. Mostly we used a 3.9mm pitch in all areas and we trusted UNILUMEN equipment.

Resolume Arena was used to control all the screens and all the content on the screens was made in cooperation with the Indonesian artist Isha Hening.

The Kinetic system used in Mantra is a truly original and very exclusive bet.

It has 6 structures in the form of large leaves (more than 2m x 1.20m) and a weight of 250 kg with horizontal opening and closing movements managed directly with industrial actuators and DMX control managed by Madrix. These 6 structures work by hiding and showing the Djbooth. Mantra also has 6 kinetic circular structures 30” trusses of 3m diameter and managed by 20 cyberhoist 2 motors. All control of these circles is managed by Cyberhoist control as well. Mantra also has a good set of special effects- we used MAGIC FX: 12 x Jet II CO2 and 2 x Stadium 2 Confetti .

We also have 12 x Sparkular waterfalls hanging from the ceiling of the room around the perimeter of the large LED screen and another 8 x Sparkular units on the stage. Mantra has 10 x 10W RGBW Lasers in the close position of the DJ pointing to the audience and another 4 x 10W RGBW Lasers mapping the stage area and DJ booth frontally.

Regarding Haze, we have trusted the 4 x JEM Hazer Pro from Martin. We used the grand MA 3 to control all these Special effects. What were the main challenges during the installation and how did you overcome them? *

Embarking on the installation of “Mantra” presented us with a canvas of challenges, each demanding ingenuity and precision.

Two pivotal hurdles, in particular, defined our journey — the development of intricate kinetic elements and the pressure of a tightly constrained timeline.

The integration of kinetic elements within “Mantra” was an ambitious endeavour, seeking to breathe life into static spaces. The challenge lay in achieving seamless motion that complemented the fluidity of the overall design. Our team dedicated exhaustive hours to the development and refinement of these kinetic marvels, ensuring they not only met our artistic vision but also adhered to stringent safety and reliability standards.

Time, a relentless adversary, was another challenge we confronted. The timeline for “Mantra” installation was tight, demanding a harmonious orchestration of tasks without compromising the quality of craftsmanship. Our team faced this challenge with unwavering determination, implementing a meticulously planned schedule that maximized efficiency without sacrificing the precision demanded by the intricate kinetic elements.

Solutions:

– Parallel Workstreams: Recognizing the urgency, we orchestrated a simultaneous execution of tasks. While one team focused on the kinetic elements, another diligently worked on the lighting design, ensuring a parallel progression that optimized our resources.

– Streamlined Prototyping: To mitigate potential setbacks during the kinetic element development, our team implemented an iterative prototyping process. This allowed for real-time adjustments and enhancements, guaranteeing that the final installation met both aesthetic and functional benchmarks.

– Collaborative Synergy: A crucial aspect of overcoming these challenges was fostering open communication and collaboration within our team. By breaking down silos and encouraging crossfunctional collaboration, we harnessed the collective expertise of our team members to navigate complexities.

In conclusion, the development of intricate kinetic elements and the race against time were not just challenges — they were chapters in the story of “Mantra,” testaments to our team’s resilience and commitment to delivering brilliance against all odds.

In the heart of our creative endeavours lies “Mantra,” a project that stands as a beacon of innovation, artistic brilliance, and transformative experiences. This is why we believe “Mantra” is not just a contender but a deserving champion for the Mondo Awards. “Mantra” is more than an installation; it’s an emotional journey for every participant. By inviting them to actively engage with the space, “Mantra” forges a profound connection, turning mere spectators into integral contributors to the unfolding narrative.

Seamlessly marrying artistic expression with cutting-edge technology, “Mantra” creates an immersive experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional art installations. Its lighting design isn’t just visually stunning; it’s a work of art in itself. Each hue, shadow, and luminous pulse has been meticulously crafted to evoke emotions and create an ambience that is both captivating and unforgettable.

The success of “Mantra” is not just measured in its visual impact but in the satisfaction of our esteemed client. Their positive feedback stands as a testament to our commitment to exceeding expectations and delivering excellence.

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SHORTLISTEDPARKS & ATTRACTIONS

BBC EARTH EXPERIENCE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Architect: Tinker, BBC

Lighting Designer: Tinker

Acoustician: Faber

Installer: TDC

Submitted by: HIVE

The BBC Earth Experience in Melbourne fuses together bleeding edge video technology to provide an unforgettable experience for the audience of all ages.

The projects success is down to a variety of great choices by the client team, firstly stunning filmed content from the BBC, then David Attenborough for the narrative, TDC for the technical video services regarding Media Servers, provided by Hive. Give the nature of the project – the low energy SDM based Hive systems built inside of the Panasonic projectors aligned perfectly with the subject matter of the show. Celebrating innovation, sustainability and a strong message to help us all think a little more about the fragile world we all call home.

The main challenges, like with most large scale AV installations is budget. The vision and budget rarely align. The original BBC earth in the UK used other brands of video hardware to achieve the same results, if not actually inferior.

TDC opted to solve this problem by using Hive system which saved the project over $1m+. TDC opted for Hive as the video

system also saved money on shipping, reduces carbon emissions due to freight in shipping [due to low weight product] and most importantly speeds up the commissioning phase which speeds up and saves a lot in commissioning budgets, and complications. Due to the low power usage over time the system also solved the issue of large power and air conditioning draw for long running shows. The Hive system being deployed inside each projector also means O&M contracts are very focused on specific sets of equipment which don’t rely on large networks of complex signal distributing etc.

Firstly, it celebrates our world, its beauty and nature – this alone is worth all the awards in my opinion. Our world is precious and we all need to learn to protect it, look after each another and respect our place in the eco system.

From a technical post of view, it should win as it provides people of all ages in an awe-inspiring environment, which does not cost the earth to attend and enjoy. Thanks to the site wide used bleeding edge technology this immersive experiences are welcoming a new era in storytelling, by simplifying the application and use.

From Michael Hassett at TDC: “The Hive BeeBlade and Hive BeeBox don’t just represent technological advancements; they are harbingers of a new, greener, and more efficient era in digital art installations. This transformative approach is not just a disruption in the media server space; it’s an evolutionary leap, saving time, money and the planet.”

KVANTARIO

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Benesov, Czech Republic

Lighting Designer: Kvant Show Production

Installer: Kvant Show Production

Submitted by: Kvant Show Production

This Park is a museum of light and modern technologies as well. It’s a light that introduces you to the world of art, science, illusions, and entertainment. Our competitive advantages mainly include the fact that we are a company with many years of experience in the development, production, and implementation of laser technology in various fields, especially in the entertainment industry. We are a well-coordinated team of physicists, creatives, and skilled electrical engineers. We have been developing, manufacturing, and exporting laser technology for the entertainment industry for over 27 years and are proud to be a world leader in the industry. This is our third project in the field of science parks (2 in SK) and the first focused on VR (in CZ). The main idea is the popularization of science and physics to the general public in a fun and interactive way. Kvantario is our complex implementation, where we applied all our knowledge and experience. The park has a total of 22 rooms, of which 8 rooms have a laser installation. The overall preparation took almost 3 years, mostly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project spreads over an area exceeding 10,000 m2, on a total of 5 thematic floors. More than 100,000 meters of cabling, 1,000 control systems, and units, hundreds of computer docks, LED screens, lasers, exhibits, and effect lights were installed. Our effort is to further develop the park and equip it with other modern technologies. The venue is fully barrier-free. Various effects are included in the installation, such as movement

of warm and cold air, vibrating devices causing tremors and shocks, motion simulators, haze machines, sound sources with sound effects, etc.

So, in addition to seeing and hearing, visitors can also really feel individual effects. The project simply showed where the future of the interactive and entertainment industry is headed. It’s a unique show of the latest VR technologies, where you can look forward to 5 levels of endless fun for the whole family.

The biggest challenge was safety. Therefore, a consistent management of laser safety had to be developed. Park has a total of 22 rooms, of which 8 rooms have a laser installation. Each room has its standard control and is designed with a single START button for easy operation of personnel. The laser powers used are from 1.8W to 3W, some with a 50mW custom design. In interactive installations where people come into contact with single laser beams, the measurement was made, and the thickness of the beam was amplified so that the MPE was not exceeded. Rooms that do not have fixed barriers between people and lasers have, in addition to e-stop, an automatic e-stop installed (barrier overrun detection sensor).

Foreign developers, graphic designers, and audio-visual artists joined Kvantario team as sub-contractors. They gained valuable experience installing multimedia and laser shows in major entertainment metropolises. The focus was also given to their coordination.

The most difficult challenge we faced was the pandemic, which forced us to interrupt all work unexpectedly. This extended the project’s timeline and delayed the opening date due to a lack of funding. Despite the setback, everyone persevered and continued to work tirelessly.

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MAIDEN'S TOWER SHORTLISTEDPARKS & ATTRACTIONS

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Lighting Designer: MKLD Lighting Design and Consulting

Installer: Astel, Turkey

Submitted by: MKLD Lighting Design and Consulting

The focus of many legends, Istanbul’s Maidens Tower is an iconic and important building for the city’s residents, with a long history dating back to the Byzantine period. It is not only a major landmark and tourist attraction, but the tales and stories surrounding its history are firmly ingrained in the culture of Istanbul. Going back many hundred years, this history is told and stunningly visualised. The captivating story of the tower was written by one of the most famous Turkish writers, Ayse Kulin. Translated into English and Arabic, it was the spoken by well-known actors. Special music was commissioned and produced by the designer to go along with the story.

This is not just an “attraction” – it is a project that is educational, fun to watch from near and far, whilst respecting the historical site and still using cutting edge technology.

The installed technology can of course also be used to program and execute different shows in the future. As part of the project, we created a very accurate 3D model with all the lights being able to be visualised and programmed off-line, this does not even require someone to be on-site. We successfully created a special show for the 100th anniversary of the foundation of Turkey, with lights and laser programmed off-site in Germany and then transferred to the show server on site.

As the principal designer – from the initial concept to equipment choice, music, visuals and programming – my idea was to weave the tales surrounding the building into a luminous narrative, akin to a theatrical performance.

The 8-minute show tells the history, tales and stories of the famous Maidens Tower, scripted by Turkish writer Ayse Kulin. As the installation is in the middle of the Bosporus, and the story of the tower is told in three languages, the task was to find a solution to send audio to visitors near and far, and giving them the opportunity to choose their language.

For distributing the audio through a web application, Kuhn selected French company Odiho, which offered a turnkey solution with a low – and most importantly – constant delay of around 20ms, which could then be offset via timecode to sync lighting and audio. QR codes at selected areas link to the dedicated website for visitors to hear the work. For the visitors along the seafront on the Üsküdar side of Istanbul, stationary RCF speakers on poles were deployed. Only the music accompanying the show is played here.

The foundation of the show is an architectural lighting system that encompasses the whole island and the tower. A mixture of inground and surface mounted RGBW fixtures are used. All are DMX controlled. During the captivating 8-minute performance, they come alive dynamically, orchestrating an array of colour and intensity transitions that set the stage for the visual narrative. As the tower is situated in the middle of the Bosporus, and some of the lighting is barely 1m above sea level, all fixtures had to be rated not only to IP66 or better, but also certified to withstand harsh environment (ISO 12944 – C5).

The designers final choice came to SGM for their P2 and P6 POI flood lights, Anolis for their Eminere linear in-ground and Calumna spot fixtures, and Meyer Lighting for their in-ground uplights.

To add more drama and to make the show visible to spectators further away on the shores of the Bosporus, 48 laser source automated moving lights are deployed in the outer sea walls. These fixtures, which are normally used in concerts, were upgraded to meet the stringent harsh environment specifications of the project. They offer all the options normally used in show lighting and their beams can be seen from far away.

Together, the lighting system offers a multitude of options for the 8-minute show. Show control is from a MA3 replay unit, and was programmed offsite with an MA3 and a Depence R3.

To complement the lighting system, various lasers were added to the overall package. As video projection on the outer walls were deemed impractical due to the viewing distances of the audience, we decided to use laser projection instead. READ

WINNER PARKS & ATTRACTIONS

WAKE THE TIGER

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Bristol, UK

Architect: Graham MacVoy

Lighting Designer: Luke Mitchell

Acoustician: Greg Chapter

Installer: Wake The Tiger

Submitted by: Plaster Creative Communications

Wake The Tiger (WTT) is the world’s first Amazement Park, designed and created by the team behind Boomtown Festival and creatives working on attractions worldwide. Its second phase was completed in January 2024. The ‘OUTERverse’ saw the creation of 15 new environments, bringing the total to over 40 immersive rooms with integrated soundscapes and interactive audience experiences.

WTT’s comprehensive audio system runs on Ableton, creating a multi-channel connected and synchronised soundscape across the many speakers placed throughout the experience. This is enabled by Dante, which provides a virtual soundcard that sends all audio over an IP network, which allows the team to have a central control system for every room within the attraction. This enables the system to be mixed live in the space.

Crucially, the system also collects live information from a variety of sources to trigger sound effects based on guest movements and interactions within the exhibits.

The system was concepted and commissioned by audio specialist Greg Chapter, who composed much of the score alongside guest sound designers for specific spaces as well as creating generative sound throughout the attraction. The audio was initially composed in a studio setting, before Greg completed the final mixes in the room in which the audio plays in the experience. This meant that speakers could be hidden, prioritising user immersion over traditional acoustic speaker placement. Each room features a mix of LEA CONNECT 88D, 8-channel 100 W amplifiers, and Genelec PoE-enabled speakers. The audio throughout the space was designed with motion in mind, placing synthesisers throughout the rooms, which play arpeggiated sequences triggered by movement in the room.

There are some stand out audio experiences. The Crystal Chamber, a crystalline-inspired experience, features audio run off one LEA CONNECT 88D and an 8-channel 100 W amplifier, which enables channels to be addressed individually. Four channels created the effect of surround panning, with ExBox triggers feeding into Resolume, creating OSC messages to trigger content as you move through the room. This creates an ambient soundtrack that grows in intensity when the room is busy and softens when fewer people are there.

The lighting for WTT is led by Technical Manager Louis Norwood and light artist Jack Wimperis.

As a team, WTT has harnessed the power of addressable LEDs throughout the rooms, wirelessly controlled by ESP32s and a WLED program, which facilitates the manipulation of colour palettes, visual patterns, playlists and dynamic effects. Each is seamlessly integrated into a network that is accessible via a

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mobile app so each can be altered remotely. This system also connects sensors across the building, which trigger effects in response to movement in some of the rooms.

The Crystal Chamber was crafted by AV technicians and projection map experts Ed Metcalf and Megan Broadmeadow from D-Unit Studios, featuring software made by in-house software programmer, Alex Waite. The ceiling features LED mesh, incorporating over 16,400 controllable LEDs and 40,000 LEDs with generative control, concealed behind a handcrafted ceiling made from recycled panels that come together to create a room that replicates a crystal. These are mapped through a protocol called Artnet, which responds to people moving around the room through Xbox 360 Kinect v1 cameras. This creates different light sequences, Touch Designer visuals and immersive soundscapes, unveiling a zoetrope effect that becomes the central pinnacle of the room.

WTT created water and oil effects using light projectors and custom gobos in the Sanctuary. An ADJ H20 light projector and custom gobo were used to imitate the movement of water and light, while the oil effect was achieved by pairing two Solo 250 projectors with an oil wheel projector and custom oil wheels, which were handmade by artists in Bristol.

The use of LEDs extends throughout the experience, with the iconic Mycelium Room featuring a ceiling which interlaces 2,500 LEDs with fibre optics sealed within resin.

The D.O.D.E.C. room’s dodecahedron houses an infinity-mirror effect that is augmented by vibrant LEDs that are orchestrated through Resolume. The LEDs move at an incredibly high rate of 100 frames per second, and all are controlled through a video processor linked to both Resolume and the floor projections, offering a fully immersive light experience.

The WTT experience is a visual playground, encouraging visitors to engage and explore within the park.

In the new ‘OUTERverse’, 15 Optoma projectors were chosen due to their vivid brightness and resolution, and deployed to cater to the diverse nature of each installation. The projectors are mapped using Resolume by Nathaniel Archer of Aether Projects, which converge to display visuals that are seamlessly synchronised with audio cues and LED installations.

TouchDesigner is also an integral part of WTT’s visual network, with the ability to control software that allows for intricate and interactive visual experiences. The software’s adaptability enables the integration of Kinect cameras and the opportunity for other input sources, allowing flexibility across immersive environments. Through this platform, the team have created an intuitive touch screen in the Aetheria room, granting users the ability to manipulate projections that are cast across a 15 ft walk through head.

The recent expansion also features part of a recycled aeroplane. In this ‘Astral Plane’, guests have access to Oculus 2 VR headsets that are suspended from the ceiling of the Airplane cabin. They are invited to take part in a tailor-made virtual experience crafted by The Cyberdelic Society. Despite the unconventional use of consumer-grade VR technology, the 3D-printed fixings allow for accessibility for all visitors. READ MORE ONLINE

SHORTLISTED - PERFORMANCE VENUE

ROUNDHOUSE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: London, UK

Installer: Robe

Submitted by: Robe

London’s famous Roundhouse concert and performing arts venue in Camden now has an all Robe moving light rig with a recent investment in 20 x ESPRITE luminaires, fitted with the HP (High Performance) LED engine for the highest output and strongest colours.

The order was overseen for Robe UK by Curtis Lewis, their business development manager for the London area. These fixtures join 82 existing Robe moving lights at the venue – 42 x LEDBeam 100s, 16 x DLF Washes, 6 x DLX Spots and 6 x LEDWash 600s – with the ESPRITES now the primary house rig spot fixtures, and available to all incoming productions. The new ESPRITES are part of a major technical update and an ongoing sustainability drive to make the Roundhouse as energy efficient as possible.

Robe’s TE – TRANSFERABLE ENGINE – technology was a key factor in the choice as well, as the light source can be changed out for a different type – HCF (High Colour Fidelity) when colour rendition is paramount, or TGW (Tungsten White) for a warm theatrical feel – or simply replaced, which greatly enhances the lifespan, value and sustainability of the products. They are incredibly bright and bring a whole new meaning and range of possibilities to how shows can be lit at this landmark venue. ESPRITES ticked all the relevant boxes and more for a flexible, multipurpose light that fulfilled several requirements and can cover the varied artistic and commercial programmes. Head of Lighting Steve Royal was also impressed with the smooth dimming curve and the range of colours, from the delicate pastels to the sumptuous rich saturates. It completes an all Robe moving light installation at this iconic London venue, representing great value and flexibility in an investment for both now and the future. Steve thinks ESPRITES are well designed and that proper thought has gone into making this product and in considering the needs of those who are using and looking after them day-to-day. Steve remembers when Robe was first starting out as a brand and observes how smart they have been in their R ‘n’ D, producing a string of innovative and interesting products along the way

He noted other bonuses of staying with products from one brand like the colour matching between the older and newer fixtures. Continuity is an area that Robe knows is important and is a major bonus for installations and venues that will often make purchases spanning a few years.

SUPER BOWL LVIII HALFTIME SHOW

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Las Vegas

Installer: YES TECH, Fuse Technical Group

Submitted by: YES TECH

The Super Bowl’s dazzling stage design, paired with an electrifying performance by Usher, delivered an unforgettable visual spectacle to audiences. The stadium was bathed in a strong futuristic vision, with the main visual elements featuring vibrant tech blues and bright reds, making the stage appear incredibly vivid. The entire stage was designed in the shape of a “flat plane,” consisting of a central circular main stage, two sub-stages, an irregular circular stage, and LED runways that to create a captivating and visually stunning performance.

The intricate layout of the LED displays required precise engineering and customization to ensure seamless integration with the stage design. Furthermore, the short delivery time posed a significant challenge. However, our professional team rose to the occasion and made it happen within the tight timeline. Leveraging our expertise in LED display technology and production capabilities, we meticulously engineered and customized the LED displays to match the unique stage design.

For the creative stage design, the MG7S series combined with MG creative-extended series to craft the “plane” stage and bring the colourful stage to life. The MG7S Series, known for multi-functions & multi-shapes with its superior load-bearing capacity, played a crucial

role in supporting the performance safely and securely. Despite the challenges, our team’s dedication, expertise, and innovative solutions ensured the successful installation and operation of the LED displays, contributing to the overall visual spectacle of the event.

YES TECH’s collaboration with Fuse Technical Group created the visually stunning main stage with three circles, configured to resemble a plane with MG7S and MG15. This innovative design provided an unparalleled visual experience, setting the stage for an unforgettable performance.

The MG7S Series’s versatility allowed for various shapes and configurations, catering to diverse needs and adding infinite value to the stage design. Together with the MG Creative-Extended Series, YES TECH’s visual solutions facilitated the realization of creative concepts, including letters, numbers, and dynamic shapes, enhancing the overall artistic presentation.

The MG7S Series’s proven superior load-bearing capacity demonstrated ensured a safe and stable platform for Usher’s dynamic performance. This capability was crucial, especially during show-stopping moments like Usher gliding across the stage on roller skates, demanding high strength and load-bearing capacity.

More than 1 billion viewers worldwide tuned in to the Super Bowl halftime show this year and it was the most anticipated one in years.

YES TECH has once again won the praise of customers with its highquality products and professional services, and has demonstrated our commitment to innovate and develop.

SHORTLISTEDPERFORMANCE VENUE

THE 19TH ASIAN GAMES

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: China, Hangzhou

Installer: YES TECH

Submitted by: YES TECH

The opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, was a visually stunning display that seamlessly blended traditional Chinese aesthetics with cutting-edge technology.

YES TECH delivered 2000SQM LED displays and innovative solutions for the opening ceremony of modern art.

A massive white circular stage took centre stage, symbolizing purity and unity. Surrounding the circular stage were multiple performance areas, each featuring unique stage design elements that paid homage to various aspects of Chinese culture. The entire stage was adorned with intricate Chinese patterns and colours, creating a visually striking backdrop for the performances.

The wonderful stage of large scale together with hordes of drones filled the sky and state-of-the-art projection mapping technology, forming various shapes and patterns in synchronization with the music and performances, leaving the audience in awe. The stage adopted the MG7S Series, the world’s first indoor-outdoor versatile and floor tile screen application. This product can be suitable for various scenarios, such as floor tiles, sky curtains, and stadium screens. Featuring the multi-functions & multi-shapes to set the opening on fire. The seamless integration of technology and traditional Chinese aesthetics made for a truly immersive experience.

Facing tight deadlines due to the imminent opening ceremony, YES TECH encountered significant challenges in designing, manufacturing, and installing a 2000-square-meter stage display. The immense scale of the stage, especially the installation of the dance floor, required precise integration with the stage structure to ensure stability and safety.

Moreover, the high technical requirements demanded clear and stable display effects under various environmental conditions. To address these challenges, YES TECH implemented a series of measures. They meticulously planned and prepared during the project’s initiation phase, ensuring all aspects, from production to installation, could be efficiently executed within the limited time frame.

Additionally, YES TECH fostered close collaboration within a dedicated project team comprising technical experts and engineers, working together to tackle technical and engineering obstacles. Furthermore, they prioritised early production and stocking of materials to meet the urgent delivery schedule.

During installation, YES TECH meticulously followed design specifications for precise and stable screen positioning, conducting comprehensive functionality testing and quality inspections. Moreover, they dispatched a technical support team to provide onsite assistance, resolving any issues promptly and ensuring seamless

operation of the display screens during the opening ceremony.

The 19th Asian Games opening ceremony in Hangzhou was a breathtaking showcase of cultural fusion, technological innovation, and artistic brilliance. YES TECH’s contribution to this spectacle with the MG7S Series marked a pivotal moment in stage design.

As the world’s first indoor-outdoor versatile and floor tile screen application, the MG7S Series demonstrated unparalleled adaptability and functionality, seamlessly integrating with the grandeur of the “Big Lotus” stage.

The opening ceremony, themed “Tides Surging in Asia,” was a celebration of Chinese aesthetics and culture, blending traditional elements with modern technology to create a mesmerizing visual experience. The MG7S Series LED display used in the 19th Asian Games has been serving big events for more than 3 years, playing a crucial role in supporting this experience with its durability.

Moreover, the MG7S Series’ unique features, such as its high loadbearing capacity and reliability in extreme climates, ensured that the displays performed flawlessly throughout the event, despite the challenges posed by Hangzhou’s hot and humid summer climate.

The seamless integration of technology and artistry was evident in every aspect of the opening ceremony, from the intricate Chinese patterns adorning the stage to the state-of-the-art projection mapping technology that brought the performances to life. YES

TECH’s LED displays served as the canvas for this artistic expression, delivering crisp and vibrant visuals that captivated audiences and enhanced the overall experience.

Furthermore, YES TECH’s commitment to green and sustainable development aligns with the values of the Asian Games, which aimed to be a green, intelligent, thrifty, and civilised event.

By providing innovative LED display solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and performance while minimizing environmental impact.

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THE STAGE FOR U2:UV ACHTUNG BABY LIVE AT SPHERE WINNER PERFORMANCE VENUE

PERFORMANCE VENUE SPONSORED BY

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Las Vegas

Submitted by: YES TECH

U2’s performance at MSG Sphere, Las Vegas, was an astounding triumph. The MSG Sphere is the world’s largest LED screen, enveloping its outer surface with a massive 55,700 square meters of display space. Inside, an additional 15,793 square meters of LED screens create an expansive spherical display area, surpassing IMAX by over 40 times.

Within this remarkable venue, YES TECH’s MG7S series played a crucial role in shaping the main stage which perfectly caters to the show that is full of fantasy, prosperity, and hope all around. The mesmerizing visual effects, characterized by a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours and captivating imagery, captivated the audience’s senses, elevating the overall experience to unprecedented heights.

The innovative circular stacked stage, evoking the imagery of a turntable, featured a striking 10-meter diameter circular screen on the top, complemented by a substantial 14m*14m square screen below. This meticulous setup seamlessly integrated to form a unified stage, perfectly suited to the immersive atmosphere within the sphere.

This configuration not only provided an immersive visual experience for the audience but also contributed significantly to the overwhelming success of U2’s performance at MSG Sphere. The biggest challenge is the multitude of customized displays within a short delivery time. The pivotal element of this project lies in the round stage, which contains 268 conventional cabinets of MG7S, and 88 creative-shape cabinets. To ensure the perfect curvature of the edges, the shaped screens used in this project were all customized products. The delivery period was only 3 months, and each customized screen needed to be moulded, which required a lot of manpower, material resources, and time.

YES TECH set up a special team for the first time after receiving the task and worked on various sections such as electronics, structure, process, production, pre-sales, and after-sales.

In terms of electronics, structure, process, etc., there were 350 drawings made for the stage around the circle, and the MG truss

was specially designed for easy and quick assembly. Through continuous adjustment, the fixing method of the screen is made uniform to ensure the positioning of the screen, the precision of the regular cabinet connection, and the flatness of the cabinet assembly, the stability and reliability reach the best state.

In terms of production, the large number of creative cabinets required 159 line transfer operations; each direction of the display requires independent programming, totalling 159 programming tasks. Through numerous optimizations, it finally realized the consistency between the displays thus presenting a super shocking overall choreography effect.

In the vibrant landscape of live entertainment, the U2 tour show at MSG Sphere in Las Vegas has emerged as a standout event, capturing the attention and admiration of audiences worldwide.

The MSG Sphere, with its monumental size and groundbreaking technology, provided the perfect canvas for U2’s mesmerizing performance, setting a new standard for immersive and visually stunning live shows.

At the heart of this spectacle lies the innovative main stage, meticulously designed and crafted by YES TECH inside the MSG Sphere. Featuring a unique stacked design reminiscent of a turntable, the main stage seamlessly integrates a 10-meter diameter circular screen with a 14m x 14m square screen, creating a unified and visually captivating centrepiece. This creative configuration not only enhances the immersive experience for audiences but also showcases the technological prowess of the U2 band show.

YES TECH’s MG7S series LED panels are renowned for their versatility and industry-leading performance. With over 30 patented technologies and a track record of successful installations worldwide, the MG7S series with “multi-functions & multi-shapes” of originality, delivering unparalleled clarity and vibrancy to the stage.

YES TECH’s collaboration with Fuse Technical Group further enhanced the technological capabilities of the main stage, ensuring seamless LED control and optimal performance on opening night.

SHORTLISTED - RESTAURANT

JENAVIES CAFÉ

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: New York City, USA

Architect: PH3 Workshop USA

Lighting Designer: Tirso Pelaez - Tirso Lighting

Installer: Tirso Lighting

Submitted by: Tirso Lighting

The transformation of Jenavie’s Cafe stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and innovative lighting solutions in enhancing the dining experience. By creating an engaging, interactive milkshake station, optimising the space for efficiency and enjoyment, and employing a dynamic lighting scheme that breathes life into the restaurant, we have redefined what a family-friendly restaurant can be.

This project showcases our ability to blend creativity with technology, resulting in a space that not only meets but exceeds client expectations.

By leveraging Madrix lighting control software, we introduced RGB pixel lighting throughout the cafe, particularly within the marquee-style designs surrounding the order counter and TV screens. This approach not only illuminated the space with vibrant, playful light but also created a theatrical ambiance that perfectly matched the interactive milkshake station. The incorporation of track lighting added versatility to the general illumination, allowing for easy adjustments to suit any needs or events held within the cafe.

Digital displays, framed like artwork, were integrated throughout Jenavie’s Cafe, enriching the space with vibrant visuals and interactive experiences. These LED panels, placed near the milkshake station and dining areas, cycle through menu items, art, and thematic graphics, creating an immersive atmosphere that complements the cafe’s lively decor. The customisable content not only entertains but also streamlines the dining experience, making every visit unique. This strategic use of display technology has transformed the cafe into a dynamic and inviting destination, markedly increasing customer engagement and satisfaction.

Integrating the interactive milkshake station without disrupting the cafe’s operational flow posed a significant challenge. This was addressed by carefully redesigning the layout to ensure the station became a central feature without impeding movement.

Preserving the cafe’s welcoming atmosphere while introducing vibrant design elements required a balanced approach; we achieved this by selecting colours and lighting that complemented the existing interior. The exterior signage and lighting design needed to be eye-catching yet harmonious with the interior, a challenge we met by extending the marquee concept to the facade, thereby creating a cohesive visual identity for Jenavie’s Cafe. Winning this award would recognise our team’s dedication to delivering exceptional design solutions that elevate customer experiences and contribute to the success of our clients’ businesses. Jenavie’s Cafe has become a beacon in its community, attracting families with its inviting atmosphere and becoming a case study in how design and lighting can transform a space from ordinary to extraordinary.

SHORTLISTED - RESTAURANT

LOLA'S HI/LO LOUNGE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Wisconsin, USA

Installer: Andrew Szlapka and Aural HiFi

Submitted by: 1 SOUND

Hospitality vets Tori Gerding (owner, Ancora), Evan Dannells (owner, Cadre), and Matt Gerding (Majestic Theatre founder & ex-President at FPC Live) opened Wisconsin’s first HiFi lounge, Lola’s Hi/Lo Lounge. The music-themed restaurant prides itself on its high-fidelity sound system designed with a wide mix of input from across the country. “We really wanted this space to sound better than any other HiFi bar in the country, so we brought a lot of experts to help us build a custom design,” says Matt Gerding. “The first thing we did was build in acoustic treatment to deaden the space.” The 3,200 square foot cocktail lounge and restaurant features 2 inches of K-13 Sound Absorption Spray on the ceilings throughout as well as lots of soft surfaces like theatrical curtains covering all windows, upholstered booth seating, and carpet. The space features speakers and amps sourced throughout the country including from Aural HiFi in Denver who turned their attention to horn-loaded speakers and tube amps to put as a focal point at the bar and serve as part of the system for bar seating. “Given Matt’s vision for the space, we really wanted the showcase system installed into the back bar to be something truly unique, visually captivating, sonically astounding,” says Jeremy Irwin, Founder and Owner of Aural HiFi in Denver. “For speakers, we chose Crites, who have been the premier upgrade source for heritage Klipsch speakers for more years than I can count. The Crites CS-B loudspeaker is similar to the Cornwall (that you’ll

find in many Hi-Fi bars across the country) but is even more cohesive, smooth, and never fatiguing – and packs enough punch to fill the space. For amplification, we chose the Fezz Titania Evo, which is just an amazingly musical Polish tube amp that has jaw-dropping looks and is just incredibly reliable; perfect for the rigours of a lounge. The Music Hall Classic turntable completes the system with its modern/vintage styling. We think it’s the perfect system for a Madison-style Hi-Fi spot.” said Irwin. To fill out the bar’s audio integration and the rest of the venue, Matt worked with local consultant and installer, Andrew Szlapka, who introduced him to 1 SOUND and audio designer Lou Mannarino. “Andrew was so very passionate about 1 SOUND and after doing a deep dive we decided that it was so perfect for all of our passive speakers and subwoofers,” says Gerding. “We were looking for something unique that could offer premium and modern speaker technology.” Andrew integrated 1 SOUND’s Cannon Coaxial loudspeakers the C5i and C6i models for the distributed audio design. The new American-made premium brand’s Cannon Series features high-fidelity quality audio with extended low-end and higher SPL, incomparable for a speaker of its size in pro-audio applications. The Cannons are made with premium materials and are purposefully built with a silk dome driver that is ferrofluid treated, enabling these loudspeakers to have high fidelity sound quality as well as high sound pressure levels and consistency for a speaker of its size. Four WSUB45s were distributed for bass and mounted to the main bar area’s ceiling utilizing its C-Clamp Kit accessory. These subwoofers were integrated in with the Crites loudspeakers at the bar along with the Cannons creating a distributed audio design for the entire restaurant.

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THE SAVOY GRILL SHORTLISTED - RESTAURANT

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: London, UK

Acoustician: Tateside AV and IT

Installer: Tateside AV and IT

Submitted by: Tateside AV and IT

Situated on London’s iconic Strand, the Savoy Grill at the prestigious Savoy Hotel, recently underwent a complete refurbishment in the Spring of 2023. The new design aimed to bring the restaurant into the 21st century while retaining its timeless elegance, with luxurious and striking interiors befitting the establishment.

The sound system in this restaurant represents a key component in building a memorable dining experience. Background music was to be warm and provide ambience to diners, yet it was critical that the technology would be discreet enough to blend into the interior design.

In the main restaurant, distributed K-array KV25s have been installed on custom 3D-printed brackets and finished in different RAL colours to provide a discreet solution.

K-array’s Pure Array Technology allows for wide sound distribution on the horizontal plane and narrow on the vertical. Therefore, the amount of energy sent towards the ceiling and floor is minimised, resulting in a more focused sound beam that can cover a longer distance uniformly. KU44 subwoofers are hidden within the banquette seating, providing a low-end extension from 150Hz to 50Hz.

The prestigious Wine Room at the Savoy Grill incorporates K-array’s ultra-discreet Lyzard KZ14s installed flat to the wall, coupled with a hidden KTR24 small form factor subwoofer, providing an excellent solution for audio reinforcement within an intimate environment. Lyzard loudspeakers are one of the smallest models in the K-array product portfolio. Measuring just 10cm tall, this compact size makes it the perfect solution for discreet audio integration.

Due to the layout and design of the renowned Chef’s Table area, ceiling-mounted Tornado KT2 point source loudspeakers were deployed, again coupled with a KTR24 subwoofer located underneath the seating. Truffle subwoofers from K-array allow audio reproduction down to 45Hz (-6dB).

Deploying loudspeakers in optimal locations from a sound design point of view, without contradicting any on-site interior design elements, posed a challenge. Multiple coordination meetings with the architect and interior design team allowed us to define the best and most discreet locations and decide on the best RAL colour finishes for the loudspeakers.

Working towards a strict deadline and a finite window for installation was another challenging aspect of the Savoy Grill integration which we overcame through effective project management and planning. It was crucial for both us and the client to consider long-term sustainability. To achieve this, we implemented strategies to ensure that the products chosen were of the highest quality and would have an impact far beyond the initial implementation.

We exceeded the original scope and didn’t just deliver it. The client did not know what they wanted, so in addition to the initial scope, we conducted a complete discovery and consultation, proof of concept, and complete design and plotted and simulated the design, installation, commissioning, and aftercare.

This demonstrates the client’s trust in us to deliver something from nothing. This leads us to the client relationship which we believe to be a differentiator. We have been their preferred supplier across 35 sites. Working with a business for over 12 years brings is no mean feat, and brings a sense of familiarity, trust, and shared history that is invaluable. Over time, we develop a deep understanding of each other’s needs, preferences, and ways of working.

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WINNER RESTAURANT

DUCK & WAFFLE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Installer: KNEKTD

Submitted by: KNEKTD

The Duck & Waffle’s newest restaurant in Edinburgh is the result of a meticulously engineered AV and IT technology package that is sympathetic with the company’s brand identity renowned for its signature dishes and unique locations. In keeping with founder Shimon Bokovza’s vision for a warm and buzzy dining experience with epic views, the brief for the brand’s latest venture called for discreet but impactful audio throughout all the dining spaces and highly arresting video content, together with networking and IT infrastructure designed to provide a rewarding and immersive experience for patrons and an intuitive interface for staff.

KNEKTD delivered high quality audio in the shape of Sonance pendant speakers positioned precisely where needed and blending in imperceptibly with lighting fixtures over dining tables, and concealed ceiling speakers in the more intimate areas. Subwoofers are hidden within banquette seating to deliver solid low frequency energy without being seen. Yamaha amplifiers supply power for all the speaker systems, and a Yamaha audio matrix manages all the signal inputs and audio distribution.

KNEKTD delivered networking facilities within an overall IT infrastructure that enables staff to manage the audio and video systems through a user-friendly Crestron interface, providing volume adjustment, playlist management and content scheduling – all of which can be automated if desired.

KNEKTD delivered an immersive video experience displayed onto large floor-to-ceiling 360° LED video walls encircling the two structural columns in the main dining area, which would otherwise have been an unsightly distraction. Content can also be sent from a DJ facility using Resolume software with an extensive range of effects that allows the DJ to seamlessly mix videos, images, and graphics. A large Samsung TV blends in within custom artwork to allow diners to show presentations, videos

and or photos for special personal events.

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A critical component of the all-round experience are the unique floor-to-ceiling 360° circular LED video columns that dominate the main dining space and can display any kind of content in ultrahigh resolution. These cylindrical screens can also receive content from a DJ booth using Resolume software, allowing the DJ to seamlessly mix videos, images and graphics on to these one-of-akind dynamic visual canvasses.

What were the main challenges during the installation and how did you overcome them? *

There is a hotel located in the same building immediately above the restaurant, and so KNEKTD had to recognise the impact that the transmission of low frequency sounds would have on the well being of the neighbouring hotel guests. To overcome this significant acoustic challenge all loudspeakers are either pendant types suspended from the ceiling grid and therefore not physically connected to the structure, or mounted on custom acoustically damped fixings to prevent any possibility of unwanted acoustic transmission.

This project is a prime example of how a client’s vision was accurately interpreted and realised to his ultimate satisfaction. London-based lifestyle technology provider KNEKTD designed, installed and commissioned an integrated AV / IT package that complements the Duck & Waffle founder’s idea of showcasing outstanding locations and epic views by combining sound, visuals and atmosphere into the dining experience. All the technology fades completely into the background while providing faultless performance.

KNEKTD has shown innovation and enterprise in the interpretation and realisation of Duck & Waffle founder Shimon Bokovza’s vision of a new restaurant venture set in an iconic Scottish location that has brought the expansiveness of an outdoor setting into an indoor dining space, with clever use of unique floor-to-ceiling cylindrical LED video screens and discreet yet powerful audio systems throughout the restaurant, forming a fully integrated sonic and visual package that enhances the dining experience.

SHORTLISTED - RETAIL & LEISURE

BULLRING AND BLUEWATER SHOPPING CENTRES

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Various, UK

Installer: EcoVista

Submitted by: Absen

The high-resolution Absen LED screens provide brands with a powerful platform to engage customers, tell their stories in a captivating way, and stay ahead of the competition. The project serves as a testament to the combined power of innovative technology, strategic planning, and efficient execution, ultimately creating a win-win situation for both brands and shoppers.

Absen’s A2719 provides the ideal viewing experience for close-up advertising within a retail environment, with high refresh rate and contrast ratio to support its ability to produce excellent picture and video quality ensuring true to content results.

The A2719 features high brightness, contrast and high colour accuracy, to deliver stunning visuals, as well as seamless integration capability which offers an ideal platform for brands to tell stories and connect with customers in a captivating way. The superior image quality and vibrant colours allows organisations to craft engaging content that grabs the attention, drives results, and fosters memorable brand experiences.

The project’s tight deadline demanded a smooth and efficient execution – the importance of minimising downtime in such a high profile retail setting as the Bullring and Bluewater Shopping Centres cannot be understated.

This project had to have extremely efficient project management and the adaptability of the Absen A2719 was instrumental in meeting these constraints. It allowed a smooth transition to the

new screens, minimizing downtime and ensuring a seamless experience for shoppers.

In total, EcoVista replaced two existing LCD sites within the Bullring and Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent, with 165-inch Absen LED screens. The A2719 provides the ideal viewing experience for close-up advertising within a retail environment, with high refresh rate and contrast ratio to support its ability to produce excellent picture and video quality ensuring true to content results. EcoVista’s expertise went beyond simply installing the new screens. They designed and built a custom enclosure, ensuring seamless integration with the existing infrastructure while transforming the LED into an interactive experience that further enhances the impact of the displayed content.

Absen was able to fully support EcoVista to implement a more advanced and captivating form of digital signage. By combining innovative technology, strategic planning, and efficient execution, EcoVista has enabled its retail clients to continue to deliver impactful advertising experiences, while staying ahead in the competitive retail landscape.

The successful collaboration between EcoVista and Absen has resulted in a significant upgrade for Limited Space’s digital advertising offering. The high-resolution Absen LED screens provide brands with a powerful platform to engage customers, tell their stories in a captivating way, and stay ahead of the competition. The project serves as a testament to the combined power of innovative technology, strategic planning, and efficient execution, ultimately creating a win-win situation for both brands and shoppers.

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STRIKE 10

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Boca Raton, Florida, USA

Architect: Jay Krause

Lighting Designer: Sound and Light Solutions

Acoustician: Sound and Light Solutions

Installer: Sound and Light Solutions

Submitted by: CHAUVET Professional

Strike 10 is a high-tech, one-of-a-kind, bowling and bar experience in the downtown centre of Palm Beach, Boca Raton Mizner Park. This project is a one-off ultra high technology that has never been completed before in a family entertainment facility within the world of bowling.

The main challenge was getting the lights in the lanes to line up perfectly with the lanes themselves. The team had to laser mark the floor and work with AMF to make sure that everything was perfectly in place and in a straight line BEFORE the flooring was put in because you cannot run scaffolds and ladders on top of wood lanes.

Another challenge was putting everything under one control system which ended up being Madrix. But about 100 Category cables run through the ceilings there, the DJ booth looks like an airline cockpit.

The technology of the pixelated lighting is incorporated in custom wood panels that are hung in the bar area which give it a feeling like it is moving and alive. The architect who drew up the original renderings was literally in shock when it was completed that we were able to bring the vision to life.

TRANS STUDIO MALL SHORTLISTED - RETAIL & LEISURE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Makassar, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Installer: Maxin10sity, Hungary

Submitted by: Maxin10sity

Maxin10sity was given a brief to create content for a projection mapping show, a mythical adaptation of the creation of the world, as well as a strict budget in order to make recommendations what equipment Trans Studio Mall would need for the installation.

Taking account the budget, Maxin10sity outlined the system and the content in the planning phase. Trans Studio Mall purchased the projectors due to having local connections with brand but it was also important for the projectors to be small, quiet and low maintenance, while Maxin10sity specified the media server to deliver the content.

The integrator knew that within this project’s budget the best media server solution was PIXERA due to all of its features; it was important for this installation to have a reliable media server that was also easy to teach the IT team how to use.

Trans Studio Mall requested a five-minute-long spectacle that would be dynamic, display many explosions and mythic creatures and would show the creation of earth and the establishment of the world.

The project’s aim was to offer a unique shopping experience, increase footfall in the shopping mall to enjoy the free show and as a result revenue for the various outlets thanks to more shopping.

Maxin10sity created the content that featured the birth, life and battle of dragons, phoenixes and other epic creatures, projected onto a 25m diameter circular ceiling, designed to ensure no matter where the audience stands, they can understand the storyline from that angle.

The installation consists of six Panasonic PT-MZ20 projectors, installed on brackets on the inner perimeter of the first floor,

projecting upwards on the third floor ceiling. PIXERA two OCTO server delivers content and music, created by Maxin10sity.

Once the equipment arrived on site, Maxin10sity and its partner company, Sommator AVS, used the cloud based platform Mapping Matter for determining the overall brightness of the projection. The team also used PIXERA 3D workspace during pre-production to help decide the best position for the projectors, which helped Sommator AVS build custom brackets holding the projectors in place, and at the right angle.

Trans Studio Mall faces a unique challenge due to its geographical position. The region is prone to occasional earthquakes, with the country experiencing 3.8 to 4.0 magnitude tremors several times each year. This poses a risk for the installation in the future, as even a small tremor can cause the projectors to move and the configuration has to be done again.

This was taken into consideration during the installation phase, and the team ensured to leverage the remote controlling and utilise lens shift to realign the projectors from Maxin10sity’s Budapest office.

However, in cases where remote adjustment fall short, Maxin10stiy aims to reach out to its partners in Singapore to visit the site and ensure the installation is redone. One of the reasons Maxin10sity recommended PIXERA is its straightforward, easy-to-understand interface, which ensures the tech team knows how to carry out necessary adjustments.

Maxin10sity taught the technical team on the site how to use the media server and made sure the equipment is automated, so even if there is an electricity outage the equipment will work as normal. The venue’s technical team can easily turn the system on/off play shows, upload and play media (still logos or video loops) for special events and re-arm the system for automatic mode with only a few hours of training after the installation.

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PRINTWORKS WINNER RETAIL & LEISURE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Manchester, UK

Architect: CDA Architects

Acoustician: CUK Audio, Glasgow, Scotland

Installer: ADI

Submitted by: ADI

As part of a £21 million refurbishment to transform Manchester’s Printworks leisure destination, large scale applications in AV and LED display hardware were central to the project.

The centrepiece of the scheme is a 1,000sqm LED ceiling, the largest of its kind in Europe. Comprising over 10,720,900 pixels and around 115 metres in length, it allows the ambience inside Printworks to continually transform to suit varying audiences and align with live events and brand activations.

It was custom designed, manufactured and installed by ADI, who worked together with Flipbook Studio to create a diverse variety of content to bring it to life. Vast in scale and visible above the venue’s streets and central Pump Yard, the ceiling has completely transformed the venue into an immersive environment that evolves from day to night.

The ceiling integrates with new audio and lighting design to maximise the content-driven experience for visitors. With huge 8K LED canvases, Green Hippo media servers were specified to drive the video, lighting and audio playout, while content scheduling/ triggers are managed through Signagelive.

The digital ceiling is complimented by a giant LED gaming screen in the Pump Yard, Wayfinders, external DOOH displays and highlevel signage, also from ADI. This creates a venue-wide platform to instantly change ambience, branding, advertising and offer live gamification. These impactful LED canvases enable owners DTZ Investors to drive revenue and footfall, while supporting tenants and visitor experience.

The digital transformation has put Printworks at the forefront of the UK’s leisure sector, bringing innovation and a best-in class entertainment destination on a scale never seen before in Europe. Launched on 20th March 2024, the refurbished Printworks received over 65 pieces of national media coverage and had a potential audience reach of 949 million considering the huge social media reaction to the project.

Since launch, Printworks has enjoyed increased footfall, with an average 79% up-lift week on week, and 19% increase year on year. Alongside the launch of the first media campaign on the ceiling and a public gaming event, Printworks has become a hub for all ages and a visitor attraction in its own right.

The project was conceived five years ago, but the covid pandemic and its severe impact on the leisure sector stalled works until early 2022. When ADI were brought onboard, they faced technical hurdles; beyond the obvious challenge of installing a huge digital ceiling there was a high level of specification around the LED screen modules used.

Concerns around flammability of architectural materials in public venues meant the project required an LED product to meet

strict fire performance standards. With no existing solution, ADI underwent a rigorous R&D process with prototype design and stringent fire testing to develop the world’s only LED module built to meet the BSEN 13501-1 classification.

This new MTF product – and its unique application – has brought innovation and new opportunities for leisure venues who would like to incorporate LED while retaining high safety standards.

An additional safety measure saw each LED module incorporate a galvinized steel tether to attach it onto the Unistrut frame, so that if the cam-lock fails the module won’t fall to the ground below.

Printworks remained open throughout the refurbishment, with multiple contractors working on the interior and exterior of the historic building over two-years. Unlike other projects where a short window of time is allocated for install, ADI had to deliver an extensive and phased installation programme working around other on-site construction.

The digital ceiling features three separate mega screens that are unusually shaped and at different heights to seamlessly integrate with the existing architecture. This unique project also meant ADI’s team had to work in a non-traditional way, installing screens directly above them rather than in front of them.

Printworks stayed open for the full duration of the refurb which posed challenges; while a crash-deck was used during the initial ceiling install phase and achievable during open hours, later work had to be completed while the building was closed overnight utilising plant access equipment.

Once the screens were commissioned, the process of content testing began. With over 100 pieces of content ready for launch, re-edits and re-renders were required to achieve seamless playout across these bespoke 8K LED screens.

The Printworks project has created a landmark installation and delivers a truly innovative application of technology within a leisure venue. The scale and impact of the screens combined with audio, lighting and creative content has transformed this once gloomy environment into a vibrant, appealing destination that immerses visitors in ever-changing experiences.

ADI worked in partnership with animation studio Flipbook to produce a huge variety of content for the screens; from AI generative animations to emotive story-led video. Every piece is designed to bring the giant digital canvas to life and develop the venue into a must-see attraction.

Beyond the capabilities of the large LED gaming screen, interactive experiences will also be launched at Printworks in the coming months, with heat mapping cameras on the ceiling allowing visitors to influence and generate the content that appears.

The boost to visitor experience, amplification of live events and versatility over ambience have been huge achievements of the project, but it has also opened new commercial opportunities for the owner, DTZ Investors by creating a unique DOOH advertising canvas. Brand advertisers can also achieve a complete venue ‘take-over’ using the full platform of screens across the interior and exterior of the building, making it one of the most digitally advanced public venues in the country.

GLYNN COUNTY STADIUM SHORTLISTED - STADIUM

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Georgia, USA

Installer: AV East

Submitted by: Electro-Voice and Dynacord

Located in Brunswick, Georgia, Glynn County Stadium is a busy venue, being home to both the Brunswick Pirates and the Glynn Academy Red Terrors varsity football teams. The 12,000-seater is setting a new standard for game-day sound quality in the region, thanks to an Electro-Voice and Dynacord system installation by AV East, also based in Brunswick.

“The sports complex recently constructed a field house behind the stadium with an all-glass wall facing the football field,” explains Anthony Stubelek, owner of AV East. “The slapback off that wall was creating havoc with the sound from the existing system, installed along with the LED scoreboard a few years ago. It was time for something new.” While Stubelek was putting together options for the complex, his AV partner in the project, iMint Media, suggested that he consider the new Electro-Voice MTS loudspeakers, which he had heard at another stadium install.

“After researching them, it seemed like the MTS was exactly what we needed,” adds Stubelek. “I contacted my sales rep, Jordan Smith, with Sales Force & Associates, and walked him through our requirements. The point-source MTS checked all our boxes.”

Smith recommended two MTS-4153-64, one for each side of the field, with low-end support provided by four Electro-Voice X12-128 dual-18” subwoofers. Dynacord IPX series amplifiers power the loudspeakers and subs.

The two fully weatherized MTS loudspeakers are mounted on the scoreboard with custom brackets designed and built by Stubelek.

The selected MTS-4153-64 models combine four 15” woofers with dual coaxial mid/high compression drivers via a single waveguide in a design focused on cohesive output with a strong bass response.

Coupled with their extremely high-output and long-throw capacity, the 60 x 40 coverage pattern keeps output precisely focused with the requisite intelligibility and impact for a truly impressive outdoor audio experience. The four subs are located under the scoreboard on a custom platform – also designed by Stubelek – that keeps them out of the way of the rain “splash zone” and any standing water.

Dynacord IPX multi-channel DSP amplifiers for fixed installation applications drive the system. These amplifiers are equipped with OMNEO IP networking architecture, enabling Dante and OCA/ AES70 networking. IPX series models also feature high resolution 96 kHz DSP with low latency and a high signal-to-noise ratio, and sophisticated technologies for added energy efficiency and system protection. The two MTS boxes are powered by an IPX10:4 (with an output capacity of up to 10,000 watts across four channels), while the four X12-128 subwoofers are powered by an IPX20:4 (with a total output capacity of up to 20,000 watts). Stubelek has an additional IPX10:4 on site for redundancy purposes. The amplifiers are mounted in weatherproof, air-conditioned racks below the scoreboard.

“The first time I heard MTS loudspeakers was when we turned them on to commission the system,” Stubelek continues. “That was a great day. I was so impressed. The system sounded amazing.” He concludes, “The MTS are as close to ‘sounding great out of the box’ as possible. When I logged into the Dynacord SONICUE Sound System Software and checked the EQ curve, it needed minimal adjustment, which is unusual in my experience as a touring FOH engineer and installer. The throw from each loudspeaker was exactly what Jordan and my computer models told me, in terms of distance and SPL. In addition, the option to have an Electro-Voice and Dynacord technician available to commission the system was a powerful selling point. Furthermore, the loudspeakers arrived ahead of schedule! I would highly recommend the entire package.”

SHORTLISTED - STADIUM

LORD'S CRICKET GROUND

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: London, UK

Installer: Ashleigh Signs

Submitted by: Absen

Chosen for its assured stability and reliability, the Absen 10mm pixel pitch SR10 S outdoor LED screen was the product of choice.

Two SR10 S screens were installed in the Compton and Edrich Stands to provide live scoring, match updates, match replays and advertisements. Each screen is 11.52m W x 6.4m H equalling 73sqm, with super high brightness of 8,500nits - critical for a seasonal sporting event like cricket which means the visual ability of the LED will not be compromised even in bright sunlight.

A third larger Absen SR10 S LED was installed within the Allen Stand, 20m W x 5.76m H equalling 116sqm, for live scoring and match updates and with an even higher brightness of 10,000nit. With modules designed for all weather conditions, the SR Series presents excellent display quality even on the brightest or dullest day. With a longer life cycle and excellent durability, it boasts independent LED sealing with elements of the screen wrapped in a protective fibreglass to guarantee a waterproofing rate of IP65. It also guarantees resistance from extreme heat, severe cold, acids, alkalis and even salt spray, ensuring a longer product lifespan.

The SR Series’ intelligent monitor and module allows for remote monitoring and support connection via a PC, laptop or smart phone. It is also energy saving with an average power consumption as low as W/m2 108 and has front and rear service access for quick and easy maintenance with no additional tools required.

The power and data redundancy built into the Absen SR10 S it means there’s no downtime with the screens at the Ground

and the ease of servicing allows the stadium’s local engineers to support the screens at short notice and with minimum intervention times if there are any issues.

Absen was chosen by Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) as the LED display partner at Lord’s Cricket Ground to provide high performance screens as part of an extensive refurbishment, at the historic St John’s Wood cricket venue.

For its ongoing £200m ground development programme spanning five years, MCC is not only striving to provide its members and visitors with modern stands and exceptional facilities, but to also improve the overall match day experience for spectators throughout the season.

Absen was initially selected to provide two new outdoor screens, within the main playing field. After being impressed with the first implementation, MCC asked Absen to continue the ongoing partnership, by providing a larger third screen in the second development stage.

The exceptional quality and position of the three opposing screens ensures spectators have a clear, uninterrupted view, wherever they’re seated and whatever the weather. To assist with the installation, Absen subsequently selected Ashleigh Signs as the systems integration partner for the project.

MCC selected Absen to initially provide two new outdoor screens in the Compton and Edrich Stands using its 10mm pixel pitch SR10 S outdoor LED, situated within the main playing field. Installed to provide spectators and visitors with live scoring, match updates, match replays and advertisements, each screen measures 11.52m W x 6.4m H equalling to 73sqm, with a super high brightness of 8,500nits - critical for a seasonal sporting event like cricket which means the visual ability of the LED will not be compromised even in bright sunlight. READ MORE ONLINE

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Genelec Smart IP PoE loudspeakers offer optimised internal amplifiers and the simplicity of single cable installation, with audio, power and control all provided by one standard CAT cable.

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SHORTLISTED - STADIUM

PRINCIPALITY STADIUM

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Cardiff, Wales

Installer: PAI Group

Submitted by: NEXO

Llanelli-based PAI Group/Vaughan Sound has completed the design and installation of a new NEXO sound system at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. Home to Welsh rugby, the 74,500seat venue is one of just two European sports stadiums with a fully retractable roof and joins a growing number of national stadiums standardising on NEXO sound that already includes the Stade de France in Paris and Croke Park in Dublin.

“We’ve been involved in maintaining and upgrading the original system at the stadium for many years, and welcomed the opportunity to propose a new system which would both enhance the match day experience for fans and keep them safe with the clear intelligibility and uniform coverage of every seat necessary for effective public address and voice alarm functions,” commented PAI Project Manager Stuart Williams.

Designed in conjunction with the NEXO Engineering Support team and drawing on NEXO line array and point source technology, the main system at Principality Stadium comprises 18 arrays of 8 x NEXO GEO S1230 with 10 banks of 3 x L18 subs and a delay line of 32 x NEXO P12 and 12 x NEXO P10 speakers. Pitch coverage is provided by a further 4 arrays of 4 x GEO S1230 each, with under balconies on level 3 covered by 44 x NEXO P8s and VIP hospitality boxes around the stadium covered by 75 x NEXO ID24s.

A total of 41 x NEXO NXAMPMk2 powered TD Controllers are spread across 6 amplifier rooms with a fibre ring connecting Dante™ and Q-LAN distribution networks, with remote control and monitoring from NEXO’s NeMo app together with system control and matrix routing from Q-SYS Core 610 processors.

The Baldwin Boxall VIGIL3 integrates seamlessly for PAVA announcements and external sources are bridged into the system at locations including pitch side, the video studio and at the stadium bowl access area known as the Dragon’s Mouth.

“Anyone that’s been to a rugby international at Principality Stadium will know all about the unrivalled atmosphere created by Welsh supporters,” stated Mark Williams, Principality Stadium Manager.

“The addition of a clear and powerful new NEXO sound system will enhance our renowned stadium experience, as well as helping keep the crowd safe throughout all of our world-class events, from major concerts to sporting events.

“Alongside the clarity of the sound, what’s particularly impressive is the coverage; from the back of every seating tier to the hospitality boxes and lounges, every seat in the stadium will get to experience the same outstanding sound this new system provides.”

Speaking on behalf of NEXO, Sales and Marketing Director Gareth Collyer said: “The team at PAI/Vaughan Sound has done a great job at Principality Stadium, and it’s good to see yet another national stadium choosing NEXO sound to ensure crowd safety and enhance the experience for fans.”

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THE OLYMPIC STADIUM OF EBIMPÉ WINNER STADIUM

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Installer: RCOe, on behalf of local integrator Protech Distribution

Submitted by: Powersoft

Located in the eponymous suburb of Abidjan, the largest city in the Ivory Coast, the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé is the country’s national stadium, being home to Les Éléphants, the Ivory Coast national football team.

The need for a new sound system so soon after the Olympic Stadium’s construction came after its original PA system was damaged by adverse weather conditions. The new system was designed by Ricardo Castro, CEO of Portuguese AV consultancy RCOe, on behalf of local integrator Protech Distribution.

In addition to the 61 Quattrocanali 4804 – of which he opted for the DSP+D model, with Dante audio-over-IP networking – Castro specified 14 Powersoft Duecanali 6404 DSP+D amplifiers to lend additional power for the 104-loudspeaker system, which is divided into 28 clusters to maximise audio coverage across the stadium.

A pair of Quattrocanali are bi-amped to each Community R266MAX speaker cluster, while the Duecanali are used to power the Community IS8-215 subs.

All amplifiers, patchboxes and network switches are divided into four rack rooms, located at the four corners of the stadium, to minimise the length of the cable connection to the loudspeakers.

A Biamp TesiraFORTÉ DAN DSP is used as a Dante converter for the primary audio source to the amplifiers, as well as for a fourzone paging system for security and emergency announcements.

Castro explains that while he is generally manufacturer-agnostic, he knew when first approached by Inza Bamba, Protech’s managing director, with whom he has a long working relationship, that Powersoft amplifiers and Community loudspeakers from Biamp would be a perfect fit for the new-look Ebimpé Stadium –and that’s before he found that BCEG had used some Powersoft racks for the otherwise poorly designed previous installation. This discovery was important from a budgetary point of view: having already paid out for one sound system, the stadium’s managing committee was looking for a cost-effective solution for its replacement.

During the installation process, one of the challenges was working with the budget constraints due to the client’s prior investment in different products. This demanded an approach to reconcile the client’s expectations with available resources. Furthermore, navigating the vast African market for suppliers also posed a logistical challenge, making more difficult by sourcing components and ensuring timely delivery.

The main challenge during the installation was the tight time. “I was given six months for everything,” says Ricardo Castro. The installation was completed on time in May, despite additional

difficulties recruiting suppliers and dealing with a shortage of parts and equipment.

Another challenge was to ensure the venue would trust Castro to design the PA, as the venue had had a bad experience previously with the PA system. To overcome this challenge, the integrator initially equipped a quarter of the venue (one of four zones) with the new Powersoft-Community/Biamp system as a proof of concept to confirm to the stadium operator had made the right decision signing off the design.

Castro comments that when the stadium staff, consultants and clients all came to the stadium and heard the system for themselves, they “couldn’t believe the difference – in sound quality, volume and intelligibility – compared to the previous system. It sounds incredible.”

Despite these challenges, effective management ensured a successful execution of the project, with the crucial decision of choosing Powersoft amplifiers. Having already worked with Powersoft before, Castro had confidence in the product’s suitability for the task at hand. Considering the diverse requirements across the installation’s four zones, this choice proved to pay off.

The Ebimpé Stadium PA system, Powered by Powersoft amplifiers showcases the excellence in stadium audio installations. With over 60 Powersoft Quattrocanali 4804 amplifiers driving the sound system, Ebimpé Stadium boasts high-quality audio performance. The company’s innovative DSP+D models, featuring Dante networking ensure pristine sound quality and seamless integration.

Leveraging Powersoft’s amplification, the Ivory Coast stadium delivers an unparalleled sound experience to its visitors. Each of the 104 loudspeakers powered by Powersoft’s amplifiers guarantees a high-quality sound with great intelligibility. Powersoft solutions engineering team leader Davide Quarto – one of four people on site to configure and test the new system, along with Ricardo Castro, Inza Bamba of Protech and John Caton of Biamp – says that all parties were happy with the support offered by Powersoft both during the installation and system set-up. “They strongly believe in the added value of Powersoft when supporting project activities, from the design phase to the system first run by a skilled technical team,” he comments. “To them this is strong confirmation of why choosing Powersoft makes a difference.”

Quarto adds that the stadium audio team are particularly appreciative of the operator view interface offered by ArmoníaPlus, Powersoft’s system design and monitoring software, as it limits user access to the system configuration options. “The customer wanted to have a system that can only be monitored and safely operated,” he explains, “with limited access to the system, so as to avoid dangerous situations like changing the EQ or presets or even unlinking an amplifier.”

SHORTLISTED - THEATRE

LIDO 2

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Paris, France

System Designer: Unisson Design

Installer: B Live

Submitted by: d&b audiotechnik

Home of the famed dancing troupe, the Bluebell Girls, Le Lido was one of the most iconic cabaret and burlesque venues in Paris. Situated on the Champs-Elysée, Le Lido has hosted performances from a bevy of international stars from Edith Piaf to Johnny Hallyday, Marlene Dietrich, Shirley MacLaine and Elton John, to name but a few. Bought by the hotel group Accor in 2021, the curtain came down on the final cabaret performance in July 2022, marking the end of a glittering era that spanned over 75 years. Since then, Le Lido has undergone a startling transformation to be reborn as a highly original – and hi-tech – venue for international, original language musical theatre.

The Accor group asked Jean-Luc Choplin, former director of the Chatelet theatre in Paris, to take over the management of the Lido. The brief was clear – to create a new venue capable of producing the very best of musical theatre. Choplin turned to his former collaborators at the Châtelet – Cyril Auclair and Léonard Françon – to see if the venue would be suitable for this type of production. According to Auclair, “The answer was yes, although given the architectural constraints of the building, we knew it was likely to be complicated.”

The pair – now Unisson Design and charged with overseeing the full technical overhaul for the newly baptised Lido2 Paris – had already decided on a d&b system and were able to test their theories on the musical Cabaret which was staged pre-renovations “Given that we were going to need a lot of

loudspeakers anyway to cover all the awkward corners and difficult angles of the Lido, we started to wonder if Soundscape might not be a good solution – so we tested it on Cabaret,” explains Auclair. “The results were good enough that we decided to implement Soundscape as part of the new audio system after the renovations.”

The new Lido2 Paris now benefits from a comprehensive immersive sound system from d&b comprising 130 loudspeakers from three different series, 40D and 5D amplifiers and two DS100 signal engines.

The biggest challenges from an audio perspective were the combination of a front thrust stage – retained from the venue’s former cabaret era – combined with very low ceiling height, a panoramic room requiring coverage through 180° and the requirement for a visually unobtrusive system.

Unisson Design opted for a distributed point source system totalling 130 loudspeakers including a main system of compact Y10Ps. “We needed to gain as much space as possible as the main PA is literally above the front lip of the stage. This means you can’t drive it too hard because the loudspeakers are too close to the mics – consequently, we added a delay line of seven Y10Ps a third of the way up the room which preserves the consistency of the sound and guarantees even coverage to the back of the stalls.”

A cardioid sub array of eight XSLi-SUBs is neatly interspersed between the main Y10Ps with custom mountings to ensure they are as close to the ceiling as possible. Four Yi7Ps per side act as side fills. Elsewhere, the discreet 44S loudspeakers serve as lip fills in specially created niches in the front of the stage, and as underbalcony and balcony delays. E8 loudspeakers reinforce lateral coverage across the stalls, accompanied by the ultra-compact 4Ss. Rear surround for the stalls is also handled by E8s.

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MONTCO CULTURAL CENTER THEATER

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA

Architect: Spillman Farmer Architects, USA

Lighting Designer: Barbizon Lighting Company, USA

Installer: Applied Video, USA

Acoustician: WSDG [Walters-Storyk Design Group]

Submitted by: WSDG [Walters-Storyk Design Group]

WSDG submitted a plan to reconfigure three smaller lecture halls into the newly imagined 563-seat theater. The theater was conceived as a multi-purpose venue capable of facilitating live theatrical performances and concerts, classes, and screenings of films and educational videos.

The audio recording and live sound elements of the theater are part of an integrated audio system that allows for maximum versatility of the space. The system is distributed using a Dante network that can all be managed from an upgraded DigiCo console in the FOH position. For live sound, WSDG specified an L’Acoustics loudspeaker system for maximum audio fidelity and resolution. The system is also linked with the school’s existing WSDG-designed recording studio and mixing suite enabling recording and live streaming of all performances as well as the use of the main stage as a live room for recording projects.

For lighting and video, WSDG specified two projectors for film screening and backdrop purposes. The theater has an entirely new infrastructure for theatrical lighting and special effects that can be fully controlled from FOH via an ETC console. The video streaming system utilizes PTC 4K High Resolution cameras distributed throughout the space that can be utilized both for recording and webcasting. All of these are automated and controlled via a Crestron system.

For lighting and video, WSDG specified two projectors for film screening and backdrop purposes. The theater has an entirely new infrastructure for theatrical lighting and special effects that can be fully controlled from FOH via an ETC console. The video streaming system utilizes PTC 4K High Resolution cameras distributed throughout the space that can be utilized both for recording and webcasting. All of these are automated and controlled via a Crestron system.

The integration with the existing recording infrastructure was a top priority for this project and required extensive coordination between WSDG, Spillman Farmer Architects, and system installer Sean Lubitsky of Applied Video. It was also very important to preserve the existing structure of the building where feasible for budgetary reasons while still making space for the additions and an improved HVAC system to account for the added heat load of the new technology.

An added challenge was that the construction of the theater was launched just as the COVID-19 pandemic ground everything in the world to a halt. Given that it was a massive, interdisciplinary undertaking, there were concerns that the project would be delayed indefinitely.

Fortunately, WSDG has extensive experience in remote design collaboration and launched a company-wide effort to generate detailed plans for every facet of the project. Once these were completed and approved, the demolition, renovation, and reconstruction of the theater was officially launched in late 2020.

The Montco Cultural Center represents an incredible achievement for Montgomery County Community College in terms of elevating the arts and culture of the school through investing in A/V infrastructure.

Despite not being a private university with a large budget, MCCC

made it a priority to provide a world-class performance theater for its students and the surrounding community, and succeeded wildly in its goals due to smart planning and putting together a skilled team of professionals to design and build the theater.

The assembled team – Spillman Farmer Architects, WSDG, Barbizon Lighting Company, and Applied Video – worked together to realize this incredible vision and through their coordination and cooperation a truly meaningful impact has been made on the school and the community around it.

On the completion of the project, MCCC Dr. Celeste Schwartz, MCCC Vice President of Pottstown Campus, Information Technology, and Institutional Effectiveness had this to say: “Back in 2018 Romina Larregina had worked closely with MCCC Music Assistant Professor and Coordinator of Sound Recording and Music Technology, Michael Kelly and SRT Director David Ivory to develop our new recording studio. That project was a great success and led to our decision to return to them for this new assignment. We were confident in their level of professionalism and commitment, and they did not disappoint. Watching the WSDG team come up with answers and creative solutions was impressive. Observing them as they guided the team through the theater project and “tuned” the room’s acoustics was not just an education, it was genuinely exciting.”

MUNGO PARK THEATER SHORTLISTED - THEATRE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Lillerød, Denmark

Architect: CCO Architects,

Lighting Designer: Stouenborg ApS,

Installer: Stouenborg ApS,

Acoustician: Gade Mortensen Akustik

Submitted by: Stouenborg ApS

Stouenborg has integrated a Meyer Sound Spacemap Go speaker system at Mungo Park Theater. The system can be used as a tool in their theater performances in the venue, thus creating sound that envelops the audience and breaks the fourth wall. The speaker system consists of 20 speakers distributed across Meyer Sound’s ultra-X series. The main system comprises UX-40 and UX20 speakers with 750-LFC subwoofers.

To identify the most suitable lamps for Mungo Park’s needs, Stouenborg conducted a meticulous selection process involving several steps. In the initial phase, lighting products from various manufacturers were sourced and tested in Stouenborg’s facilities together with the Mungo Park Theater to create a wide range of light fixtures that could be included in the next step. Initial selections were made here, and the remaining products were subsequently tested at the Mungo Park Theater with the participation of a small user group acting as judges consisting of both creative teams and technical teams along with the Stouenborg team. Once Stouenborg, the user group, and Mungo Park had chosen the final lighting units, it became Stouenborg’s

responsibility to procure and integrate them into the theater. The main aim of the selection was to choose non-multi-shadow light fixtures with LED sources.

The complete expression of the visual concept varies with each changing performance. This means that through lighting and set design, their visual appearance shifts. In addition to this, it was important to create the framework for this possibility by implementing theater rigging, designing a lighting package suitable for Mungo Park’s theater operations, and establishing sightlines where all audiences have optimal views and still feel they are part of an intimate theater experience.

Throughout the initial phase, Stouenborg held construction meetings with Mungo Park Theater and others to determine which theater technical elements should be implemented in the building. We quickly recognized the need for the possibility to keep pace with what was happening on the stage even though one was at the workshop or the actors’ dressing rooms. Therefore, Stouenborg’s custom-designed monitoring and communication system has been integrated in various places at the Theater. The system includes a control system that utilises the Altona Omnistream backbone, Crestron touchscreen, and speakers which can be overruled by the stage manager. By including a Panasonic camera for video input, the system allows selective distribution to dressing rooms, administration, workshops, and ticket counters. Additionally, the system enables individual or group room communication from the stage for the stage manager.

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WINNER THEATRE

SALZBURG STATE THEATRE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Salzburg, Austria

Installer: Zeiler-Technik

Submitted by: NEXO

The Salzburg State Theatre was completed in 1893 and is today the leading venue for performing arts in the historic Austrian city. This 700-seat theatre stages around 400 productions per season, encompassing drama, opera, ballet and youth theatre.

For the project of renovating the stage facilities and installing new sound and lighting systems, the theatre turned to experienced stage technology solutions consultants BWKI located in Bayreuth, Germany, with the very specific instruction that no loudspeakers should be visible in the historic hall.

BWKI System Planner Jürgen Meyer explained: “To replace the existing line array, we worked with NEXO to design a system based around 4 x ID84/84L cabinets coupled to create a single, 4-metre

THEATRE SPONSORED BY

column that was just 150mm wide, so it could be hidden in the narrow gold portal recesses on either side of the stage. Everyone was very impressed by how the cabinets couple perfectly to deliver coverage of the venue that would be more typical of a large and visually obtrusive line array system.”

The ID84s are complemented by 2 x L15 subs per side, also recessed into the walls, and 2 x ID24s for upper near fills. A total of 41 of NEXO’s ultra-compact ID14s, almost all recessed into the walls, are deployed around the theatre as part of an Amadeus acoustic enhancement system, with a Dante network of 19 x NEXO NXAMP4X1Mk2 powered controllers providing amplification and processing.

The theatre now has a system that serves a wide range of productions from spoken word to musical, can deliver 3-dimensional sound and acoustic enhancement, and is virtually invisible in the space. The NEXO ID Series delivers the perfect balance of high performance and low visual impact.

SHORTLISTED - TRANSPORT &

JAMESTOWN RIVERWALK

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Jamestown, New York, USA

Lighting Designer: Lightspec

Submitted by: Vari-Lite

Jamestown New York’s Riverwalk Illumination Project opened as part of a $10 million city rejuvenation program. The system highlights city landmarks including the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities coal silo, the Washington Street Bridge piers and abutments, and the Main Street Bridge arches over the Chadakoin River.

All these structures are now alive with a range of colourful lighting scenes, with the entire system driven by a Neo Playback Controller paired with a Vision.Net system from Vari-Lite, the originators of the modern moving head and a Signify (Euronext: LIGHT) brand.

The coal silo is illuminated by a top and bottom ring of lighting fixtures and the bridges have custom-designed poles supporting more than 50 flood lights.

To achieve the looks, the Vari-Lite-designed control rack communicates intensity and color information to custom designed remote DMX distribution hardware using a fiber network, with the Neo and Vision.Net controls located in the Jamestown BPU IT room. Remote cabinets are also positioned at each of the three highlighted landmarks.

Bobby Harrell, Vari-Lite Sales and Applications Specialist at Signify, supported the project from the outset, working with Michael J. Piraino Jr., Control Division Manager, Lightspec, to specify a lighting control solution for the ambitious initiative.

“Any time a project like this in design development phase comes to me, my first questions are: does it need an astronomical time clock? Do you need remote access to it? Do you need dynamic control? Do you need to be able to do color effects and intensity effects? And once those boxes get checked, that tells me that Neo is going to be the right solution,” explains Harrell, who helped Piraino shape the system before Lightspec won the bid to design the lighting.

“Both the Vision.Net and Neo components have the capability of doing astronomical time clock timed events. We’ve got certain presets set up on the Vision.Net, like color and level, controlled by virtual push buttons on the touch screens. And then the Neo allows you to do more sophisticated programming if you want to run effects or event style lighting.”

Piraino continued: “The lighting can be programmed for special events or days. The system had to be hands off for day-to-day operations, just running on its own with nobody having to interface with it. There are, of course, civic events and special occasions, which require special attention and new lighting states programmed, and Jamestown City Hall oversees these events.

To ensure this could happen, we had to make the system large enough to expand when necessary and the Neo with Vision.Net fits that bill.

“For the special occasions events we added a Vision.Net touch screen, so that if somebody needs to turn the lighting red, or blue they can go to the touch screen and simply achieve that. It needed to have a user interface and enough horsepower to grow with the expansion, plus have internal control so it could run unattended. In fact, both systems have the potential to be controlled remotely. It uses an internal astronomic time clock to

switch on and off every day.”

Along the walk, at each architectural element, there’s an equipment rack where the fiber data cable comes in and connects to a network switch, which has a network port. This means the team can simply plug in a laptop and use the Neo software to connect to the main desk remotely to program new looks or live control effects and colours.

The Jamestown Riverwalk aims to expand over the coming months, to add further lighting along its path, buildings and bridges. “There is already talk about tying any new lighting into our system and we’ve installed a system that is scalable for further growth when required,” adds Harrell.

At the launch event, Jamestown Mayor Eddie Sundquist acknowledged the creative and technical input from a range of organizations, including Stark Tech, Becc Electric, Lightspec, the BPU, city Department of Public Works, city Department of Development, City Parks Department, city council members and Jamestown Renaissance Corp. The project is set to make the area safer, attract more visitors, and highlight the area’s rich heritage sites.

LEUVEN RAILWAY STATION

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Leuven, Belgium

Acoustician: Eric Grandmougin

Installer: TVV Sound Project

Submitted by: Arbane Groupe

Originally constructed in the 1830s, Leuven station’s design dates back to 1875, when it was rebuilt in the eclectic style. Since 2000, it has undergone a series of renovations, including the addition of a monumental roof comprising 16 sloping white domes, designed by Philippe Samyn and Partners to resemble sails fluttering in the wind, with 13 railway lines underneath serving national and international destinations.

System integrator TVV Sound Project was contracted by Infrabel, the Belgian public railway operator, to overhaul the previous 20-yearold PA system. “Most of Leuven station’s platforms are covered by a large, high arched canopy, while some are covered by a low, flat roof,” confirms Edo Dijkstra, CEO of TVV Sound. “The renovation included the replacement of the existing loudspeakers under these canopies, both high and low. Architecturally, nothing was allowed to change the lay-out of the existing loudspeakers.”

The new system, centred on StepArray SA180S column loudspeakers, is capable of delivering crystal-clear public announcements, along with ambient background music, to the more than 8 million passengers annually who pass through the station – one of Belgium’s busiest.

The complex acoustic environment created by the station’s mix of architectural styles, as well as restrictions on how the loudspeakers could be installed, presented the main challenges for Active Audio and TVV Sound, according to Arbane Groupe’s Eric Grandmougin, who defined the system’s specifications after modelling the acoustics of the station.

Grandmougin explains that the design of the SA180S – which provides a 15m SPL of 97dB in a slimline 1,840mm × 124mm package – allowed his team to experiment with installing the loudspeakers horizontally, enabling them to work around the restrictions inherent in the space.

“This new way of using Active Audio column loudspeakers was first tested and validated internally, before being integrated into an

electroacoustic model of the station to predict the system’s overall performance,” he comments. “The results obtained were in line with the operator’s requirements, and validation listening sessions were carried out in Belgium at our distributor, TVV Sound. This project enabled us to validate the performance of the SA108S in a horizontal position, as well as the homogeneity of the directivity.”

Leuven station marks the largest deployment to date of Active Audio’s StepArray SA180S column loudspeakers, with 64 of the intelligent, steerable devices providing ultimate intelligibility as part of the unique sound system deployment.

In Leuven, the StepArray columns, in addition to being mounted in a previously untested horizontal orientation, were coupled together in pairs (32 × 2 SA180S), helping TVV Sound to work around the space constraints while still being able to adjust the speakers’ directivity –an essential aspect of the final installation.

“It was only with a beam steering system that we were able to achieve perfect sound reproduction,” explains Edo Dijkstra, referring to the DGRC (Digital & Geometric Radiation Control) steering technology built in to the StepArray series, which was key to combatting the acoustic reflections produced by the station’s concrete and glass structure. DGRC uses a patented arrangement of speakers that reduces the number of amplifiers necessary to drive the loudspeaker system while still ensuring excellent directivity.

“Active Audio’s StepArray loudspeakers are renowned for their optimal intelligibility and acoustic comfort,” he adds, “and unique because of their controlled directivity. They are also the only company whose products can guarantee the horizontal beam steering we needed for the Leuven project.”

Tom De Bie from Infrabel says the company is “very satisfied” with the new sound system, which has been painted to match the station’s existing colour scheme. “The clarity of the audio provided to travellers has improved considerably,” he comments.

Beyond the performance of the StepArray speakers, the Leuven project demonstrated the ability of Arbane Groupe to respond to the specific demands of a large-scale installation. “Indeed, the horizontal use of the columns required mechanical adjustments to the loudspeakers in order to allow easy installation of the system,” adds Eric Grandmougin, “taking into account the specifics of railway stations, which are not very simple places in terms of integration.”

SHORTLISTED - TRANSPORT & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

MOYNIHAN TRAIN HALL

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Penn Station, New York, USA

Acoustician: Cerami & Associates

Installer: MKJ Communications

Submitted by: AtlasIED

Moynihan Train Hall is an expansion of Pennsylvania (Penn) Station, New York City’s main intercity and commuter rail station.

Built across 8th Avenue from Penn Station in the city’s former main post office building, the James A. Farley Building, the annex provides new access to most of Penn Station’s platforms for Amtrak and Long Island RailRoad passengers.

Named after Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, the new 255,000 sq ft (23,700 sq m) hall provides ticketing, baggage, and customer service facilities, plus a large 320-seat customer waiting area for the thousands of daily passengers.

AtlasIED technology was installed during the hall’s construction to deliver audio and emergency communications to employees and passengers.

The train hall, which opened after a four-year construction project, was built to alleviate congestion in Penn Station.

Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall serve more than 700,000 passengers daily, making it the busiest transportation facility in the Western Hemisphere, serving more passengers than LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy, and Newark International Airports combined.

The $1.6 billion renovation restored the Beaux-Arts Farley Building, a designated landmark, and added a central atrium with a glass roof. Moynihan Station Development Corporation managed the construction project and wanted to ensure the former Farley Building’s structure retained its historical features. For the team of AV integrators tasked to install the mass communications and audio systems in the Hall, the building’s 92-foot-high stone and glass ceilings created multiple audio-related challenges.

Acoustic and AV technology consulting company Cerami & Associates designed a system that would provide quality communications and audio intelligibility in a critical transportation environment.

An essential requirement of the new train hall was meeting NFPA 72 audibility and intelligibility fire codes, which state a space must provide and maintain a sound pressure level of 15 decibels (dBA) above ambient sound levels for live or pre-recorded messages in public buildings.

Once Moynihan’s architectural designs were final, Justin Lau, an Associate Principal at Cerami, and his team acoustically modelled the train hall before construction began. Using software and the terminal’s architectural renderings, Cerami could test and refine audio acoustics and then recommend optimal loudspeaker placement for the space. From this

testing, Cerami recommended the quantity, size, and spacing of loudspeakers to effectively cover what would eventually become a bustling, clamorous train station with thousands of people passing through daily.

“Moynihan Train Hall was an incredibly challenging space given the extreme ceiling height and the architectural features, including myriad reflective surfaces throughout the property,” said Lau. “Because we needed to meet specific building codes, including NFPA 72 standards, the acoustical modelling helped us uncover areas that could have otherwise suffered from poor coverage.”

Integrating CobraNet at Penn Station with Moynihan’s New Dantebased System

To operate a train station, train management — including ticketing, operations, and onsite security personnel — requires technology that enables them to communicate privately for routine operational purposes.

Guest services and security personnel also need the ability to speak to station visitors via public address announcements, such as train arrival and departure times, platform changes, general safety information, or emergency communications when issues arise.

One additional challenge the station presented was connecting a Dante-enabled AtlasIED GLOBALCOM communication system in the new train hall with a legacy CobraNet communications system in Penn Station.

Brooklyn-based MKJ Communications, an AtlasIED-certified enterprise solution integrator (ESI) managed the installation and had previous experience with this dilemma during the LaGuardia airport renovation. MKJ chose a solution combining AtlasIED’s CobraNet-enabled and Dante-enabled audio-over-IP products to connect both buildings seamlessly and ensure operational effectiveness.

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Pieces of Heaven

#LEDplayedinBerlin

Studio 14 is open.

rbb rearranged their studio in the 14th oor of the rbb-Fernsehzentrum in the city center of Berlin, Germany. Intended to be a studio as well as a club, a restaurant, an eventlocation and a large scale meeting room, the Studio 14 invites people to be closer to heaven. Depending on the purpose of the room furniture and the lighting can be changed between fun and functional.

Our rgbw-tiles D50 are used in clusters to lighten the room with an outstanding lightquality and to connect the ceiling to the sky.

Photo by KOY + WINKEL Fotografie

WINNER TRANSPORT & BUILT ENVIRONMENT

TRANSPORT & BUILT ENVIRONMENT SPONSORED BY

CHANGI AIRPORT – TERMINAL 2

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Singapore

Architect: BOIFFILS

Installer: Moment Factory

Submitted by: Moment Factory

As you step into the spacious airport terminal, your eyes are drawn upwards, towards the magnificent Wonderfall. The four-story digital waterfall, comes to life in a mesmerising choreography between the water and the rocks. The departing melodies of the Wonderfall, composed by a Montreal based artist Jean-Michel Blais, create an ethereal atmosphere, a fitting farewell to the journey ahead.Beyond the departure gates, a serene retreat awaits.

The immersive garden, a peaceful oasis, invites weary travellers to linger. Its ceiling, a vast digital canvas, mimics the ever-changing sky and its moods, sunbeams and all. This sanctuary, an innovative fusion of art and technology, offers an intimate connection with nature, an escape from the hectic pace of travel.At its heart, a symphony of soundscape ecology unfolds. The intricate audio installation, a masterpiece of randomness and beauty, orchestrates a dialogue with the surroundings. Over 100 bird species’ calls are woven into a captivating tapestry, their voices becoming one with the environment. The intricate audio system, carefully mapped out, paints an ever-evolving soundscape, where each note and melody is carefully crafted to surprise and delight. Birdsong echoes through the garden, an enchanting, ever-shifting chorus. The intricate dance of audio illusions, with their variable pitch and filtering, creates a surreal journey, a wondrous call and response performance. One can almost sense the birds’ presence, as the randomized locations of their calls paint an immersive, magical reality.

The garden, a tranquil retreat, offers a welcome respite, inviting visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in the melodies of the natural world. It’s a place where the boundaries of artifice and wilderness blur, a peaceful co-existence, a moment of reflection amidst the chaos of travel. Here, the focus shifts from the hustle of departures to the captivating, ever-present sounds of the natural realm.

Moment Factory felt exhilarated to take on the challenge of working with the massive canvas offered by the bustling and renowned airport. The prospect of adjusting content, especially

with real-time playback capabilities of the digital sky, added excitement and novelty to the venture.

One significant challenge we embarked upon was crafting digital water, a complex and technically intricate element that demanded extensive know-how and innovation. This captivating feature, a waterfall trompe l’oeil, presented a unique set of difficulties (scale, integration with the architecture, viewpoints, sound design, circulation), but our team rose to the occasion, embracing the opportunity to push technical boundaries.

The airport, already a bustling hub of activity, became an aweinspiring spectacle with our seamless integration of multimedia elements. Our creative solutions seamlessly blended with the existing architecture, captivating passersby with a captivating visual experience. The intricate installation seamlessly woven into the airport’s fabric captivated travelers, heightening their journey through this vibrant hub.We were particularly proud of our ability in tackling the digital water challenge, a striking visual feat that added immense depth and allure, transforming the airport into a mesmerising showcase of cutting-edge technology and imaginative design. Passengers were treated to a transcendent experience, further enhancing the allure of their journey.

We strived to design multimedia features that supported the architectural intention to connect with earth’s elements and to create an experience evoking peace, calm and pleasure. Immersive audio-visual experiences such as the digital sky, with its ever-changing soundscape of bird songs, transport the visitor to another realm, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. The software is meticulously crafted to ensure that no two experiences are the same, captivating return visitors with novel sights and sounds each time.

Along with the architects, Moment Factory has pushed the boundaries of design, successfully intertwining aesthetics, technology and acoustics, to create an iconic landmark. The waterfall feature is a stunning centrepiece, captivating travellers and locals alike, who are often seen congregating around it, transfixed by its beauty. Its inauguration has become a talking point, sharing the story of this remarkable fusion of nature and human ingenuity, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter it.

This project genuinely encompasses the essence of innovative design, captivating the senses and elevating the airport’s ambiance to new heights. We fully deserves the recognition it has received and will continue to be a topic of admiration for years to come.

THE SUSTAINABILITY PANEL

The Sustainability Award isa judged by a different panel, who have demonstrated evidence of sustainable practices in the industry.

CARINA JANDT

CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, EVENT CYCLE

Working with high profile clients at companies such as the experiential marketing agency GPJ, Carina was able to witness first hand the growing desire for her clients to become more sustainable. On the flip side, over the 10 years as a technical production manager, she would also see all the items that were sent into skips and off to landfill.

Over the years of volunteering, she quickly noticed the increasing demand for donations with charities and felt that there was a need to combine the two. Her venture Event Cycle does just that – helping the event industry implement practical solutions to sustainability challenges while creating a positive social impact and a lasting legacy.

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DEE PARSONS

CEO AND SUSTAINABILITY & OUTREACH DIRECTOR, BETTER GREEN

Dee Parsons, a passionate and seasoned professional with over 26 years of senior management experience, who is dedicated to making a positive impact at every level. She excels in blending creative innovation with commercial success, placing a strong emphasis on sustainability and community outreach. As the CEO of the Better Green Group, she oversees three core divisions: Better Green Productions, Better Green Living, and Better Green Overlay, collaborating with renowned brands, events and commercial giants.

Furthermore, Dee is the founder and CEO of Creative House Productions, adapting movie or special intellectual property for theatre.

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SELINA DONALD

CEO & FOUNDER, THE BULB

Selina is an award-winning leader focused on sustainability, environmental management and climate change, with expertise in high-profile events. Her epiphany moment came while working on the London 2012 Opening and Closing Ceremonies, which served as memorable bookends for the most sustainable Games- to-date. As well as the Games, Selina has been part of other high profile projects, including: the England 2018 World Cup Bid; COP; the Rio Olympics 2016; #March4Women, and recently led the sustainability strategy for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Under Selina’s leadership, The Bulb has created and implemented award-winning sustainability strategies on a global scale, working across the US, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Japan.

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CP GREEN SHORTLISTEDSUSTAINABILITY AWARD

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Italy

Submitted by: Claypaky

Claypaky is the first and only entertainment lighting being certified in the ISO -based carbon inventory management system. Furthermore, at Claypaky, we have embraced a dream, a vision of a world where sustainability is not just a concept but a collective responsibility. Recognising the urgency to act, we see sustainability and carbon-emission reduction as a key part of our Innovation strategy that goes beyond the product itself. That is why the CP Green project has been launched. For the second consecutive year, we’ve obtained the ISO 14064 certification, which calculates our impact on climate change at the organisational level. This certification is not just a badge of honor for us; it’s a proof that we’re not just talking about change; we’re making it happen. Partnering with Spinlife, we’re analysing our carbon footprint and implementing strategies to minimise it. We’ve achieved ISO 14064 certification for two years running, a testament to our commitment. From optimising manufacturing processes to switching to renewable energy, we’re making comprehensive changes. We’re also enhancing data collection and management, involving suppliers, and planning carbon credit compensation for travel emissions. Our goal? To shape a better world for future generations. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about people and communities. We’re constantly innovating, not only in lighting but in sustainability practices. Choose Claypaky, and you’re choosing a greener future. Let’s illuminate the way to a

sustainable world together. Concept, Solution, Product:

We are already in action. Several projects to reduce the environmental impact of our business activities have already been successfully implemented.

Through these initiatives, we are not just reducing our carbon footprint, but actively contributing to the global fight against climate change, solidifying our role in a sustainable future:

– plastic free packaging

– Implementation of the Kanban control system into the manufacturing process to increase efficiencies and reduce waste

– Reduction of the methane consumption thanks to a new Building Management control

– Investment into green energy

– Purchasing 100% of our electricity from certified renewable sources

– Conversion of our internal car fleet to full electric vehicles

– Installation of new, more energy efficient laser cutting machines

– Exchange of all interior lighting for energy efficient LED lighting

– Innovation road map for low energy consuming products and components

– Paperless operation in the production process and paperless fairs

– Implementation of a more precise and reliable data collection and management system to better monitor and improve environmental performance

– Offsetting airplane travels

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SHORTLISTEDSUSTAINABILITY AWARD

GENELEC SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVE

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Finland

Submitted by: Genelec

Genelec has been championing sustainability since 1978. It’s a core principle of our company and we believe it’s as important as profitability and sound quality – it’s what makes us stand out.

We’re passionate about sustainable design and practice, with long product lifetime, support for the circular economy and close monitoring of our environmental impact influencing our ability to protect the world around us.

Our commitment to long-lasting loudspeaker design dates back to 1976 and our work with Finnish national broadcaster YLE. The station required a reliable loudspeaker with easy serviceability and a long lifecycle, so our first model – the S30 – was born with these qualities factored in from the outset, setting the benchmark for every Genelec design that followed.

Our sustainable practices aren’t just focused on our product design, as we apply this mindset across all areas of our business, too. We implemented our environmental policy and program back in 2000 and have adhered to the ISO14001 certification for environmental management for almost 20 years now. Additionally, the electricity we purchase to power our factory and headquarters in Iisalmi, Finland, is based on 100% CO2-free and partly renewable energy, including roof-mounted solar panels.

Each employee can buy a bike at a subsidised rate to commute to and from work, which contributes to a sustainable transportation network at our factory in Iisalmi.

Finally, we believe that the people within our organisation are our biggest asset. They make us versatile, create a huge diversification of skills and creativity, and promote innovation. We focus on continued learning and professional development within our team, and we’re proud that over a third of our team has been with us for 10 years or more. Women make up 37% of our workforce, occupying positions on our Board, directing our Finance and Production departments and running our US subsidiary.

Our products are designed to have longer life cycles and support the circular economy. Each one is built to last, with high levels of reliability and commitment to spare part support for as long as possible.

All models come with a two-year parts-and-labour warranty, with a further three-year extra parts-and-labour warranty to those that register them with us online, making it a five-year warranty overall.

In sharp contrast to what has become an increasingly throwaway world, our commitment to providing spare parts continues at least 5 years after a model has been discontinued – and longer wherever practical.

Ever since the 1029A model was first introduced back in 1996, we’ve steadily transitioned to using aluminium as the main material in our loudspeaker enclosures.

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d&b SUSTAINSYMPHONY

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Location: Backnang, Germany

Submitted by: d&b audiotechnik

d&b SustainSymphony is a cloud-based sustainability management software service developed by d&b group for the global live events industry. SustainSymphony aims to transform the approach to sustainability in events by providing an easyto-use, intuitive platform that is accessible to event organisers, venues and suppliers of all sizes. Our free version is available for all users to get started. With its comprehensive possibilities, the integration of supplier information, sustainability certificates and practical checklists, SustainSymphony enables event organizers to demonstrate verifiable emissions reductions, energy savings, efficient resource management and also provides information on compliance with social standards.

d&b SustainSymphony is a sustainability management software service tailored to the dynamic needs of the live events industry. Unlike existing sustainability software solutions, SustainSymphony takes a bottom-up approach, empowering event organisers to initiate projects and collaboratively define their own sustainability goals. The platform allows users to seamlessly monitor, measure and manage their events’ missions.

At the heart of SustainSymphony is its comprehensive database, which also acts as an event checklist where suppliers and service providers can present their sustainable offerings for easy access

by other users. Users can enter their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) data for their events, services and venues, enabling them to calculate and improve sustainability measures for future events. In addition, SustainSymphony allows users to add their sustainability certificates, such as ISO14001, and to create their own sustainability reports based on the information provided. Venues can automatically generate their sustainability KPIs, including ISO14001 certifications, which are available to event organizers upon request. This saves significant time and effort when collecting data.

The software service offers impact tracking, data-driven insights, transparent reporting, streamlined event planning, compliance guidance and verification support. The sustainability report delivers a solid basis for greenwashing-free audience communication. By complying with environmental regulations, setting and achieving sustainability goals and realising cost savings, event organisers can make a positive impact while enhancing their events’ brand image and attracting new sponsors. SustainSymphony represents a significant step forward in the live events industry’s journey towards sustainability. By providing a free, accessible sustainability management cloud platform, d&b group aims to inspire and encourage global event organisers to prioritise sustainability. With SustainSymphony, users can make informed decisions to reduce the environmental impact of their event, from minimising waste to optimising energy consumption.

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THE ABSEN INTELLIGENT MANUFACTURING CENTRE IN HUIZHOU WINNER SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Project: The Absen Intelligent Manufacturing Centre in Huizhou

Location: China

Submitted by: Absen Europe

Absen is an LED display and solution provider that adheres to green and eco-friendly development at all levels and across every department. This is not new to Absen. The Absen Intelligent Manufacturing Centre in Huizhou was officially opened in 2014, with the aim of improving production efficiency and reducing power consumption and scrap rates. The centre is ISO50001 certified and by 2021 led to a 12.8% reduction in baseline energy consumption

In 2016, we began a Solar Panel Photovoltaic Project with the installation of roof-mounted solar panels at our factory in Guangdong Province as part of a commitment to the continued use of renewable energy sources. This is an extensive, multi-year, multi-stage project and the panels can now generate 10-15% of the electricity we use in the factory each year.

Energy-efficiency isn’t just at the heart of our production operations, however, we also design products that are energy efficient, which has put Absen in a competitive position in the market, in turn helping to generate more revenue. Going further, and in November 2021, Absen Green was launched, which declared the company’s commitment to solely using sustainable and environmentally friendly materials in the manufacturing of its products, alongside four technology manufacturing innovations that combine to break new ground in energy efficient, environmentally friendly manufacturing: the use of LED CRT technology; high efficiency power supplies; high luminous efficiency LED lamps; and comprehensive heat dissipation measures that reduce power consumption. With this four-pronged approach, products such Absen’s A Series of LED digital out-of-home displays deliver energy savings of up to 50% compared to similar products on the market. Absen Green also underscores how the company is tackling other, less obvious sources of pollution: light and sound. All Absen indoor products feature a fan-less design, which allows its products to operate at a low noise pressure, while Absen’s automatic brightness adjustment technology ensures its outdoor displays adjust to the brightness of the surrounding environment. Further reduction of light pollution is achieved with 16-bit high gray correction technology and unique fog surface processing to reduce glare and eye strain.

Other landmarks on our journey to sustainability include the implementation of an intelligent manufacturing system to accelerate digitalisation, improve the one-time pass rate of finished products and reduce scrap and waste. Not only does this have clear environmental benefits, but it has also had a positive impact commercially, cutting the costs associated with scrap and waste, and boosting efficiencies and product quality. We also invested $2.69 million in product quality and safety in 2021 resulting in a 0% product recall rate.

We have a long-term plan to ensure sustainability is a central part of Absen’s ethos, while working to ensure it’s part of the wider industry’s future too. The company is currently pushing the LED industry to set energy efficiency levels for LED products, for example. Additional plans include further investment in IT systems in order to become a no-paper office. In the factory, phase 2 of the Photovoltaic Project means more investment in solar panels to save electricity. A tree-planting carbon offsetting programme that began in 2022 continued throughout 2023 and beyond. This is already having a positive environmental impact, a donation of 286 trees in December 2022 is being used to combat desertification in Gansu province, accelerating the ecological restoration process and improving the ecological environment of the region. Absen is also working towards gaining the TUV carbon emission certificate in 2023.

All aspects of the product lifecycle have been considered when it comes to ensuring Absen is a sustainable company. This includes working with suppliers and having them sign our Supplier Social Responsibility Agreement. We also require that our suppliers meet the SA8000 social responsibility standard, be ISO45001 certified and establish environmental systems that would meet ISO14001 standards. All products produced by suppliers must be conflict-free metal products, and they are required to commit themselves to a detailed investigation of their supply chain to ensure metals such as gold, tantalum, tungsten, cobalt and tin are not mined or illicitly smuggled from mines in conflict zones.

Raw materials must comply with the European Union s RoHS 2.0 directive restricting the use of hazardous substances and Absen products meet EU waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) requirements.

Absen LED displays are compatible with CCC, CE, UL, ETL and other domestic and international safety standards, certifying that the products meet strict requirements for fire protection, electromagnetic interference, AC dielectric withstand, current leakage, insulation resistance, and ground resistance.

We also request that suppliers should conduct CSR management of their suppliers/subcontractors, including but not limited to the establishment of supplier CSR management system, CSR risk assessment, CSR performance management, CSR on-site audit and problem tracking and improvement.

At a wider level, Absen is also undertaking important work with the China LED Association to develop power consumption level standards for the industry in an effort to push the whole industry to develop low power consumption products.

Finally, in terms of product design, we will make the same series product use the same platform, which will save on raw material costs. Products will also be manufactured using low carbon emission materials. Further developments in low power consumption solutions for products are also being explored.

We are also planning to design recycling packaging for products to enhance their environmental sustainability.

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THE WINNERS GALLERY

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF OUR WINNERS!

THE EVENT

Pictures from the evening.

ERIC HUBER

CX/MARKETING MANAGER, AMERICAS BLAZE AUDIO

“This year, we aimed to break away from the usual Infocomm routine and dive into something dynamic, fun, and full of energy! The Mondo Awards delivered all that and more, offering an incredible event for AV professionals. It gave my team the perfect opportunity to network, celebrate stunning installations, and enjoy great food and drinks in a beautiful, central setting. As a category sponsor and a relatively new brand in the industry, the outstanding value and the amazing team at Mondo sparked our partnership. Getting on stage to present Duck & Waffle as the winner for the Restaurant Category was absolutely amazing. Huge thanks to the entire Mondo team—we’ll see you all next year!”

UNICA. THE PLATFORM WITH THE AMPLIFIER ON BOARD.

So capable. So Unica.

Unica will have a fresh-out-of-the-box feel throughout its life, and it will be possible to integrate features and functionalities down the line, making it truly futureproof. Proving the engineering efforts undertaken in the development of this platform are 5 registered patents.

Unica 8M

Unica 4L

THE EVENT

STEPHANIE CARTEN

MARKETING MANAGER, ABSEN

“Being a sponsor, guest presenter, and award winner at the annual MONDO-DR InfoComm Awards was an extraordinary experience. The interactions with the MONDO-DR team were both inspiring and delightful, making the entire event memorable. The energy and enthusiasm at the award ceremony truly amplified the celebration, leaving us eager for next year’s event!”

KATIE ADAMS

ASSOCIATE BRAND MANAGER, CHAUVET

“CHAUVET Professional is proud to be a sponsor to the MONDO-DR Awards – an event that celebrates achievements in the installation and integration industry. Being a part of this event was a great opportunity to meet and connect with wonderfully talented people from different aspects of the industry, and together we strive to continue to reach new heights with our innovative technologies.”

ROB HOFKAMP OPS+ CONSULTING

“I would like to congratulate the 2024 MONDO-DR winners and special thanks to the team for such a successful event at Ole Red during the INFOCOMM show in Las Vegas. Looking forward to next year’s event and seeing what technology is showcased in the projects from around the world.”

THE EVENT

MIKE RODEL DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & CLIENT RELATIONS, THE INSIDE STORY

“Another year, another fantastic evening at the MONDO-DR Awards! It was great to see all the amazing projects receive recognition. Plus, the networking opportunities at the event were excellent, all whilst soaking up rooftop views of the Vegas strip.”

PIETER VAN HOOGDALEM

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIST, ADAMSON SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

“This year’s Mondo-DR Awards in Vegas were among the highlights of this year’s edition of Infocomm. It shines a spotlight on the world’s finest integrators, and I was honored to hand out the Award for Houses of Worship. Another reason for going: meeting old friends and making new ones.”

THE EVENT

JEROEN CARETTE MANAGING PARTNER, LUCENTI LIGHTING

“Our participation as a sponsor at the MONDO-DR Awards in Vegas this year clearly has impacted our future presence on the US-market. Only days after the ceremony I was contacted by one of my prospects stating literally that “the loved the exposure we had, and that that confirmed our ambitions”. And of course it’s just an informal fun night out with industry people from all over the world. And that’s when friendships are made, consolidated with a delicious bite and an exquisite long drink... Looking forward to next year’s edition already! Tx team MONDO-DR!“

Your standard E27 individually adressable mappable powerline IP65 bulb

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS