THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS
WELCOME It was a pleasure to host the 2026 MONDO-DR Awards at Ole Red in Las Vegas and share a fabulous night of food, drinks, and networking with you – in addition to the celebratory awards presentation itself. Held on the evening of the opening day of InfoComm over 450 people registered to attend, and the event saw another record-breaking number of entries, with an abundance of outstanding projects across the 18 categories. This supplement serves as an opportunity to detail all the winning venues, and the entries that were shortlisted by our expert panel of judges. It also highlights 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 the judges, who collectively offered a wide scope of experience within the pro AV and entertainment industry – we’d like to thank them for their time and input. Congratulations to the winners, and to those shortlisted, and we would like to thank all the event’s sponsors and supporters, along with everyone who submitted an entry. Further details of next year’s MONDO-DR Awards, to be held in Orlando, will be announced very soon. Connect with our social channels and subscribe to our newsletters to keep up to date. Todd Staszko Editor
WHO WAS IN THE ROOM? 1 SOUND
Canal Sound and Light
Harmonic Design
Mt. SAC
Showco
3 temple circus
Clair Global
Healy Sales
Musitempo
Sight Sound
A Lighting and Sound
Contact Distribution
Hewlett Packard
Muzicraft Sound Engineering
Absen
Contralto Audio
HK Audio
SJC Cultural Events
Nexo
Acideo Distributions
CoPilot
Ideofarm
Skytec AV Solutions
ACT Entertainment
Copper Leaf Media
Inavate
Nextdomus
Smart Monkeys
Acustica Beyma
D. Pagan Communications
InfoComm
ODIHO
Soda Music
Adamson Systems Engineering
Daniella Electronics
InGear
ADJ Lighting
Department of National Defense
Inner Circle Distribution
Adlib
Diavolo Integrations
Interfacio
Akroz Professional
Diavolosystems
Intuit Dome
American Music and Sound
Dicolor USA
ISP
Ampetronic
Digital Ambiance
ISW
Astera
Disguise
JAM Industries
ATS Pro
Diversified
K-array
Audio Americas
Durable
KMC Music
Audio Contractors
DVOX
Kronman Associates
Audio Rescue
EAV Group
Landr
Audiotek
EAW
LAWO
AV Magazine
Elation
Linea Research
AV Stumpfl
Electrosonic
Listen Technologies
Avidex
Equity Sound Investments
LTE
AVI-SPL
Focusrite Group
Lumen and Forge
Avitaas
Fully Leaded
LumenRadio
AVIXA
Futuresource Consulting
MA Lighting
Avolites
Genelec
Martin Audio
AVPro
General Dynamics
MayCo
Axion Displays
Global AV Group
Meyer Sound
ROE Visual
BackBeat Marketing
GLP US
Minnesota Judicial Branch
ROXX
Wesco Anixter
Bespoke Technology Group
Golf Coast Convention Center
MKJ Communications
Royal Sound and Lighting
WSDG
Blizzard Lighting
Groupe Novelty
Modulo Pi
SalesForce
Xta
Bose Professional
Grupo Covix
Moment Factoty
sansi USA
Yamaha
Branch Audiovisual
Habitech
MONDO-DR Magazine
SB Audio Y Video
Zenova
Bubble Agency
HARMAN Professional Solutions
Motv Experiential
Schnick-Schnack-Systems
WePlay Studios
Optimal Audio OSO COLMENERO Outline Pecan Valley Resort Pharos Architectural Controls Pineapple Audio PIXERA PMM Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Portman Power Electric Powersoft pressmedia Pro Media Marketing ProSubmarket Proton Lights Quest Marketing RafterMarsh Re-Sauce Robe
Solid Light Solotech Sonance Professional Soundtrack Stage Precision Swisson TAG tennagels Medientechnik The Forces of Dorkness The Inside Story The Music People TiMax Spatial Tirso Lighting TPi Magazine tvONE USV Trade Videlio VIOSO Void Acoustics VP Integral
SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE 2027, ORLANDO 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 | ACCOUNT MANAGER: Cameron Crawford: c.crawford@mondiale.co.uk | ACCOUNT MANAGER: Bethany Price: b.price@mondiale.co.uk | EVENT MANAGER: Alice Clarke: a.clarke@mondiale.co.uk PRODUCTION: Mel Capper | CEO: Justin Gawne | FINANCE DIRECTOR: Amanda Giles | CREDIT CONTROL: ar@mondiale.co.uk GROUP CHAIRMAN: Damian Walsh Mondiale Technology Media, Strawberry Studios, Watson Square, Stockport SK1 3AZ, UK Tel: +44 161 476 8340 MONDO-DR Awards supplement is published in July by Mondiale Publishing Limited, Strawberry Studios, Watson Square, Stockport, SK1 3AZ, UK | www.mondodrawards.com
THE CATEGORIES For the MONDO-DR Awards 2026, there are 18 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 amplified performances.
IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE A purpose built attraction featuring audio, lighting and video utilised in a manner as to transport the visitor into another realm.
MULTIPURPOSE VENUE A large complex, which might include conference centres, casinos and cinemas.
MUSEUM Museums are relying on an everincreasing use of technology to improve the overall experience of the visitor and functionality of exhibition pieces.
RESTAURANT An eating establishment, usually with subtle background music in the daytime and evening, getting livelier as the evening progresses.
RETAIL & LEISURE Incorporating shopping centres, individual stores, bowling alleys, and gymnasiums.
STADIUM A sporting venue, most commonly with an open / retractable roof. Home to sports such as football, rugby, cricket and athletics.
CRUISE SHIP A floating vessel with a mass of connected zones requiring complex AV solutions, from theatres and performance venues, to bars, outdoor play zones and restaurants.
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.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARD Venues, companies, products and concepts that fit the worldwide drive to reduce carbon emissions in every sector.
HOTEL 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.
PARKS & ATTRACTIONS A park with roller coasters or a water themed park, midway or tourist site.
PERFORMANCE VENUE A small-to-medium-sized venue for live music performances.
THEATRE An auditorium for spoken word plays, theatrical performances, 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 TWO YEARS AGO THE VOTING PROCESS WAS UPDATED TO ALLOW THE INDUSTRY TO HAVE ITS SAY ON THE WINNING PROJECTS. THIS TEAM OF EXPERTS WERE TASKED WITH PROVIDING THE SHORTLIST IN EACH CATEGORY, AND ASKED WHO THEY THINK SHOULD TAKE AWAY THE TROPHIES. VOTING THEN OPENED TO THE INDUSTRY FOR THOSE SHORTLISTED PROJECTS, WHICH WERE COMBINED WITH THE JUDGES VOTES TO ASCERTAIN THE OVERALL WINNERS.
ROSANI GOMES ARCHITECT AND LIGHTING DESIGNER CEO, ILLUMINE E DECORE
Rosani is an architect and lighting designer with over sixteen years of experience working across architectural, decorative, and technical lighting projects. Her work focuses on the balance between concept, performance, and human perception, always aiming to enhance spatial experience through light rather than allowing lighting to become an end in itself. Over the years, Rosani has been involved in residential lighting, commercial, and stage lighting projects, and I regularly collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, combining technical rigor with a strong sensitivity to atmosphere and visual comfort.
ROBERT HOFKAMP CONSULTANT, OPS+
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. Currently Rob is with OPS+ Consulting. OPS+ specializes in enhancing Operations, Opportunities, and Optimizations for the Pro Audio distribution and AV Integration industry.
PHIL MARLOWE MANAGING DIRECTOR, AVI-SPL MIDDLE EAST
Phil Marlowe oversees all sales, technical, and service operations across the Middle East region, playing a pivotal role in shaping AVI-SPL’s success. Starting his journey as an installation technician, Phil demonstrated remarkable ambition and vision, becoming the company’s first expatriate employee when he relocated to Dubai in 2008. With over 19 years of expertise in system integration and services, Phil combines his deep technical knowledge with strategic leadership to drive growth and innovation. His commitment to empowering his team with the right tools and training ensures exceptional operational performance and a customer experience that sets industry benchmarks.
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. With avitaas, McGinnis is now also providing advisory services to audiovisual integrators needing to adapt and evolve their business models or develop new market verticals. His current engagement is with the team at Nationwide Audio Visual, a long-established integrator in Canada.
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. Roberta works within the laser industry to create laser safety guidelines/standards and increase laser safety awareness worldwide. Roberta is particularly well known for our extensive work with Entertainment lasers, an industry that can pose a high risk of potential exposure to the general public.
MICHAEL NISHBALL SOLE PRACTITIONER, THEATER PLANNING AND STAGE EQUIPMENT DESIGN
An experienced theatre equipment designer, Michael provides clients with efficient, costeffective systems and safe workplaces. Since 1995, he has designed stagehouses and specified stage equipment for hundreds of performance spaces. His work includes structural reviews, site acceptance testing, and rigging inspections to ensure project quality and completion. Before 1995, Michael worked as a rigging contractor across the US. He has served as a production designer, stagehand, and I-mag video operator and supervised lighting and rigging for the Wooster Group. He has also lectured at the Yale School of Drama.
LUCY OCKENDEN CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIST, THIS WORLD PRODUCTIONS
Lucy Ockenden is a Creative Technologist, Media Server Programmer, Engineer and Producer. Since 2004 she has worked with music artists ranging from Björk to Iron Maiden and in venues from F1 control Bahrain to Wembley Stadium; installations from shopping malls to soccer stadiums and events from online festivals to the world expo. Originally from the UK, Lucy worked in the live-for-broadcast sector guiding the industry toward new standards as well as teaching as an Associate Lecturer at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.
CARINA JANDT CO-FOUNDER AND MANAGING DIRECTOR, EVENT CYCLE UK
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. 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. READ MORE ONLINE
DEE PARSONS CEO & SUSTAINABILITY AND OUTREACH DIRECTOR, BETTER GREEN
With over 26 years of expertise in event management, experiential marketing, and live production, Dee has consistently led the Better Green Group at the forefront of creativity, strategic management, and delivery. Dee is the driving force behind the company’s Group management and expansion and is the catalyst behind fostering all sustainability and outreach initiatives. Setting high standards and goals for the organisation, Dee also meticulously oversees legal, financial, and operational processes to ensure seamless implementation, with their happy and valued teams.
SHORTLISTED - ARENA INTUIT DOME
TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Inglewood, California, USA Architect AECOM Lighting Designer Robert Sanders Systems Integrator JRLX / Intuit Dome Submitted By Elation Lighting Following the opening of Intuit Dome, the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers sought a cutting-edge lighting solution to define their new home and elevate fan engagement. Led by Robert Sanders, the project replaced an outdated system with an Elation rig capable of high-impact visuals under sports lighting conditions. The brief emphasised immersive, theatrical experiences integrating game presentation, performances, and interactive features. Priorities included reliability, broadcast quality, and flexibility for multiple event types. The result is a dynamic lighting environment that enhances atmosphere, strengthens brand identity, and delivers a fully immersive spectator experience. Shortly after the Los Angeles Clippers moved into Intuit Dome, lighting designer Robert Sanders designed and managed installation of a new entertainment lighting system that transforms each game into a multisensory experience. The project began with evaluating a previously purchased moving light system, which lacked punch, color fidelity, and reliability. Sanders conducted shootouts, evaluating fixture performance with the court lights on to ensure that deep colors, textures, and beams stood out clearly. He collaborated with Elation and JRLX to select IP-rated fixtures capable of performing in the high-brightness sports environment, mounting 208 units on the arena’s signature
Halo scoreboard. The rig includes 60 PROTEUS MAXIMUS fixtures for spot, profile, and framing effects; 40 PROTEUS HYBRID MAX units for highoutput color washes; 28 PULSE PANEL FX and 24 PULSE BAR S for strobe, pixel, and immersive arena-wide effects; 16 FUZE WASH 500 high-CRI LED Fresnels for broadcast-quality player illumination; and ADJ Focus Flex L7, and ADJ Jolt Panel FX IP for accent and interactive effects. Each unit is programmed to integrate seamlessly with video content, audio cues, and live performance choreography. Lighting effects synchronize with pregame introductions, halftime shows, hype moments, and team-related performances, creating a cohesive multisensory experience. High-output fixtures cut through sports lighting to deliver vibrant reds, blues, and whites while maintaining visibility for broadcast cameras. The audiovisual system extends to fan interactivity through PixMobenabled seats, allowing spectators to influence arena-wide color and effects in real-time. The multi-layered lighting ecosystem enhances atmosphere while immersing spectators in every moment. From synchronized court patterns to color-changing crowd effects, fan engagement is elevated and brand identity strengthened. Beyond basketball, the system supports concerts and special events. The original moving light system, purchased in 2019 but installed just before the Dome’s opening in 2024, was already showing its age. Dust from ongoing construction, worn-out lamps, and outdated LED technology left the fixtures dull and unreliable. “When I came in, the system just didn’t have the punch or reliability we needed,” said Robert Sanders. “Lighting technology,
especially beam quality and LED technology, had really advanced since 2019. We needed something that could cut through sports lighting, look great on camera, and hold up in a high-pressure environment.” Sanders conducted shootouts with the court lights on so he could see what looks good with deep colors, textures, and patterns. “There aren’t a lot of ‘lights out’ moments so we need gear that can cut through. That was a tough test, but the Elation gear pushed through.” Another challenge was the fact that they are limited with haze in the space so needed fixtures with a good punch, even in saturated colors. According to Sanders, he can now project a red pattern onto the court that remains clearly visible even with the arena’s sports lighting on—something the original system couldn’t achieve. The 550W lamp of the PROTEUS HYBRID MAX is able to cut through with the whites, reds and blues of the team colors, and the PULSE PANEL FX and PULSE BAR S are strong enough to create pixel effects, wash the court in color, or add strobe effects. Of the FUZE WASH 500 LED Fresnel moving heads, Sanders says, “Because we do a lot of presentation-style lighting, I need to illuminate the court like a stage and ensure it looks great on camera. Skin tones, makeup, costumes, outfits—everything has to look perfect for broadcast. With this fixture’s high CRI and excellent color mixing, I can achieve the ideal color temperature right from the front of the light. It fills a niche, and we use it sparingly, but it’s a beautiful light.”
With the Halo scoreboard serving as the mounting point for every fixture and access a challenge, reliability was essential with most fixtures IP-rated for maintenance purposes. The Intuit Dome deserves a MONDO-DR Award because, thanks in part to the new lighting system, it has become a landmark NBA arena that both locals and out-of-town visitors flock to see. The intelligent lighting system has enhanced the building’s status as one of the most innovative arenas in the world. It is a system that combines the latest in lighting technology, artistic creativity, and immersive interactivity, and has enhanced both the fan and broadcast experience. Here are the main reasons: • Robert Sanders’ design elevates lighting from mere illumination to visual fun. Every moment—from player introductions to postgame celebration—is orchestrated with multiple layers of effects that immerse fans in the game. • The system integrates with arena architecture, video content, audio, and interactive seat lighting (PixMob), creating a unified environment. • The new lighting gear provides punch and color saturation, even with the court lighting on. • The rig can do a lot from projecting patterns, vibrant colors, and effects to broadcast quality, color accurate light for nice skin tones, costumes, etc. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - ARENA BERCENI ARENA
TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Bucharest, Romania Systems Integrator Can & Power Submitted By Pharos Architectural Controls The Berceni Arena Ice Rink in Bucharest, Romania, required advanced lighting systems to create a functional, aesthetic space suitable for high-level competitions. Dynamic lighting of both the façade and interior was crucial, with customisation and highdefinition capabilities key factors of the installation. This state-of-the-art facility represents the revival of ice sports in the Romanian capital. The expansive façade called for intelligent lighting to cement the arena as a visual landmark, requiring flexibility, precision and control. As a landmark lighting installation, the façade is illuminated through 70,839 ColorFlex Micro RGB light points which required significant channel counts to provide the flexibility and control needed. Six 100-universe Pharos Designer LPC X controllers provide 51,200 channels of control forpin-point precision and powerful flexibility. The LPC X gives users control of individual fixtures, multiple overlapping groups and matrices, allowing zones and sections of the façade to act as separate screens, or together as one cohesive canvas. These capabilities allow the lighting to reproduce a wide range of colours and animated sequences. The newly installed five-inch Pharos Designer TPS wall station delivers sleek touch control with a seamless glass plate and fully customisable interface, giving staff real-time control over scenes,
colour, and intensity. The interior lighting system required flexibility with capability to show high-definition TV broadcasts. Four Pharos Designer RIO D devices were integrated to allow customisation while providing high quality HD broadcasting for enhanced visual experience. The Berceni Arena Ice Rink in Bucharest, Romania, represents a remarkable example of modern technology integrated into urban and sports design, with a dynamic lighting control solution from Pharos Architectural Controls playing a key role in bringing the project to life. Utilising the latest technologies, the arena has been transformed into a functional, aesthetic space suitable for high-level competitions. The dynamic façade transforms Berceni Arena Ice Rink into a visual landmark for the community, while the interior lighting guarantees ideal conditions for athletes and spectators while supporting high-quality media coverage. These capabilities allow the lighting to reproduce a wide range of colours and animated sequences. A five-inch TPS wall station with fully customisable interfaces offers real-time manual scene selection, colour and intensity overrides. The DALI-based interior game lighting system uses Designer RIO D devices, enabling customised lighting for different event types while ensuring high-quality illumination suitable for HD broadcasting and an enhanced visual experience. The Color Kinetics and Pharos system represent a cutting-edge implementation of modern lighting technologies in sports infrastructure.
PHOENIX RIDERS EQUESTRIAN CENTRE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location: Ploiești, Romania Manufacturers Powersoft Installer Audiovision Submitted By Powersoft
Phoenix Riders, a leading equestrian venue in Eastern Europe, has deployed a scalable multi-zone audio system to support competitions, hospitality and training areas. Integrated by Audiovision, the installation spans a 20,000m² complex using networked audio-over-IP and distributed amplifier hubs based on Powersoft’s Mezzo, Unica and Quattrocanali platforms. The system delivers powerful event reinforcement alongside refined background audio in VIP and leisure spaces. Designed for expansion to 150,000m², it provides a future-ready audio infrastructure for large-scale sports environments. Phoenix Riders was designed as a world-class equestrian sports complex, hosting international competitions while also providing hospitality areas, training facilities and leisure spaces for visitors. From the outset, the venue required an audio system capable of delivering clear announcements and powerful sound reinforcement across a large outdoor arena, while also supporting background music and paging throughout restaurants, cafés and administrative spaces. System integrator Audiovision was responsible for designing and implementing a complete audio infrastructure that could deliver consistent performance across the site’s 20,000m² operational footprint. To achieve this, the integrator implemented a networked audioover-IP system based on Dante, enabling flexible routing of audio sources, low-latency signal distribution and centralised control across the venue. The audio architecture is organised into five dedicated amplifier hubs, each serving key functional areas of the facility including the main arena, hospitality zones and warm-up areas. These hubs distribute amplification across multiple loudspeaker
zones using a combination of Powersoft Mezzo, Unica and Quattrocanali amplifier platforms, allowing operators to deliver powerful sound reinforcement during competitions while maintaining more subtle audio environments in leisure spaces. The system also incorporates Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution (DMD) functionality, enabling audio sources to be shared or independently routed between zones without requiring complex external processing. Control interfaces including the Powersoft WM Touch panel allow venue operators to manage volume levels and zone routing through an intuitive user interface, simplifying day-to-day operation during events. Through this distributed architecture, Audiovision delivered a flexible audio infrastructure capable of supporting the venue’s current operations while also accommodating future expansion. The primary challenge was designing an audio system capable of delivering consistent coverage across a large, multifunctional sports venue. Phoenix Riders hosts international equestrian competitions alongside hospitality events and training activities, each requiring different audio performance levels and operational workflows. The installation therefore needed to support multiple simultaneous audio environments, from powerful sound reinforcement in the competition arena to background music in restaurants and lounges. Another key challenge was ensuring the system would remain scalable as the venue expands. The Phoenix Riders development is expected to grow from its current 20,000m² footprint to a planned 150,000m² complex, including additional arenas, grandstands and hospitality areas. To accommodate this future growth, the system architecture was designed with distributed amplifier hubs and network-based routing that can be expanded without major infrastructure changes. Finally, the system needed to deliver reliable operation during high-profile sporting events, where announcements, music playback and event coordination must function flawlessly for both athletes and spectators. At Phoenix Riders, audio is treated not as an add-on, but as core infrastructure underpinning the entire venue operation. Spanning a vast equestrian complex, the system delivers clarity and control across arenas, hospitality areas and circulation spaces alike. Its strength lies in a highly adaptable, networked architecture, enabling operators to manage routing and zoning with minimal external hardware. This approach not only streamlines system design but ensures long-term efficiency in day-to-day use. Perhaps most notably, the installation has been engineered with expansion in mind. As the venue scales from 20,000m² to a projected 150,000m², the system is ready to evolve alongside it, a forward-thinking approach that sets a strong precedent for large-scale sports environments.
WI N NER ARENA
AVICII ARENA TECHNICAL DETAILS Location: Stockholm, Sweden Architect C.F. Møller Acoustician Efterklang Systems Integrator Stouenborg ApS Submitted By Stouenborg ApS SGAF, owner of Avicii Arena, tasked Stouenborg with transforming Europe’s largest spherical arena into a venue that could feel as intimate and unified as Stockholm’s smaller ice hockey stadiums. The brief was to create a groundbreaking sound and acoustic solution that could connect the entire 600,000 m³ space, enabling chants and music to be experienced instantly across the arena. At the same time, the solution had to preserve the building’s cultural heritage, meet logistical constraints, and be delivered on a tight deadline ahead of the Ice Hockey World Championship— while remaining flexible for sports, concerts, and international TV production. The installer’s process was designed for maximum precision, speed, and reliability in one of Europe’s most complex acoustic environments. Because all equipment was mounted 35 meters above the floor inside a spherical dome, there was virtually no opportunity for adjustment after rigging. To eliminate risk, Stouenborg pre-assembled, tested, and labeled every loudspeaker, bracket, and cable in Copenhagen before shipment. Advanced 3D modeling in REVIT was used to simulate placement, angles, and tolerances, ensuring millimeter accuracy and reducing on-site uncertainty. Installation was executed with aviationinspired checklists and strict Swedish safety procedures, enabling completion in just eight days with zero errors and zero accidents. For operational security, the team also chose an analog XLRbased infrastructure to avoid potential failures in digital network components located high above the arena floor. Within the venue, audio technology is used not only to deliver sound, but to create presence and community at scale. The core solution combines the world’s largest Meyer Sound Constellation system—84 loudspeakers and 72 microphones—with the arena’s foldable acoustic ceiling, which functions as both a tuned acoustic surface and a heavy-duty rigging structure (up to 300 tons). The microphones capture audience reaction and in-room energy, while the Constellation system redistributes it in real time so cheers, chants, and atmosphere are instantly shared across the entire 600,000 m³ space. Integrated with Spacemap Go, the system also enables immersive sound movement and multiple presets, allowing the arena’s audio profile to shift seamlessly between sports, concerts, and broadcast productions. The result is a transformed arena that delivers clarity, intimacy, and power despite its enormous volume. Reverberation is controlled, speech and music intelligibility are dramatically improved, and the audience becomes an active part of the experience—turning Avicii Arena from an acoustic challenge into an international benchmark for large-scale immersive audio. This project also stands out because it combines world-first audio
innovation with structural engineering, sustainability, and longterm operational support—making it far more than a one-time installation. The arena’s foldable acoustic ceiling is not only an acoustic solution but a major architectural and logistical upgrade: a dual-purpose structure built from approximately 40 tons of panels that both improves reverberation control and provides a rigging capacity of up to 300 tons. This single element changes how the arena can be programmed, enabling faster changeovers and supporting complex scenography and broadcast requirements without compromising safety or heritage value. The project’s delivery method is equally exceptional. A venue of this scale normally requires months of installation time, but Avicii Arena had to be ready for the Ice Hockey World Championship. The team overcame this by shifting complexity away from the site: prefabrication, documentation, and quality control were done in advance, and on-site work followed tightly choreographed procedures inspired by aviation and industrial safety culture. The result was not only speed, but certainty—zero errors, zero accidents, and a system installed with confidence in an environment where mistakes would have been extremely costly. Sustainability was embedded into both design and execution. The system uses energy-efficient loudspeakers that consume roughly half the power of traditional models and are built for a 25–30 year lifespan, reducing future replacements, waste, and maintenance. Extensive pre-production and optimised transport reduced onsite waste and shortened installation time, lowering the project’s overall footprint. The project also aligns with responsible industry practices through technology choices connected to initiatives like GreenAV. Finally, the value of the project continues well beyond handover. Stouenborg remains involved through ongoing testing, finetuning, firmware updates, remote monitoring, and operator training—ensuring the system performs flawlessly year after year and empowering the venue team to unlock its full potential. In short, Avicii Arena is not just an upgraded building; it is a futureproof experience platform where technology, sustainability, and operational excellence converge. The installation faced four main challenges: extreme scale, precision requirements, time pressure, and operational reliability. Avicii Arena’s vast spherical volume (85 m high, 110 m diameter, 600,000 m³) created major acoustic complexity and made it difficult to achieve an intimate, connected audience experience. The dome geometry and the new foldable acoustic ceiling structure also turned loudspeaker and microphone placement into a high-risk puzzle – 84 loudspeakers and 72 microphones had to be aligned with millimeter precision 35 meters above the floor, with virtually no opportunity for adjustments after mounting. The timeline was another critical obstacle. A project that normally would take months had to be executed within a short window to meet the Ice Hockey World Championship deadline, and all work had to comply with strict Swedish safety regulations. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - BAR EVELYN TECHNICAL DETAILS Location: Dallas, Texas, USA Architect ICRAVE Systems Integrator Bespoke Technology Group Submitted By 1 SOUND
Reach Hospitality, a group behind upscale hospitality franchises, introduces a new concept to its portfolio, EVELYN. Inspired by the novel, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, EVELYN is an elegant lounge and restaurant containing seven distinct rooms, welcoming guests to spend a full night from pre-dinner cocktails through to after-dinner disco entertainment. In an unconventional beginning, Reach Hospitality reached out directly to 1 SOUND in their earlier development stage. Having seen the success of similar-feeling lounges with 1 SOUND systems, they knew EVELYN required high-quality sound with fit and finish, a challenge they were confident 1 SOUND could meet. Bespoke’s approach not only needed to focus on each room and its individual needs but work towards creating a story that takes place through the night, immersing guests in the upscale experience. “The dining room has a classical, refined feel to it.” This space was meant to play background music for diners as well as have live pianists. “We deployed four of 1 SOUND’s FSUB45 floor subs alongside several Cannon C6 loudspeakers,” he said. Bespoke Technology then moved on to the large bar area with a high-energy late-night vibe. “The entire room is all curved ceilings and covered in velvet fabric, so it was built almost perfectly for the addition of a sound system.” Bespoke implemented a highfidelity design in full stereo, deploying Cannon C6 speakers and
eight recessed SUB310 subwoofers, which the installer revealed are “one of my favourite products from 1 SOUND.” For the lounge, a disco and dancing zone, two Contour CT28 point sources were integrated across the bar, and some C6s were positioned across the room’s perimeter to manage delay and echo. This was paired with two SUB215s with two SUB12s for fill. Bespoke mounted two Cannon C5s as the DJ booth monitors. “It sounds phenomenal,” Ayache commented. Outside of these main spaces, Bespoke deployed Cannon loudspeakers and WSUB45s in the private dining/event room and VIP spaces. Cannons are even deployed in the women’s restroom to keep the elevated high-energy “vibe” when doing glam touchups, complementing their mirror stage and vanities. Custom Cannon C4’s are deployed outside to greet guests as they enter into the EVELYN experience. Amplification was provided by Powersoft Quattrocanalis and Duecanalis. The installer remarked, “Powersoft’s been a great partner to us over the years. It’s always my first choice for amplifiers.” 1 SOUND introduced Reach Hospitality to a trusted Dealer in the area, Bespoke Technology Group, who went on to design and implement all of the audio and visual components for EVELYN. Phil Ayache, President of Bespoke Technology Group, took on the challenge of bringing the EVELYN concept to life for the first time, explaining, “From the very first meeting with the owners and Lou, it became very apparent that every aspect of EVELYN was being built around having the greatest sound possible. The materials used to furnish and finish the rooms, and even the way the venue was constructed, it was all in aid of curating the best acoustic environment.” READ MORE ONLINE
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SHORTLISTED - BAR OBVIO COCKTAIL BAR TECHNICAL DETAILS Location New York City, USA Manufacturers Martin Audio Acoustician Kurt Schlossberg Installer ear NETWORKS Submitted By Martin Audio Obvio is the New York City debut of Chilean restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz, whose portfolio of super-exclusive venues includes celebrated establishments in London’s Mayfair and Notting Hill. Conceived as an intimate “jewel box” supper club and cocktail bar in Manhattan, the project demanded an audio system of the highest calibre: discreet, colour-matched, and capable of transitioning seamlessly from refined daytime dining to high-energy late-night DJ sets. Installer Kurt Schlossberg of ear NETWORKS led the specification, deploying a bespoke Martin Audio CDD system that delivers worldclass sound within an architecturally ambitious, cocoon-like space defined by curved walls and sculpted panelling. For Four decades, ear NETWORKS’ Kurt Schlossberg has worked at the intersection of audio engineering, architecture, and experiential design. When Chilean restaurateur Juan Santa Cruz approached him to realise the audio vision for Obvio, his first New York venture, Schlossberg knew immediately what the space demanded. “Juan only does super exclusive places,” Schlossberg explains. “He told me about this little jewel box he was creating in New York. He wanted the most discreet high-performing system that could be colour-matched, to double as triple-A background as well as triple-A
foreground.” For Schlossberg, the answer was Martin Audio’s CDD series, a range he has championed since hearing, shortly after its initial launch. “In the ISE demo room, I was immediately blown away,” he recalls. “Although I have the pick of the litter when it comes to commercial audio, Martin Audio is the only high-end brand I use. It is literally the best of the best.” CDD Series was also perfectly suited to Obvio’s architectural character. Because much of the walls and panelling are curved, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere, Schlossberg worked closely with the project architects to integrate the loudspeakers as seamlessly as possible into the fabric of the space. The system comprises four CDD6 units wall-mounted toward the front of the venue, colour-matched to the lighter wall panelling, and eight CDD8 cabinets at the rear, delivering punchier, higherSPL output over the dance floor. A single SXC115 subwoofer is concealed entirely out of sight above the bar’s amoebic canopy feature providing the low-end foundation the space demands when DJs step up to the Pioneer CDJs after dark. The result is a system that transitions effortlessly from soft, enveloping background music during daytime service, giving way to a substantial increase in SPL as the evening progresses. “When you can take CDD6 and CDD8 and mix them with the punchy subs they are matched to,” says Schlossberg, “you get an experience that makes you prouder in a commercial environment than you would be in your own listening room.” READ MORE ONLINE
ZLATÝ STROM TECHNICAL DETAILS Location: Prague, Czech Republic Manufacturers Powersoft Installer FORSOUND Submitted By Powersoft Zlatý Strom, a historic multi-storey venue near Prague’s Charles Bridge, has undergone a full AV upgrade to support its transformation into a modern multi-zone bar, restaurant and nightlife destination. Installed by FORSOUND, the system delivers precise audio control across cellar spaces, lounges and a dancefloor. Built on Powersoft’s Unica platform with networked audio and dynamic zone management, it enables staff to adjust levels, sources and ambience throughout the day, creating a flexible sound environment for both dining and entertainment. Zlatý Strom is one of Prague’s most recognisable nightlife destinations, occupying a historic building near the city’s Charles Bridge. The venue spans multiple levels and combines restaurant, bar and lounge spaces with a basement dancefloor located within the building’s medieval cellar structure. As the venue repositioned itself from a traditional nightclub into a multi-functional hospitality environment, the management team sought a new audio infrastructure capable of supporting a wide range of atmospheres throughout the day and week. System integrator FORSOUND, led by designer Lukáš Sekera, was engaged to design and implement a solution that could provide precise zoning and flexible audio distribution across the venue. The installation was built around Powersoft’s Unica amplifier platform, capable of handling communication and audio distribution via Dante audio-over-IP networking. This architecture enables audio sources to be routed dynamically between zones, allowing different areas of the venue to operate independently or share the same programme when required. To simplify system design, the integrator implemented Powersoft’s Dynamic Music Distribution (DMD) functionality, allowing audio routing and zone control to be handled directly within the amplifier platform rather than relying on a traditional centralised
DSP matrix. WM Touch control panels positioned throughout the venue provide staff with intuitive access to key audio functions, enabling them to adjust levels and switch music sources in real time depending on the atmosphere required. The system powers a distributed loudspeaker installation across multiple levels of the venue, delivering consistent sound coverage in restaurant areas, lounge spaces and the dancefloor environment. The resulting infrastructure provides a scalable audio backbone capable of supporting the venue’s evolving operational model while maintaining reliable day-to-day performance. One of the most significant challenges was installing a modern AV system within a centuries-old historic building with complex architectural features. Zlatý Strom’s layout includes narrow corridors, cellar spaces and segmented rooms that make audio distribution and equipment placement particularly challenging. The system also needed to remain visually discreet, preserving the historic character of the venue while delivering modern audio performance. Another challenge involved designing a system capable of supporting multiple distinct atmospheres simultaneously, from relaxed dining environments to high-energy music programming. In addition, all amplifiers had to be located in a separate technical area due to space limitations within the venue, requiring reliable network communication across the building. Finally, the installation needed to deliver long-term reliability and operational simplicity, ensuring venue staff could easily adjust sound levels and zone configurations without technical expertise. Set within a protected historic building, Zlatý Strom exemplifies how discreet, high-performance AV can redefine a venue without compromising its heritage. The installation introduces a sophisticated, distributed audio system that responds fluidly to the venue’s shifting identity, from daytime hospitality to late-night entertainment. READ MORE ONLINE
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TIGER CLUB TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Hossegor, France Installer South Events Submitted By APG - Arbane Groupe Tiger Club in Hossegor, a hybrid sports bar, restaurant and nightclub, initially approached South Events for a single LED screen. As discussions evolved, the brief expanded into a full redesign of the venue’s audiovisual, lighting, automation and security infrastructure. The client needed a high‑quality, versatile system capable of supporting sports broadcasts, dining service, DJ sets, live performances and private karaoke, all while respecting strict noise‑control requirements due to nearby residences. South Events was tasked with delivering a cohesive, high‑performance solution, with APG loudspeakers forming the core of a fully integrated, multi‑zone AV environment. As the appointed integrator for Tiger Club in Hossegor, South Events was initially approached to supply a single LED screen. However, it quickly became clear that the hybrid venue—part sports bar, part restaurant, part nightclub—required a fully unified audiovisual, lighting, automation and security ecosystem. Our process began with a detailed needs assessment, followed by an acoustic impact study to determine strict sound‑level limits due to the venue’s central location and proximity to residential areas. APG’s loudspeaker systems became the foundation of the audio design. Working closely with APG’s technical team, we carried out extensive acoustic modelling in EASE 5 to validate coverage, intelligibility and spill control across multiple zones. This ensured the system would deliver high‑quality sound while respecting environmental constraints. For the bar and restaurant areas, we deployed 17 APG iX5 coaxial loudspeakers paired with three iS110 subwoofers, powered by DA2.8 Dante amplifiers. This configuration provided warm, balanced coverage suitable for background music, dining service and high‑energy sports nights. In the clubbing zone, the system expanded to four iX8s, two iX6s and two iS115 compact subwoofers, driven by DA2.8 and DA6 amplifiers. This delivered the necessary impact for DJ sets and late‑night events while maintaining tight dispersion control to minimise noise leakage. A standout element of the project was the creation of a professional‑grade private karaoke room. APG’s diffusion system, combined with Shure microphones and IImaya video, allowed us to recreate a live‑performance feel in an intimate space. The room is fully integrated into the wider venue, enabling Tiger Club to transform the entire site into a large‑scale karaoke experience. All audio routing is handled via Dante, with an Allen & Heath matrix providing flexible control for DJs, live acts and comedy performances. Outdoor areas were equipped with discreet, low‑output systems to further reduce noise pollution. Since opening, Tiger Club has reported exceptional customer feedback and operational simplicity. The success of the installation has already led to two additional projects, confirming APG’s systems as a trusted foundation for South Events’ integrated AV designs. The Tiger Club project presented several technical and
environmental challenges that required a carefully engineered approach. As the integrator, South Events had to design a system capable of delivering high‑quality audio for a multifunctional venue while respecting strict acoustic constraints imposed by its central location in Hossegor. The first major challenge was managing sound dispersion in a venue surrounded by residential properties. An acoustic impact study established precise limits for each zone, meaning the audio system had to deliver clarity and energy without excessive spill. To overcome this, we collaborated closely with APG during the design phase, using EASE 5 modelling to predict coverage, optimise loudspeaker placement and validate system performance before installation. This ensured that every loudspeaker contributed effectively to the listening experience while maintaining tight control over environmental noise. Another challenge was the venue’s hybrid nature. Tiger Club transitions throughout the day from restaurant to sports bar to nightclub, each requiring different output levels, tonal balance and routing flexibility. We addressed this by implementing a Dante‑based architecture with an Allen & Heath matrix at its core. This allowed seamless switching between modes, easy integration of guest equipment via DI boxes, and precise control over each audio zone. The creation of the private karaoke room introduced additional complexity. The client wanted a professional, immersive experience rather than a consumer‑grade setup. We designed a dedicated APG diffusion system paired with Shure microphones and IImaya video, ensuring studio‑quality sound and synchronised AV performance. Integrating this room into the wider venue required careful routing and automation so that the entire club could be transformed into a large‑scale karaoke environment when needed. Finally, the project required tight coordination across audio, video, lighting and automation. With more than 20 screens, a full LED wall, and dynamic lighting (including MinuitUne lighting fixtures), South Events had to ensure all systems communicated flawlessly. A Wyrestorm distribution platform and an Artnet‑based lighting network provided the reliability and responsiveness required. Through meticulous planning, advanced modelling and close collaboration with APG, we delivered a system that meets the venue’s demanding operational needs while enhancing the overall customer experience. Tiger Club represents a standout example of how integrated AV design can elevate a venue far beyond its original brief. What began as a simple request for an LED screen evolved into a fully unified audio, video, lighting and automation ecosystem, engineered to deliver exceptional performance while respecting strict environmental constraints. This project showcases the best of what modern integrators and manufacturers can achieve when working in close partnership. At the heart of the installation is APG’s loudspeaker technology, chosen for its precision, musicality and controlled dispersion. In a venue located in the centre of town and surrounded by residential buildings, achieving impactful sound without disturbing neighbours was a significant challenge. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - CONCERT HALL BIWAKO HALL TECHNICAL DETAILS Location: Shiga, Japan Manufacturers HARMAN Professional Solutions Systems Integrator Biwako Hall and HARMAN Professional Solutions Submitted By HARMAN Professional Solutions The esteemed Biwako Hall in Shiga Prefecture, Japan, celebrated for hosting some of the country’s premier opera and classical performances, has become the first performing arts venue in Japan to install the cutting-edge SPAT Revolution Wave Field Synthesis immersive audio system powered by HARMAN’s FLUX:: technology. This revolutionary system enables an auditory experience that positions sound precisely on stage, creating a fully immersive environment that enhances the audience’s engagement, regardless of seating location. Located 20 minutes from Kyoto on the shores of Lake Biwa, the 1,848-seat Biwako Hall is renowned for its diverse programming and its unique acoustics tailored to classical performances. The installation of the SPAT Revolution reflects Biwako Hall’s commitment to innovation in the performing arts. The system upgrade enhances the hall’s Front of House (FOH) package, introducing five main frontal sound points and a front-fill system to the space. “This project represents a significant advancement in immersive audio for Japan’s live performance spaces,” said Hugo Larin, Senior Business Development Manager for FLUX::, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “The integration of SPAT Revolution in Biwako Hall demonstrates HARMAN’s commitment to elevating the audio experience in premier cultural venues, aligning cutting-edge technology with
Biwako Hall’s esteemed legacy in the performing arts.” The integration of the SPAT Revolution immersive engine enables Biwako Hall’s sound engineers to create a lifelike audio experience by positioning sound sources, such as performers and instruments, as objects in a virtual space. Sound outputs are then distributed through both the proscenium speakers and an array of eight front-fill speakers, creating the sensation that sound emanates directly from specific stage positions. The immersive system, controlled via a tablet PC, allows for seamless management and adjustment of sound objects and acoustics from anywhere in the hall, optimizing the mixing process beyond the FOH console integration to SPAT Revolution. “Biwako Hall has long been known as a leader in Japan’s opera and classical music scene, and the addition of SPAT Revolution solidifies its standing as a cutting-edge performance venue,” said Mr. Masahito Oshitani, Audio Technical Manager, Biwako Hall. “This installation not only exemplifies our commitment to immersive sound solutions but also provides audiences with an unparalleled sensory experience, underscoring Biwako Hall’s dedication to artistic excellence.” With the SPAT Revolution now in place, Biwako Hall is positioned to deliver an exceptional audio experience, setting a new benchmark in Japan’s live performance industry. The addition of this immersive audio system underscores Biwako Hall’s reputation as a pioneer in the performing arts and reinforces HARMAN’s dedication to transforming the auditory experience for live events worldwide. Furthermore, this installation showcases the cross-brand compatibility and seamless integration capabilities of HARMAN’s immersive audio technologies, laying the groundwork for future enhancements. READ MORE ONLINE
CONCERT HALL SPONSORED BY
GLASGOW ROYAL CONCERT HALL
TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Glasgow, Scotland Installer Adlib Submitted By Adlib Glasgow Royal Concert Hall engaged Adlib to design and install a permanent, large-format PA system in its Main Auditorium, a flagship venue hosting 200 events per year, from orchestral performances to rock and pop. The client brief was clear: deliver consistent, high-quality audio to every seat in the house, across all genres, without compromising architectural sightlines. Previously reliant on productions bringing their own equipment, the venue needed a solution that met touring artists’ and engineers’ expectations while reflecting the space’s prestige. The project was built on the success of a rental system Adlib deployed for the Celtic Connections festival. Adlib’s process began long before installation, rooted in a festivaldriven proof of concept. For the 2023 Celtic Connections festival, Adlib deployed a large-format L-Acoustics rental system in the Main Auditorium for the first time. Using L-Acoustics Soundvision software, System Technician Andy Russell created a detailed 3D model of the auditorium and designed a system that would deliver excellent coverage while keeping audience sightlines completely unaffected. The festival’s extraordinarily broad programme, spanning intimate folk performances, world music, American blues, full orchestral collaborations, and high-energy rock shows, often on consecutive nights, provided an ideal real-world test environment. The overwhelmingly positive response from venue management, festival teams, touring engineers and audiences gave both Adlib and Glasgow Life the confidence to commission a permanent solution.
For the permanent installation, Adlib’s Billy Bryson worked alongside Russell in the design phase, using Soundvision to model and refine every element of the system. A flown subwoofer configuration was modelled to provide rear rejection focused toward the stage while retaining uniform low-frequency coverage across the audience area. Integration between the main system and an extensive network of fill loudspeakers was also refined in simulation, maximising the quality of on-site calibration time and ensuring venue technicians were fully involved throughout commissioning. The installed system is built around an L-Acoustics K-Series platform. Main hangs comprise L-Acoustics K2 with KARA downfills and KS28 subwoofers, with X12 and A15 loudspeakers providing out-fill and choir-stall coverage. On stage, X8 loudspeakers line the downstage edge, supported by stacked KS21 subwoofers and A15 in-fills. Critically, under-balcony coverage is delivered via 5XT loudspeakers, ensuring no audience member is underserved. The system is driven by LA12X and LA4X amplified controllers, with two P1 processors at the front-end and signal distribution handled via an AVB Milan network with full redundancy. The results are transformative. Every seat in the 200-eventper-year auditorium now receives consistent tonal balance, clarity and impact regardless of genre or production scale. The venue can confidently attract world-class artists, meeting the technical expectations of touring productions while delivering an exceptional experience to every audience member. The principal challenge of this project was one that many heritage concert hall installations face: delivering a large-format, modern PA system capable of performing at the highest professional level without visually dominating or compromising the architectural integrity of the space. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - CONCERT HALL
CONCERT HALL SPONSORED BY
PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Florida, USA Manufacturers WSDG Installer SJC Cultural Events Inc. and AVL Productions AV Designer AVL Productions Submitted By WSDG The Ponte Vedra Concert Hall [PVCH] has established itself as a crucial port of call for touring musical acts passing through northern Florida since its founding in 2011. Since then, the venue’s reputation as an artist-friendly space with a warm, enthusiastic crowd has drawn increasingly prestigious talent to perform on its stage. In May of 2024, SJC Cultural Events Inc. – the 501(c)3 organisation responsible for the venue’s continued success – committed to an ambitious renovation of the hall to better accommodate the larger acts and bigger crowds it has regularly been attracting. As part of these upgrades, the organisation brought on acoustic designers WSDG for the critical work of enhancing the hall’s sonic qualities. Growth and potential The catalyst for pursuing these upgrades was a genuine desire on the part of SJC Cultural Events to embody the potential that they had seen in the venue all along. Despite rising from somewhat humble beginnings, the success of PVCH and the enthusiasm of the professional teams and community around it clearly pointed to bigger and better things. “We couldn’t have imagined how much it was going to grow when we founded the space in 2011,” explains SJC Cultural Events CEO and President Gabriel Pellicer. “At the time, we simply believed we could create a cultural enhancement for the community that could also serve as a valuable touring stop for artists moving up and down the Florida coast.” “After fourteen years, it had become clear that we were overperforming in terms of the level of artists we were able to attract and the quality of shows we were able to put on. We’d always known that we wanted to do more with the venue, so the time was right to give it a chance to properly grow.” SJC Cultural Events’ focuses for the upgrade were enhancing the experience for the performing artists as well as the audiences that pack the hall to see them. In addition to size expansions in both the stage and seated capacity, technical and acoustic upgrades were top of the list. “After 14 years, we were ready to upgrade to a more capable sound system and wanted to ensure that both artist and audience experiences were elevated to reflect that change,” says PVCH Senior Production Manager Michael Livingston. “To that end, we assembled a team of local Florida consultants and businesses that could help us accomplish these goals.” “We became aware of WSDG’s reputation in these fields and quickly realised they would be a major asset to achieving the sonic goals we had for these upgrades.” Organic vibes, invisible acoustics WSDG partnered with local Ponte Vedra Beach architectural firm Fisher | Koppenhafer Architecture and Interior Design as well as Owner and Systems Designer Stephen Unklebach of AVL Productions, and fellow acousticians Rulon International and EZ Acoustics – all local Florida businesses who brought a shared sense of pride and enthusiasm to the project. The WSDG design team – consisting of Partner, Director of Business Development Sergio Molho, Partner, Project Engineer David Molho, and Project
Engineer, Acoustics Luis Hermida – was tasked with ensuring that the venue’s existing lively character was preserved, while making critical improvements in speech intelligibility and audibility. As much of the music performed at the Concert Hall is organic, roots music in the folk, bluegrass, and blues traditions, enhancing the acoustical characteristics of the hall to elevate the experience of these genres was a key aspect of the project. “It’s an incredible building to start with a big history and an important vibe component to it – we wanted to ensure that none of that was lost,” says David Molho. “Instead, it was an exercise of making subtle, but important changes that would elevate the experience of being there and enhancing the connection between audience and performers.” The WSDG team created a 3D model of the live music venue and proposed a series of acoustic solutions that would be undetectable to the untrained eye while still providing the desired outcomes. As the venue’s ceiling utilises an open cell foam for thermal reasons, WSDG was able to take advantage of this existing feature to solve certain low-frequency acoustical issues. Subtle, flutter-free diffusion was introduced along the side and back walls to control first-order reflections toward both the stage and audience, effectively reducing flutter echo and enhancing the overall acoustic quality of the hall. Electroacoustic requirements provided by AVL Productions for a new L-Acoustics line array were also taken into account, to ensure a lively sonic experience with improved low end. READ MORE ONLINE
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CONCERT HALL SP ONSORED BY
CONCERT HALL SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location: Sydney, Australia Manufacturers Listen Technologies, Ampetronic Installer Jands Pty Ltd Submitted By Listen Technologies Sydney Opera House wanted visitors to receive high-quality live audio directly to their hearing aids, earbuds, or headphones for a more flexible and accessible audio experience. It wanted to implement an Auracast broadcast audio solution in three of its venues – Drama Theatre, Playhouse, and Studio. Auracast, a Bluetooth capability, broadcasts clear audio from a single transmitter to unlimited compatible devices. Sydney Opera House enlisted Jands’ help. Jands suggested Auri, the world’s first Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening system from Ampetronic and Listen Technologies. Auri delivers wireless, lowlatency audio broadcasts to compatible hearing aids, earbuds, headphones, and dedicated Auri receivers. In each of the three Sydney Opera House venues Jands installed an Auri TX2N transmitter. This is a sleek, low-profile transmitter that resembles a Wi-Fi access point. It features multicolor status indicator and side-mounted balanced analog mic/line inputs that support mono, stereo, or dual mono configurations. A single ethernet connection manages PoE, network/PC control, and Audio over IP, with an option for Dante® network audio. It also includes a balanced line output and USB-C for optional power. The Auri transmitter connects to the audio source and broadcasts the audio. Guests in the venue who have Auracast compatible devices, including hearing aids, Cochlear implants, headphones, or earbuds, can select the broadcast and receive that audio directly in their devices. The high-quality, low-latency audio from a performer’s mic is clear and intelligible and delivered to their ears via the Auracast broadcast. A limited number of dedicated Auracast receivers (Auri RX1) are available for guests to borrow if they do not have Auracastcompatible devices. The receivers are compact and meet global accessibility standards. The Auri RX1 delivers high-quality, lowlatency audio. It includes two 3.5 mm output jacks for connecting earbuds, headphones, or neck loops for telecoil-equipped hearing aids, allowing two users to share one receiver. A front-panel OLED screen displays channel name, battery status, and charging indicators, with easy buttons for channel selection. Powered by the LA-367 Lithium Polymer battery, it offers quick charging and extended run time via USB or docking contacts. Installing a next-generation assistive listening solution at the Sydney Opera House presented a unique combination of technical, operational, and user-experience challenges. As one of the world’s most iconic cultural venues, the Opera House already had a strong commitment to accessibility when it enlisted Jands’ help to review and enhance its assistive listening provision. However, evolving audience expectations and advances in hearing technology meant that traditional FM- and loop-based systems were no longer sufficient on their own. As Janelle Ryan, Senior Manager, Impact Programs & Operations
at SydneyOpera House, explains, “We are everyone’s house.” Her team actively listens to guest feedback, and patrons were increasingly looking for an experience that offered greater audio clarity, flexibility, and personal control than legacy systems could provide. The challenge was to introduce a modern solution that expanded accessibility without disrupting an already complex, high-profile venue. The scale and architectural sensitivity of the Opera House added further complexity. Multiple performance spaces, varied seating layouts, and a constant program of live events meant any installation had to be discreet, reliable, and easy to manage. Minimizing disruption to daily operations was essential, as rehearsals and performances continued throughout the project. They overcame these challenges by deploying Auri, the Auracast broadcast audio-based assistive listening solution from Ampetronic and Listen Technologies, with strong alignment to the wider hearing-aid ecosystem, including manufacturers such as GN and ReSound. Auri’s professional-grade transmitters provided robust, highquality audio distribution across large spaces, while its scalable system design allowed coverage to be tailored to different environments within the venue. Equally important was ease of deployment and long-term management. Auri’s intuitive management software simplified commissioning, monitoring, and ongoing operation, reducing the burden on technical staff in a busy, live environment. The system also supports both dedicated receivers and emerging Auracastenabled personal devices, ensuring immediate accessibility compliance while preparing the Opera House for the future of hearing technology. The result is an assistive listening installation that builds on Sydney Opera House’s existing accessibility leadership, responds directly to guest needs, and delivers a future-ready solution that aligns with its inclusive ethos: a venue truly designed for everyone. The Sydney Opera House project has played a seminal role in advancing audio accessibility and bringing clear audio to everyone. Sydney Opera House is one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions, renowned for its stunning architecture and exceptional live performances, as well as its focus on inclusion. On March 18, 2025, GN, in collaboration with Hearing Australia and National Acoustic Laboratories, debuted Auracast to audiologists, the deaf and hearing loss community, and media at the Opera House. Representatives from Samsung, Google and the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) were also there, showing support for Auracast and its potential to enhance accessibility. By installing Auracast broadcast audio in three of its venues, the Opera House has helped raise awareness of this technology and inspire other performance venues around the world to install Auracast based assistive listening systems. As more Auracast-compatible consumer devices, including headphones, hearing aids, and earbuds, come to market and adoption grows, venues that have Auracast broadcast audio systems will be ready to meet guests’ needs. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - CRUISE SHIP CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE – PIXERA FLEET DEPLOYMENT
TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure, operating from Brisbane and Sydney, Australia Systems Integrator David Horner Submitted By AV Stumpfl Carnival Cruise Line selected AV Stumpfl’s PIXERA media server platform to power LED-driven visuals across multiple venues, including aboard Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure. The system delivers reliable, high-performance playback in theatres, lounges and comedy clubs, tailored to demanding maritime conditions. PIXERA’s hardware-agnostic design enables deployment on custom in-house servers, with seamless integration via protocols such as PSN and Notch. Rapid installation during tight drydock schedules allowed full system integration in just three days, creating a scalable solution for Carnival’s growing global fleet. Carnival Cruise Line’s in-house entertainment technical team led the deployment of the PIXERA media server platform as part of a broader strategy to modernise and future-proof the cruise line’s video and show-control infrastructure across its fleet. A key priority for the technical team was maintaining operational flexibility across 29 vessels while standardising media server capabilities. PIXERA’s hardware-agnostic architecture allowed the team to deploy the software on their own custom-built servers, ensuring compatibility with Carnival’s established workflows and technical infrastructure. Integration focused on supporting a wide range of onboard entertainment environments, including large-scale theatres, multi-purpose lounges and smaller comedy venues. The system was configured to integrate with existing automation systems using PosiStageNet (PSN) for real-time tracking, enabling synchronised visual content playback within complex live entertainment productions.
Deployment timelines were critical due to limited drydock maintenance windows. The technical team leveraged PIXERA’s flexible show management tools to build and test project files on one ship before duplicating and adapting them for additional vessels. This approach enabled the system to be fully operational within three days on both Carnival Encounter and Carnival Adventure, significantly reducing installation and programming time while ensuring consistent show playback across venues. Deploying advanced media server technology in a maritime environment presents several unique technical challenges. Cruise ships operate within highly constrained infrastructure conditions, where power distribution, networking configurations and equipment space can differ significantly from land-based venues. The installation therefore required a system capable of adapting to varied onboard technical environments without compromising performance or reliability. Another major challenge was the limited timeframe available for system deployment. Ship upgrades occur during tightly scheduled drydock periods, leaving only a narrow window to install, configure and test new technology before the vessel returns to service. PIXERA’s flexible architecture and intuitive workflow helped overcome these constraints. The ability to replicate show files across vessels allowed the team to minimise reprogramming work, while the platform’s compatibility with existing automation protocols ensured smooth integration with Carnival’s technical ecosystem. In addition, responsive technical support from AV Stumpfl enabled rapid troubleshooting during commissioning, ensuring the system could be deployed efficiently despite the operational complexities of working at sea. This project demonstrates how media server technology can transform large-scale entertainment environments while meeting the unique operational demands of the cruise industry. READ MORE ONLINE
CRUISE SHIP SPONSORED BY
CARNIVAL SUNSHINE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Systems Integrator Submitted By
Monfalcone, Italy Robe Robe
A new Robe moving light rig has been installed in the 800-capacity ‘Liquid Lounge’ main theatre space aboard the Carnival Sunshine cruise ship, which stages a host of large-scale production shows, themed performances, and other entertainment events. The brief called for bright, durable and versatile LED fixtures capable of supporting high-energy, Broadway-style productions in a demanding maritime environment. The lighting upgrade included the installation of 84 Robe moving lights – 40 x PAINTE Spots, 34 x LEDBeam 350s and 10 x FORTES, selected for their output, reliability and compact form. Brightness was a prerequisite as the theatre now has a large LED backdrop and digital scenery as opposed to previously when it worked with traditional backdrops and cloths, and obviously, they were looking at installing an all-LED rig. PAINTE appealed on size and weight and because it has a sealed optical chamber which helps protect the optics from dust, smoke residue and other detritus, making the units easier to clean and maintain. They are installed on the over-stage bars with some upstage on the deck, with the LEDBeam 350s also part of the overhead rig. FORTES are in the front positions, used for follow spotting and key lighting. A key technological advantage for the team was Robe’s TE (TRANSFERABLE ENGINE) technology, which extends fixture lifespan and ensures long-term serviceability. This is particularly valuable in a cruise environment, where reliability and reduced maintenance are critical. The result is a highly robust and adaptable lighting system that significantly enhances production value, delivering brighter, sharper, and more immersive visual experiences while maintaining operational efficiency and consistency. One of the primary challenges was selecting fixtures capable of performing reliably in the unique conditions of a cruise ship environment. Exposure to vibration, humidity, and airborne particulates requires robust, low-maintenance equipment that can withstand continuous use. The decision-making process itself was also rigorous, involving multiple demonstrations with different manufacturers and input from lighting designers across the Carnival Cruise Line fleet. The goal was to identify “workhorse” fixtures that could meet both creative and operational demands.# These challenges were overcome through thorough evaluation and collaboration, and the Robe fixtures stood out for their combination of brightness, durability, and innovative features such as sealed optics and TE technology. Their proven reliability on other vessels, including prior installations within the fleet, provided additional confidence. Installation was completed efficiently within a tight 10-day window during dry dock, coordinated by experienced technical teams, ensuring minimal disruption and a seamless transition. This project should win because the new Robe fixtures deliver a significant leap in production quality, enabling visually stunning, high-energy performances that rival land-based theatres. The installation supports an intensive schedule of shows, requiring exceptional reliability, flexibility and ease of use. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - CRUISE SHIP
CRUISE SHIP SPONSORED BY
STAR OF THE SEAS – MEDIA TAILOR’S RIEDEL DEPLOYMENT
TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Star of the Seas Manufacturers Riedel Installer Media Tailor Submitted By Media Tailor Behind the headline shows and immersive venues of Star of the Seas, a sophisticated broadcast and communications structure connects every deck, stage, and production space. Key to this achievement was integrator Media Tailor, who, alongside their long-time partner, Riedel, created a clever, ship-wide media system. For Tuomas Niemelä, Business Director of Shipbuilding at Media Tailor, Star of the Seas was an opportunity to refine and expand upon a blueprint first realised aboard Icon of the Seas. “We’re proud to say that, for Star, we designed and implemented the entire broadcast and media system for the ship,” Niemelä explained. At the core of these media operations is the Broadcast Center, home to two production galleries and a main rack room. It houses all the signal routing, recording, playback, post-production, and graphics tools needed to support live shows, ship-wide announcements, and internal productions. The scope of Media Tailor’s work spans nearly every major entertainment area onboard, from the Royal Theater and the AquaDome to the Music Hall, Royal Promenade, Absolute Zero ice arena, and around 25 smaller venues. Each space integrates seamlessly into the same decentralised network, ensuring smooth coordination across departments and flexible support for any type of production. To achieve this level of interoperability and reliability, Media Tailor relied heavily on Riedel’s MediorNet and Artist platforms, which
Niemelä noted are proven technologies in both live production and maritime applications. “Creating a broadcast environment of this scale requires a unified system that functions as one,” Niemelä said. “That’s what Riedel enables. Its decentralised architecture allows us to route video, audio, and data in real time across the entire ship without relying on point-to-point cabling. It’s incredibly efficient and resilient, which is vital when you’re working in the middle of the ocean.” The Star of the Seas installation includes 20 Riedel MediorNet MicroN UHD and MicroN nodes, providing distributed routing, signal processing, and multiviewing across the ship. Each unit combines multiple functions that traditionally required separate devices, optimising space and power consumption, both of which are crucial in a maritime context. Integrated with MediorNet is the hi human interface (hi) control system. On the ship, it operates through three servers and multiple hardware and web-based panels, giving operators centralised, intuitive control over every AV signal on the ship. “Through hi, all SDI and Dante audio sources are unified,” Niemelä explained. “It gives operators complete flexibility to manage routing and monitoring, whether they’re handling live entertainment, video playback, or shipwide communications.” Complementing the broadcast infrastructure is Riedel’s Artist intercom platform, which forms the backbone of onboard communication for production teams. The Star of the Seas deployment features an Artist-1024 matrix with more than 50 SmartPanels (RSP-1216HL and DSP-2318), 55 Bolero wireless beltpacks, and PunQtum wired partyline systems. “The combination of Artist, Bolero, and PunQtum creates a unified and scalable intercom ecosystem,” noted Niemelä. READ MORE ONLINE
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Studio 14 is open. rbb rearranged their studio in the 14th floor 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
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CR UIS E S HIP SP ONSORED BY
CRUISE SHIP STAR OF THE SEAS – CONTROL AV TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Star of the Seas Installer Control AV Submitted By Control AV Behind every great entertainment venue is a great audiovisual system, something that experienced designer and installer, Control AV, knows all too well. The Miami-based integrators were brought on as part of Royal Caribbean’s core team for the build of its Icon Class of ship early in the fleet’s lifetime. After successfully delivering the bulk of the AV solutions for Icon of the Seas’ 68 leisure and entertainment spaces, Control AV was asked to reprise its role for Star of the Seas. Control AV’s President, Amir El Yordi, and CEO, Douglas Ellis, began by reminiscing on Icon of the Seas’ triumph. El Yordi explained: “We have evolved as a company since our affiliation with Royal Caribbean. I believe that because of Icon, we’ve been put on the map. We’ve previously worked on a multitude of exciting ships, but now that we’ve been recognised for our work on Icon, we’re really able to get involved with the latest and greatest ships. We really have the opportunity to set the standard when it comes to entertainment technology at sea.” Even though Control AV as an establishment is relatively young, having been established in 2013, its team is rich in experience. Most of the professionals within the company have reportedly beenactive in the maritime industry since 1998, being involved in the creation of Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas. “We’re lucky in that our staff is intimately familiar with the Royal Caribbean brand,” El Yordi said. “Not only this, but Control AV has a really deep understanding of other cruise lines, too, so we are aware of the latest trends, opportunities, and challenges across the at-sea entertainment sector. This is what these sorts of projects need – such large and complex integrations require the designers to be mindful of the ship’s goals and demographics.” The president noted that the employees behind the installer have advanced in tandem with the company; across the years of Control AV’s operation, technical assistants have graduated to lead technicians, and then to head engineers. Mika Tuomi was a significant example here, beginning to work with El Yordi and CEO Douglas Ellis in 1999, and now acting as Technical Director. El Yordi went on to comment that the integrator’s experience on Icon was beneficial when it came time to design for Star of the Seas. “We learnt some important lessons during the Icon project, and after too, when we saw it handed over to the client for its maiden voyage. I think it’s clear that we’ve grown from our initial designs for the first-in-class ship.” The differences between Star and Icon of the Seas are subtle, but the changes implemented are proof of Control AV and Royal Caribbean’s drive to utilise the most advanced, modern technology available. “The Icon Class will consistently evolve, as entertainment technology is always evolving. With every ship, we want to try to get the best possible product from each manufacturer, meaning
that ship designs will change as the market does.” The largest difference between Star and Icon’s entertainment venues can be found in their respective Royal Theaters. Icon of the Seas’ Royal Theater was introduced with a Broadway-ready version of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ as its main attraction, whereas a similarly high-quality production of ‘Back to the Future: The Musical’ has found a home on Star’s stage. ‘Back to the Future: The Musical’ has a slew of high-tech requirements that led the president, Mika Tuomi, and Károly Molnár, Project Director at Control AV, to need to redesign the audiovisual and staging solutions for Star’s theatre. El Yordi said this system “was a lot more challenging to put together, but we did it, and the result is amazing.” Notably, the famous ‘Back to the Future’ scene featuring the DeLorean transforming into a time machine and travelling through space was initially a technical obstacle. Working alongside rigging teams, sound engineers, and mechanical staging experts, Control AV had to figure out a way to make a car appear to fly, all within the unique constraints of a theatre at sea. “After a concentrated and thoughtful design period, we managed it,” stated El Yordi. “The lighting, sound, video, and rigging in Star’s Royal Theater make ‘Back to the Future: The Musical’ an incredibly immersive experience, just as it is on Broadway or the West-End.” Installations at the magnitude of Star of the Seas require a different approach from a typical land-based, single-purpose venue. With cruise ships containing a long and exhaustive list of all the entertainment and leisure spaces that a guest could possibly want, integrators must begin crafting solutions years in advance. “We’re already working on the systems that will be deployed on the fifth ship in the Icon Class, to be launched in 2028,” El Yordi said. Asked how Control AV continues to specify relevant and futureproof solutions for its maritime projects, El Yordi replied: “We’re thankful to have close relationships with the manufacturers we work with. This allows us to test and check out products that aren’t on the market yet, with some even still in the research and development phase. This helps us understand what technology will be significant in years to come – it’s like seeing into the future. “It’s a really interesting facet of our design process. We make sure that we’re only working with manufacturers we truly trust, as we’re specifying technology from them that does not yet exist, so we need to be confident that it will actually come to fruition!” One of the key ways the company stays connected to its partner brands is through a dedicated side project. El Yordi explained: “Myself and a couple of industry friends noticed that there was no organisation targeted towards professionals in the cruise ship entertainment industry, so we formed ICSEPA, the International Cruise Ship Entertainment Professional Association.” Christopher Vlassopulos, Manager, Sound & Light, New Building & Innovation at Royal Caribbean, has supported ICSEPA since the start, which El Yordi said he is extremely grateful for. “ICSEPA exists to try and educate, help, and connect people who are either already in the cruise ship industry or want to get involved in it,” he continued. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - HOTEL FOUR SEASONS FLORENCE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Systems Integrator Submitted By
Florence, Italy Nueva K-array
The Four Seasons Hotel Firenze engaged Nueva as system integrator, working alongside acoustic design firm Studio Sound Service and audio manufacturer K-array, to deliver a fully concealed sound system across the historic Palazzo del Nero and the Conventino, a former chapel. The project required months of coordination with mechanical, electrical, and interior design teams to ensure every audio solution respected heritage preservation constraints while meeting the performance expectations of an ultra-luxury hospitality brand. The result is a discreet, high-performance audio installation spanning reception areas, dining rooms, outdoor terraces, and a monumental events space, all managed seamlessly across a Dante network. Nueva’s approach centered on solving the tension between acoustic performance and architectural invisibility. Working closely with Studio Sound Service’s acoustic specifications, Nueva developed bespoke installation solutions at every stage. The compact form factor of K-array’s product range, including the slim Vyper and Lyzard series loudspeakers, made them well-suited to the constraints of the project, but even these required custom integration work. Where standard recessed mounting would have required excessively deep cavities, Nueva fabricated custom back boxes only marginally deeper than the Vyper units, allowing clean integration without structural compromise. For the Conventino, where heritage restrictions heavily limited speaker placement, Nueva engineered a custom singlepoint suspension bracket system for the Kayman-KY102 line array units, optimizing the aim angle toward the audience while minimizing energy directed at the reverberant ceiling. Throughout, Nueva coordinated signal routing and remote zone control across the entire Dante network. The primary challenge was reconciling world-class audio performance with the strict preservation requirements of a protected historic building. No element of the installation could compromise the architectural integrity or visual aesthetic of the spaces. This demanded inventive mechanical engineering at virtually every location, from custom back boxes for the Vyper loudspeakers to single-point suspension rigs for the Kayman line arrays. In several areas, K-array’s ability to supply custom RAL finishes proved critical: Lyzard units integrated into wood paneling were finished to match exactly, rendering them effectively invisible. The Conventino presented the greatest complexity; a naturally reverberant former chapel requiring both acoustic treatment and precise speaker positioning to achieve intelligible, high-SPL coverage using the Pinnacle-KR802 II line array system, without impacting the ceiling or structural fabric. Outdoor areas added a further layer of difficulty, requiring weather-resistant systems installed on narrow window-frame uprights to maintain uniform coverage across terraces and gardens while minimizing visual intrusion. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - HOTEL
MGM COTAI TECHNICAL DETAILS Location MGM COTAI-Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau Systems Integrator Joint Collaboration Project Submitted By MGM The vision for MGM Cotai was to establish a global benchmark for integrated entertainment and hospitality technology, uniting iconic public venues with an advanced private guest experience. At its core, The Spectacle was conceived as a permanently operating digital canvas, capable of supporting daily programming, seasonal transformations, and major international events with 24/7 reliability. The MGM Cotai Theatre complements this with show‑grade, interoperable systems designed for touring productions and broadcast‑level events. In parallel, advanced in‑room control and entertainment systems integrate lighting, climate, IPTV, and device connectivity to deliver a seamless, intuitive guest experience. At MGM Cotai, audio systems are conceived as a single, integrated hospitality platform, not a collection of standalone solutions. This approach enables immersive guest experiences, world‑class performance venues, private entertainment, and building‑wide operations to function with equal reliability, flexibility, and scale. The Spectacle represents one of the most ambitious permanent indoor audio environments in hospitality. Spanning the length of a soccer field beneath a column‑free glazed roof—recognized with a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the largest free‑span gridshell glazed roof—the space presents exceptional acoustic and operational challenges. These are addressed through a distributed system of 142 point‑source loudspeakers, support for up to 48 simultaneous live input channels, and fully redundant QSC Q‑SYS processing cores. This architecture enables precise spatial routing for daily programming, live performances,
spoken‑word events, and broadcast activations. Crucially, the same redundant Q‑SYS cores also serve as part of the property‑wide audio distribution backbone, allowing audio to be routed anywhere within the building—or aligned with other MGM venues—reinforcing the Spectacle’s role as both an experiential centerpiece and an operational foundation. Continuous enhancements focus on advanced preset governance, deeper system telemetry, and higher‑level abstraction of spatial workflows, ensuring innovation scales without increasing operational risk. The MGM Cotai Theatre is engineered as a show‑grade, future‑ready performance venue, centered on L‑Acoustics L‑ISA Immersive Hyperreal Sound. Using the L‑ISA Processor and L‑ISA Controller, sound designers can position and move audio objects in real time, transforming sound into a narrative element aligned with video, lighting, and automation. DiGiCo digital mixing consoles provide touring familiarity, high channel density, and seamless integration with object‑based workflows. Standardized operational alignment reduces setup time while preserving creative freedom for touring and resident productions. In guest rooms and advanced KTV and IPTV platforms deliver high‑output performance within architecturally sensitive interiors. Standardized DSP profiles, loudness consistency, and remote health monitoring ensure private entertainment meets the same reliability and polish as public venues. Together, these systems demonstrate how MGM Cotai delivers audio at scale with discipline, balancing immersive ambition, operational resilience, and guest‑centric design—setting a global benchmark for integrated resort audio experiences. Lighting systems are designed as an integrated experience layer, supporting immersive public environments, world‑class performances, and large‑scale events while remaining reliable and easy to operate within a 24/7 resort. READ MORE ONLINE
MGM MACAU TECHNICAL DETAILS Location MGM MACAU-Avenida Dr. Sun Yat Sen, NAPE, Macau Systems Integrator Joint Collaboration Project Submitted By MGM The vision for MGM Macau was to treat technology as a core hospitality enabler, supporting immersive experiences while remaining operationally robust and intuitive. Fantasy Box and Tria Spa leverage show‑grade and wellness‑focused technologies to deliver flexible events and refined sensory experiences. Across Alpha Villas and hotel rooms, advanced infrastructure enables consistent in‑room control, ensuring guests never need to relearn how to operate spaces at any tier. This interoperable design allows MGM to support over 2,000 rooms with significantly reduced technical support requirements, delivering a seamless, scalable, and guest‑centric operation across the property. The audio strategies across Fantasy Box, Tria Spa, and the Alpha Villas are deliberately differentiated to align with the experiential intent of each environment, while operating under a unified Resort Technology framework shared across MGM Macau and MGM Cotai. Fantasy Box employs a show‑grade, event‑driven audio architecture designed to meet professional production standards. The system is built around L‑Acoustics loudspeaker systems for consistent coverage and high‑impact performance, DiGiCo digital mixing consoles to support visiting productions and complex live events, and a QSC Q‑SYS processing and control platform that tightly integrates audio with video, lighting, and show control. This allows the venue to scale seamlessly from immersive playback to full live concert or broadcast scenarios. Networked audio
transport, centralized DSP, and documented recall workflows enable rapid reconfiguration, reliable recovery, and confident operation by both in‑house teams and external partners. In contrast, Tria Spa adopts a wellness‑focused, highly localized audio approach, prioritizing calm, consistency, and long‑term reliability. K‑Array loudspeakers are used throughout for their compact form factor, controlled dispersion, and resistance to humid spa environments. Audio is zoned by function—reception, treatment rooms, wet areas, and fitness spaces—with curated soundscapes and precise volume control. Local room‑level adjustment allows staff to fine‑tune the experience without impacting adjacent areas, while centralized background music management ensures tonal consistency and operational stability. Across the Alpha Villas, audio systems are designed as a flexible, residential‑scale entertainment platform that is fully repeatable at both MGM Macau and MGM Cotai. High‑performance audio supports premium movie playback, advanced KTV experiences, and seamless guest device integration, while remaining robust enough for intimate live entertainment or private events. Critically, the infrastructure automatically resets all audio, KTV, and television parameters to a defined baseline between check‑out and check‑in. This ensures guests never need to relearn room operation at any tier, while significantly reducing technical support requirements. Together, these environments demonstrate MGM Macau’s context‑driven audio philosophy—from concert‑ready systems to near‑invisible residential sound—delivered with consistent reliability, interoperability, and operational discipline across the resort. READ MORE ONLINE
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CASTIGLION DEL BOSCO, A ROSEWOOD HOTEL TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Castiglion del Bosco, Italy Installer Nextdomus Srl Submitted By Nextdomus Srl Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco is not just a hotel; it is a living museum of Tuscan culture and craftsmanship. Located in the UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia valley, this 5,000-acre estate features 6 suits and 11 meticulously restored villas—former 17th- and 18th-century farmhouses that have been transformed into ultra-private luxury residences. Each villa is enveloped in nature, art, and centuries-old history, while offering modern comforts like heated infinity pools, curated gardens, and bespoke interiors designed by artisans and Florentine craftsmen. Multi-zone AV is powered by Sonos Port and Amp systems, fully integrated with Crestron Home. Guests can stream Spotify, Apple Music, or curated playlists wirelessly, with each room operating independently or as part of a whole-home audio scene. Audio zones include living rooms, dining areas, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc.—providing consistent sound quality and seamless transitions. Visual entertainment is provided via integrated Samsung TVs in key spaces, all controllable through TSR-310 remotes and in-wall touchscreens. AV components are also embedded into personalised scenes, allowing guests to adjust music, video, lighting, and climate with a single tap. Lighting systems across the villas and common areas are managed through Crestron DIN-DIMU4 and DIN-8SW8-I relay modules, providing both dimmable and switched control across all circuits. Scenes such as “Welcome,” “Good Night,” and “Evening” are preconfigured per space, with customization available per guest or function. Lighting is controlled via TSW-1070 touchscreens, TSR-310 remotes, iPads and mobile devices—with guests able to make quick changes or use preset scenes. Outdoor zones are also included, allowing lights to follow sunset and guest activity. This project leveraged several third-party integrations and Crestron Home extensions to deliver a comprehensive and intuitive smart environment tailored for luxury hospitality use: – 2N IP Verso Video Intercom Integration Integrated with Crestron Home to allow guests to view, communicate with, and grant access to visitors at the villa gates. Integration included the 2N Gold License and mobile video services, enabling remote access via mobile devices and touch panels. – Sonos Multi-Room Audio Integration Integrated Sonos Port and Amp systems were used for wholehome and multi-zone music playback. Guests can stream music from Spotify, Apple Music, and other services wirelessly, with zone control available via TSW-1070, TSR-310, and mobile apps. – Samsung Smart TV Integration Integrated with Crestron Home for seamless TV control via TSR-310
handheld remotes. Allows guests to control AV sources, volume, and power within scenes. The villas and shared spaces use a network of HZ-THSTAT Crestron thermostats, distributed across individual rooms and climate zones. Each zone offers manual and automated control via wall interfaces or iPads. Fan speeds, temperature ranges, and Celsius/ Fahrenheit toggling are supported. Using 2N IP Verso intercoms, guests can communicate with gates, see visitors via camera, and grant access—all from Crestron interfaces or mobile devices. Rosewood staff can also access these systems remotely. We installed a mix of: TSW-1070 10” in-wall touchscreens TSR-310 remotes Pre-configured iPads and Crestron mobile app Crestron XPanel All UIs were custom-themed to match the Rosewood brand, with multilingual options and user-friendly scene navigation. The client’s vision extended far beyond simply automating lights or climate systems. Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco wanted each villa to offer an experience that felt simultaneously intimate, luxurious, and effortless – as if the property itself anticipated the needs of its guests. At the same time, operational requirements called for efficient remote management, minimal maintenance, and a consistent backend platform for staff. The villas had to remain: n Autonomous, so each guest felt completely at home n Responsive, adjusting to changing environmental and personal preferences n Seamless, integrating all subsystems under one elegant interface n Invisible, so as not to disrupt the historic charm of the architecture From a technical standpoint, we needed to: n Enable room-by-room lighting control and whole-home scenes n Provide climate zoning that respected individual guest comfort while optimising energy use n Integrate a video intercom system with secure gate control n Deliver multi-room audio and video, without a trace of tech n Provide remote access for Rosewood’s staff to reset or support systems As we developed the system, the client’s needs evolved. They requested additional features like mobile gate access, spa music presets, and adaptive modes that subtly adjust lights, play music, and shift temperature settings—all in a single scene. The historic construction posed its own challenges. Thick stone walls created RF isolation, and cable runs had to be planned with surgical precision to avoid damaging original architecture. We overcame this through hybrid cabling (Cat6 + PoE), signal repeaters, and extensive pre-install planning with the design and engineering teams. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - HOUSE OF WORSHIP PAPAL BASILICA OF SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Rome, Italy Manufacturers K-array Installer Delta Tecno Studio Submitted By Delta Tecno Studio
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major pilgrimage destination, required an expansion of its existing audio infrastructure to deliver clear and intelligible speech across multiple chapels while preserving the integrity of the historic building. Delta Tecno Studio extended the system using K-array column loudspeaker solutions, including Kobra, Vyper and Lyzard models, fully integrated into a Q-SYS network. The result is a unified, user-friendly audio system delivering consistent coverage across the basilica and its chapels, ensuring speech clarity for daily services and globally broadcast events within a highly reverberant and protected environment. Delta Tecno Studio was tasked with expanding the existing audio system at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore to incorporate four side chapels into a single, unified audio infrastructure. Building on their original 2018 installation, the integrator maintained a consistent design philosophy centred on speech intelligibility, system simplicity and minimal visual impact within the historic environment. The expansion was designed around a fully networked audio architecture using Q-SYS for DSP, control and routing, allowing the chapels to operate independently or as part of the central system depending on the service or event requirements. To achieve consistent audio performance across all spaces,
the system integrates a combination of K-array Kobra column loudspeakers, Vyper units and ultra-compact Lyzard loudspeakers, selected for their controlled directivity and minimal visual footprint. Pairs of Kobra loudspeakers were deployed in multiple chapels, with additional Vyper units used to extend coverage in more complex architectural areas. In visually sensitive locations, compact Lyzard loudspeakers were installed to provide discreet reinforcement without impacting the aesthetics of the space. Extensive acoustic modelling using EASE software was carried out prior to installation, supported by on-site measurements and real-time analysis. This enabled the integrator to precisely predict coverage and optimize system performance in the basilica’s highly reverberant environment. Delay, equalization and preset configurations were programmed for multiple usage scenarios, allowing clergy to operate the system via simple touchscreen controls or wireless devices without requiring technical expertise. All infrastructure was designed with future expansion and redundancy in mind, including fibre-based signal distribution, Dante integration and a fully redundant DSP architecture to ensure uninterrupted operation during services and major events. The physical installation was carefully executed using noninvasive mounting methods, reusing existing fixing points where possible and routing cabling along architectural lines to preserve the integrity of the historic structure. The primary challenge was achieving high speech intelligibility within one of the most acoustically demanding environments in the world. READ MORE ONLINE
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SAGEBRUSH CHURCH TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Albuquerque, New Mexico Installer Sagebrush Church AV Team Submitted By 1 SOUND Sagebrush Church, one of the largest churches in Albuquerque, New Mexico, features a campus with a 2,000–3,000 seat, theaterstyle Worship Center. With full bands, weekly services, events, and live-streams, clear, consistent audio is essential. Despite upgrading to advanced LED video walls and lighting, their sound system fell short. The experienced AV team worked to extend its life but ultimately recognized its limitations and the compromises of the audio. After extensive research and troubleshooting, they chose a fresh upgrade—selecting a point source design with 1 SOUND’s Contour Series. The team’s approach changed from troubleshooting their existing line array system after their experience with 1 SOUND Tower Systems. “We both really enjoyed that system and how it feels,” said Daniel Trillo, Systems Engineer. “If we could get that same experience in the Worship Center—where it feels impactful and good to actually listen to—then that’s what we wanted.” In choosing to go with a 1 SOUND system based on sonic quality, they knew the design would have to go against their original idea of a system design into a point-source approach with delays. The final design uses six Contour CT212 flown as main left, center, and right clusters. The Contour CT212, although only 20” wide and 30” tall, has a maximum SPL of 145 dB and a medium-long throw. These were hung with their Fly Bar accessories. Seven Contour CT28s are deployed as delay fills for the balcony. For low
frequency, six 1 SOUND SUB2112s were flown near the stage to provide controlled low-end energy without muddying the mix. Sagebrush integrated existing L-Acoustics KS21 subwoofers, repurposing them as ground subwoofers at the stage. Eight Cannon C8i loudspeakers are mounted along the front edge of the stage to deliver the energy and clarity needed for the first rows. The Cannon C8 has a compression driver delivering a punch, matching the presence of the Contours, and ensuring every seat has the same experience. Powersoft Unica amplifiers power the system, giving precise control over every element. This deployment resulted in a visually discreet powerhouse system to support full band performances while maintaining clarity and intimacy with spoken word. The significance of this design is not just what the system produces for the audience but what it does not produce on the stage. The Contours are controlled down to about 200 Hz, meaning its sound stays true to its dispersion pattern into the low-mids. This results in a cleaner sound environment on the stage with less noise and unwanted spill, allowing the microphones to do their job. The Sagebrush AV team had been troubleshooting their previous setup and even resourced 1 SOUND to help before exploring a full redesign. “Lou (1 SOUND’s Founder & Designer) wanted to take care of us more than he wanted us to have 1 SOUND,” Ryan Peddycoart, Production Director, explained. “Even though it wasn’t his system, he wanted to see if there was any way to resolve our issue first.” When it became clear the existing system couldn’t meet the room’s needs, 1 SOUND sent a demo system “the next day”, featuring four Contour CT212 mains and four SUB2112 subs, plus two CT28s to address delay coverage. READ MORE ONLINE
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HOUSE OF WORSHIP SPONSORED BY
ST. MARK GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Boca Raton, Florida, USA Acoustician Sound & Lighting Solutions Installer Sound & Lighting Solutions Submitted By EAW For years, the St. Mark Greek Orthodox Church stood as a visually stunning and architecturally rich space, but struggled with a persistent challenge: poor acoustics. Inconsistent sound coverage, harsh reflections and low speech intelligibility continually distracted from the worship experience. Now, the sanctuary has taken a major step toward restoring the clarity, power and beauty of its services with a system upgrade led by pro audio and lighting equipment supplier Sound & Lighting Solutions Inc. The project, which included the installation of an Eastern Acoustic Works (EAW) ADAPTive sound system, resolved the church’s long-standing acoustic challenges while preserving the space’s architectural splendour. “When I first visited the space, I recognised the severity of the issues,” said Jay Krause, owner of Sound & Lighting Solutions Inc. “The solution came in the form of four EAW AC6 ADAPTive Column Loudspeakers. The system looks as good as it sounds. Seamlessly integrated into the church’s architecture, the ADAPTive arrays preserve the sanctuary’s aesthetic while
enhancing every word, note and moment shared within it.” Using EAW’s Resolution software, ADAPTive arrays precisely customise coverage to match the room. This keeps sound focused on the listeners and off reflective surfaces such as walls and ceilings. “It’s the best system I’ve found for providing consistent, optimal coverage throughout an entire listening area,” explained Krause. “Our team is fully invested in ADAPTive as a cutting-edge system, and we believe deeply in its ability to ‘make the word heard’ clearly, consistently and powerfully.” Thanks to the installation of EAW’s AC6 speakers, churchgoers now enjoy an audio environment that matches the elegance of the space. The AC6 cabinets were custom painted to match the sanctuary’s fresco. Krause and his team brought a small paint chip to a store, where a custom paint code was created and shared with EAW for production. “Once the SLS team installed the speakers, it was a perfect match. During the first service, the father asked the congregation to spot the speakers, and no one could find them until he pointed them out,” shared Krause. “What once seemed unfixable is now a shining example of how innovation can elevate tradition,” added Krause. “St. Mark is now acoustically transparent, visually unobtrusive and spiritually uplifting thanks to EAW and its ADAPTive technology.”
SCALABLE NETWORKING SIMPLIFIED.
Whether deploying a redundant or primary-only network topology, the MS8.2 Milan network switch is perfectly suited to simplify mobile, installed systems and spatial audio applications.
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HOUSE OF WORSHIP NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Paris, France Manufacturers Groupe Novelty Architect Jehan de Chelles and Pierre de Montreuil (in the 13th Century) Installer Groupe Novelty (Lead: Novelty Paris, with group subsidiaries De Préférence, Magnum, Dushow TV, Alabama Média, and Teamagine) Submitted By Groupe Novelty Following the devastating 2019 fire, the reopening of Notre– Dame de Paris required one of the most ambitious audiovisual integrations ever undertaken in a historic house of worship. As lead integrator, Groupe Novelty delivered a fully networked AV infrastructure combining sound reinforcement, broadcast, video distribution and live production capabilities. Built around a full-fibre backbone supporting Milan-AVB, Dante and NDI protocols, the system enables seamless operation for both daily services and globally broadcast events. The project also included full AV delivery for the reopening ceremony, watched worldwide, positioning Notre–Dame as a nextgeneration, digitally connected place of worship while preserving its architectural integrity. For the audio integration at Notre‑Dame, Novelty Paris approached the project with a clear mandate: deliver a world‑class reinforcement and recording system that respects the cathedral’s sacred acoustics while enabling modern liturgical, musical and broadcast workflows. The team deployed a full‑fibre infrastructure and a dual spine‑leaf Milan‑AVB/Dante network, ensuring low‑latency, synchronised audio transport across the entire monument. Speaker placement was one of the most delicate aspects of the project. With strict architectural constraints, Novelty relied on precise altimetry, angling and rotation, supported by custom locksmithing, to discreetly integrate 128 colour‑matched L‑Acoustics loudspeakers. The system combines KIVA arrays, SYVA and SOKA columns, and compact 5XT and X4i enclosures, providing controlled coverage across the nave, choir stalls and chapels without visually intruding on the heritage fabric. Amplification is handled by LA‑2Xi and LA7‑16i units chosen for their channel density and native Milan‑AVB compatibility. Distributed racks in the grandstands and technical rooms ensure short cable runs and optimal signal integrity. DiGiCo mic preamps capture the cathedral’s ambiences, organs and choir, while 20 Schoeps CCM4 microphones and a Sennheiser MEB‑114 SW at the altar provide pristine pickup for spoken word and liturgical music. A major innovation is the world’s first installation of Sennheiser Spectera, a wideband bidirectional digital wireless system that consolidates microphones, IEM/IFB and control data on a single RF canal. This dramatically reduces setup time and RF congestion. The result is a discreet yet powerful audio ecosystem that enhances intelligibility, preserves the cathedral’s acoustic character and supports high‑quality broadcast production for global audiences.
Lighting at Notre‑Dame required a level of sensitivity and precision rarely encountered in modern integration. Novelty Paris and its sister companies approached the project with a dual objective: illuminate ceremonies with dignity and clarity while protecting the cathedral’s architectural and spiritual identity. Inside the cathedral, more than 200 fixtures from Astera, Martin, Robe and ARRI were deployed, chosen for their silent operation, refined dimming and ability to blend into the environment. Their placement was carefully coordinated to avoid interfering with stained glass, vaults and restored stonework. The lighting supports both liturgical needs and broadcast requirements, ensuring consistent colour temperature and flicker‑free performance for 4K cameras. For the grand reopening ceremony, lighting took on a more theatrical dimension. Dushow TV installed over 200 additional fixtures inside the 1,400 m² marquee and around the cathedral, complemented by Viper 2.6 fog machines and AF‑1 effects fans to enhance atmosphere. All fixtures were controlled via MA Lighting grandMA3, enabling precise cueing for a ceremony watched by millions worldwide. The lighting design played a crucial narrative role: from the golden illumination of the façade as the archbishop struck the doors, to the projected words of gratitude honouring firefighters and artisans. The result was a lighting environment that balanced reverence, drama and technical excellence, reinforcing the emotional impact of this historic moment. The visual and broadcast integration at Notre‑Dame was engineered to serve two missions simultaneously: support daily liturgical life and enable world‑class remote production for KTO and international broadcasters. Novelty Paris deployed a full‑fibre backbone and a dual spine‑leaf network supporting NDI, Dante and Milan‑AVB, ensuring seamless interoperability between audio, video and control systems. Eight Panasonic AW‑UE150 PTZ cameras were installed in architecturally discreet positions, providing multi‑angle coverage of the nave, altar and choir. Three additional cameras support content feedback and onsite streaming. A Panasonic 4K AV‑UHS500 switcher handles local production, while a Blackmagic ATEM 4 M/E Constellation 4K manages remote broadcast feeds to KTO’s headquarters. Ten 43” NEC displays positioned behind pillars allow worshippers to follow ceremonies without disrupting sightlines. All visual routing is handled over IP, enabling flexible reconfiguration for major events. Reopening Ceremony Integration Overview: The reopening ceremony of Notre‑Dame de Paris on 7/12/24 represented one of the most significant live events ever staged in France—an unprecedented convergence of heritage, state protocol, global broadcast and large‑scale technical production. Groupe Novelty, through its network of specialised subsidiaries, was entrusted with delivering the entire audiovisual environment for this historic moment, ensuring that the rebirth of the cathedral was experienced with clarity, dignity and emotional resonance by audiences on‑site and around the world. READ MORE ONLINE
S HORTLI S T ED - I M ME RS I V E E X PE RI E NC E DER BAUM (THE TREE) TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Oberhausen, Germany Lighting Designers Ars Electronica Solutions; Garamantis GmbH; zitras- Gesellschaft für sichere Höhenarbeiten mbH; geo - Die Luftwerker Robert Meyknecht e.K. Acoustician Rupert Huber Systems Integrators Ars Electronica Solutions; Tennagels; Zitras; geo- Die Luftwerker Submitted By Ars Electronica Solutions
The project “The Tree” serves as the center-piece of the exhibition “Forest Worlds” at the Gasometer Oberhausen. The client’s goal was to create an immersive, emotionally engaging, and scientifically grounded experience that raises visitor awareness of the importance of global forest ecosystems. The installation was designed to leverage the monumentality of the Gasometer’s architecture, taking visitors on an impressive journey from the root system to the treetop. Key requirements included a strong visual impact, innovative communication of complex content, and a unique visitor experience with high memorability. The installation is built on an impressive network of 2.8 km of RGB LED strips, arranged in a full 360° configuration and comprising a total of 42,892 individually addressable pixels. These pixels are controlled across approximately 300 DMX universes, allowing for precise, finely tuned manipulation of light sequences. In total, the installation contains 343,136 individual LED diodes. Thanks to this technical precision, the LED strips can be arranged
organically along the tree structure—from roots through trunk and branches to the canopy—while enabling complex colour transitions and dynamic motion effects. The combination of a high pixel count, numerous DMX universes, and individual control creates flowing, vibrant lightscapes that transform the space into a fully immersive, multimedia experience. The content displayed on the LED strips was generated in Unity. This approach was absolutely necessary to adapt the visuals perfectly to the spatial conditions within the limited setup time, as a full-scale test installation of this size was not feasible. For the treetop, an additional video was created in After Effects to enable complex visual effects and smooth motion sequences. All elements were then integrated via Map Mapper as a central control system, allowing generative content, pre-rendered sequences, and the physical structure of the LED strips to merge into a fully synchronised, immersive experience. The tree’s substructure was realised as an innovative steel cable net, a technique typically used only in playground climbing structures. Precisely connected net segments with steel rings form the organic shape of the 35-meter-high tree, seamlessly linking roots, trunk, branches, and canopy. This novel substructure allows the 2.8 km of LED strips to be arranged organically, bringing the entire sculpture to life. The canopy is formed by a 30-meter-wide truss ring with integrated gauze, onto which six 4K projectors cast their imagery. These projections onto the gauze expand the visual presence of the canopy and dynamically simulate natural elements such as light, seasonal changes, and movement. READ MORE ONLINE
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FRANCE PAVILION – WORLD EXPO OSAKA 202 TECHNICAL DETAILS Location: Osaka, Japan Manufacturers NEXO Acoustician IRCAM Installer Loct’ambule Submitted By NEXO Covering a 960-acre site on the Yumeshima (Dream Island), more than 160 countries are showcasing their cultures, crafts, technologies and visions of the future in a series of exhibits that includes the extraordinary France Pavilion, designed and operated by official French exhibition organisers Cofrex. Ideally located at the entrance to the Expo, the visually striking venue is expected to welcome more than 20,000 visitors each day over the coming six months. With music and sound central to an immersive visitor experience, specially composed music and sonic content developed by IRCAM, (French institute) dedicated to the research of music and sound. The immersive visitor experience is delivered by a system comprising more than 250 individual NEXO loudspeakers installed throughout the France Pavilion. Compact GEO M line arrays cover the area in front of the Pavilion, while an ID14 LCR system is virtually invisible in the entry lobby. Also visually discreet is the ID14 system in the first art installation featuring a stunning Aubusson tapestry by Hayao Miyazaki, then on up a walkway covered from above by 16 x NEXO ID14s delivering a unique wavefield synthesis by IRCAM composers. Unique aural and visual experiences from AXA combine work by the musician Rone, the choreographer Angelin Preljocaj and the filmmaker Thierry De Mey, delivered by a hugely powerful ‘cinema
style’ NEXO P18 system with L20 subs hidden behind the curved screen and complemented by ID14 and ID24 top and surround speakers. Then it’s off to pay a vibrant tribute to Louis Vuitton’s savoir-faire in a room where 85 Wardrobe trunks surround the united hands of Rodin’s La Cathédrale with the characteristic rhythm of the mechanical murmur of the workshops reproduced by an entirely invisible series of NEXO ID14s. In Dior’s space, compact ID14s are mounted on hidden brackets and finished in white to complement the stunning display of collections that create an ode to the virtuosity of the Parisian Ateliers. NEXO’s ePS Outdoor speakers make perfect sense in a tranquil garden which is watered every day and features a 1000-year-old olive tree, before visitors head underground where NEXO P8s and L15 subs help to create the unique atmosphere in the cellars of the Alsace vineyards. Resonant with the geography of Japan comes an archipelago made up 3 islands. Although each space has a very different soundtrack, NEXO ID and P+ Series systems help to maintain a consistent sonic signature promoting a fluid journey through the spaces. Amplification and processing for the installation come from a total of 65 x NEXO Powered TD Controllers, drawn from both nanoNXAMP and NXAMPMk2 ranges. Speaking on behalf of Cofrex, Pavilion Director Philippe Mille said: “This is a complex project requiring a very specific sound system. There are more than 240 channels with innumerable loudspeakers and multiple challenges, both because of the very high demands of the experience design and the installation constraints related to this very distinctive building. READ MORE ONLINE
S HORTLI S T ED - I M ME RS I V E E X P. RAJADAMNERN IMMERSIVE MUAY THAI TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Rajadamnern Stadium Architect Rajadamnern Stadium Lighting Designer DecideKit (Creative & Immersive Visual Design) Acoustician DecideKit (Sound Design) Installer DecideKit Submitted By DecideKit “Rajadamnern Immersive Muay Thai” is Thailand’s first 360° projection-mapped experience on the country’s largest concrete dome, transforming Rajadamnern Stadium into a living storytelling space. The client’s brief was to elevate Muay Thai into a world-class cultural entertainment while preserving its authenticity. In response, the project integrates motion graphics, light, and sound to immerse audiences in the evolution of Muay Thai. The result redefines the stadium experience, positioning it as a global cultural destination. Spatial audio design enhances narrative immersion by guiding audience focus and reinforcing emotional impact throughout the experience. Careful consideration was given to sightlines and acoustic distribution, ensuring consistent and high-quality audiovisual delivery across all seating zones. A high-lumen, large-scale projection system was precisely mapped onto the stadium’s concrete dome, transforming it into a seamless 360° immersive canvas. The system is controlled via a centralized media platform, enabling real-time synchronization between motion graphics and audio. LED displays are designed to wrap around the audience, extending the visual field and creating a continuous layer of content that connects the dome with the seating areas— delivering a fully immersive and impactful experience. One of the main challenges was integrating a large-scale audiovisual system into the existing structure of the stadium without disrupting its ongoing live events. The concrete dome required precise projection mapping, while maintaining flexibility for real-time operation during Muay Thai matches. Another challenge was ensuring a consistent immersive experience across all seating areas, as audience perspectives vary significantly by position and level. These challenges were addressed through detailed site simulations, close collaboration between creative and technical teams, and careful calibration of projection and audio systems. A centralized control system enabled real-time synchronization, ensuring seamless integration between immersive content and live events. The result is a stable, adaptive system that delivers a consistent and impactful experience throughout the venue. “Rajadamnern Immersive Muay Thai” should win a MONDO-DR Award for its seamless integration of large-scale audiovisual technology within a historic live sports venue. The project transforms Rajadamnern Stadium into a fully immersive 360° environment, where projection mapping, LED media, and spatial audio operate as a unified system. What sets this project apart is its ability to function in real time alongside live Muay Thai matches, requiring precision, flexibility, and robust system design. It delivers consistent audiovisual impact across all seating areas while enhancing both storytelling and live event atmosphere. READ MORE ONLINE
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IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE THE LOST WORLD AQUARIUM TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Dubai, UAE Lighting Designer AVI-SPL XTG Systems Integrator AVI-SPL Submitted By AVI-SPL
Atlantis, The Palm set out to transform its long-standing Lost Chambers Aquarium into a next-generation immersive attraction, redefining how guests experience marine life. The goal was a narrative-led environment blending education, fantasy and technology, aligned with the brand’s focus on innovation and storytelling. Partnering with AVI-SPL and its Experience Technology Group (XTG), the vision became Depths of Discovery at the Lost World Aquarium, an interactive audiovisual ecosystem delivering sensory engagement while remaining manageable for resort staff and AVI-SPL’s Onsite Managed Services (OMS) team. Projection, audio, interactive lighting, kiosks and media control were integrated so technology disappears and ocean comes alive. Visual technology forms the core of the Lost World Aquarium experience, driving the project’s transformation from a static exhibit into an immersive, cinematic environment. AVI-SPL designed a fully integrated projection and display ecosystem capable of delivering story-driven visuals that coexist seamlessly with living marine habitats. The visual experience is powered by 60 Epson projectors managed by 17 AV Stumpfl PIXERA media servers, projecting across 16 chambers to create large-format, 360-degree storytelling surfaces. Custom projection mapping wraps the architecture in moving imagery, from shimmering underwater vistas to mythological narratives, bringing depth and energy to each zone. Working within the constraints of the existing aquarium architecture required extreme precision. In areas such as the Medusa room, projectors were mounted within custom fibreglass housings to protect them from humidity and ensure long-term stability. In the Lost Chamber, 25 projectors were positioned within bespoke fibreglass panels, maintaining perfect alignment while remaining completely hidden from view. Content creation was handled in partnership with BoraBora Studios, ensuring the visual storytelling complemented the aquarium’s physical design and natural lighting. Each video sequence was colour-graded to harmonize with the ambient environment, allowing real fish, coral, and water movement to interact naturally with the projected imagery. All media playback and synchronisation are governed through Crestron control logic, enabling seamless transitions between narrative chapters and seasonal themes. This also gives the aquarium’s operations team the ability to refresh visuals remotely, keeping the experience relevant and dynamic year-round. The installer’s process focused on minimising visual clutter while maximising impact. Cable runs, mounts, and projectors were concealed within architectural recesses; alignment and calibration
were performed using high-precision software and iterative testing in low-light conditions. The result is a captivating visual environment that transforms physical space into storytelling canvas. The projections, reflections, and content interplay generate a believable underwater world that envelops guests completely, proving that, when executed with precision and artistry, visual technology can transcend entertainment to create genuine emotional connection. Lighting was integral to transforming the Lost World Aquarium into an interactive, story-driven environment. Rather than relying on visible fixtures or theatrical rigs, AVI-SPL designed an architectural and responsive lighting system that works in harmony with projection and audio to guide guest movement and emotion. The installation uses a network of environmental lighting nodes controlled via Crestron CP4 and integrated with Q-SYS processors for cross-discipline synchronization. These nodes respond dynamically to triggers from gesture-tracking cameras and the interactive Trident device, producing real-time changes in hue, intensity, and rhythm. Every lighting scene is programmed to complement story transitions, soft ambers mimic dawn within the coral tunnels, while deep blues and pulsing whites evoke mythological energy within the Medusa and Lost Chamber zones. AVI-SPL’s lighting engineers worked closely with the resort’s design and content teams to ensure that each cue reinforced the aquatic narrative rather than distracting from it. Fixtures were chosen for reliability in humid environments and installed within architectural coves, behind diffusion panels, and inside custom housings to prevent moisture ingress. The result is a lighting system that feels organic, reactive yet invisible. During installation, limited ceiling space and existing infrastructure demanded creative routing and compact fixture selection. Each node was tested for electromagnetic compatibility with nearby aquatic-tank systems to avoid interference. The engineering team also ensured consistent power distribution and redundancy, providing uninterrupted operation even during high-demand sequences. From a storytelling perspective, lighting bridges emotion and interactivity. When guests activate the Trident or pass motion sensors, ambient light ripples across chambers, simulating the movement of currents or the awakening of ancient artefacts. These light cues, synchronised with audio and projection, create a unified sensory language that guides visitors through the narrative. Through precise control, integration, and design sensitivity, AVI-SPL transformed light into an emotional thread that connects visitors to the mythical world beneath the waves. The audio design for the Lost World Aquarium was engineered to immerse guests in a fully realised underwater soundscape that complements both the storytelling and the natural aquatic environment. AVI-SPL’s engineering team developed a distributed spatial-audio system that envelops guests across 16 chambers, seamlessly blending sound design with the architecture. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - MULTIPURPOSE VENUE CARROUSEL DU LOUVRE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Paris, France Systems Integrator Magnum Submitted By Magnum (a Groupe Novelty company) Les Salles du Carrousel, located beneath the Louvre in Paris, has undergone a comprehensive technical revitalisation led by Magnum, a Groupe Novelty company. The project modernised three major event spaces with fully integrated sound, lighting, rigging and network infrastructure designed to support a wide range of events, from conferences to large-scale productions. Built around a high-capacity AV network supporting AVB, Dante and ST2110/IPMX protocols, the installation enables seamless interconnection between spaces while improving operational efficiency. The result is a future-ready venue offering faster setup times, enhanced safety and flexible technical capabilities within one of Paris’ most architecturally unique event environments. Magnum approached the audio redesign of Les Salles du Carrousel with a clear objective: deliver consistent, intelligible coverage across highly modular spaces while ensuring the system integrated seamlessly into the venue’s scenography and operational workflow. The choice of a d&b audiotechnik Compact Cardioid Line Array was driven by its ability to combine power, precision and controlled dispersion—an essential requirement in a venue where events range from conferences to gala evenings. The Nôtre Suite’s geometry and retractable seating demanded a system capable of adapting to multiple room configurations. Magnum deployed seven clusters of CCL12 loudspeakers, supported by six CCL‑SUBs, positioned to maintain uniform SPL
distribution regardless of audience layout. The cardioid design significantly reduces rearward energy, minimising low‑frequency spill into adjacent spaces and improving clarity for both speech and music. A new spine‑leaf AV network built on Netgear and Luminex switches ensures full interoperability between Dante, AVB, AES67 and ST2110/IPMX streams. This allows the audio system to integrate effortlessly with video, paging and control infrastructures. The paging system itself was rebuilt around a Yamaha MRX7‑D matrix and PGM1 microphones, with a custom Magnum‑designed interface that simplifies daily operation for venue staff. The result is a robust, future‑ready audio environment that delivers premium sound quality while supporting the venue’s demanding event schedule. For the lighting overhaul, Magnum focused on flexibility, energy efficiency and aesthetic integration. The venue hosts a wide spectrum of events, so the lighting system needed to deliver both creative range and operational simplicity. Magnum selected Robe ESPRITE fixtures as the backbone of the new lighting rig, valuing their output, colour consistency and framing capabilities. The ESPRITE’s LED engine aligns with Viparis’ sustainability goals, offering significantly reduced power consumption compared to previous-generation discharge fixtures. Their silent operation and refined dimming curves make them equally suited to corporate presentations, exhibitions and high‑end gala evenings. Magnum designed the lighting system to be fully networked, running over an ArtNet‑enabled infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with the venue’s new AV network. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - MULTIPURPOSE VENUE SESC SÃO PAULO CULTURAL CENTRES NETWORK TECHNICAL DETAILS Location São Paulo State, Brazil Manufacturers Powersoft Installer AVM Projetos e Consultoria em tecnologia Submitted By Powersoft Across São Paulo state, Sesc’s network of cultural centres hosts concerts, theatre, workshops and lectures. To support this, AVM Projetos deployed a scalable audio infrastructure using over 100 network-enabled Powersoft Duecanali amplifiers across multiple venues. The system delivers consistent sound quality with low energy consumption and simplified operation. Installed across diverse performance spaces, it enables seamless transitions between artistic and educational programming, supporting large-scale cultural activity with efficient, flexible audio technology. The Sesc São Paulo network represents one of Brazil’s most ambitious cultural infrastructure programmes, operating 43 multipurpose centres across the state that host concerts, theatre productions, educational activities and community events throughout the year. To support this diverse programming schedule, Sesc partnered with technology consultant AVM Projetos e Consultoria em Tecnologia, led by Reinaldo Pargas, to design and standardise audio systems across multiple venues. The design approach focused on creating a flexible and scalable audio backbone capable of supporting a wide variety of room types and event formats while maintaining consistent performance across the network. More than 100 Powersoft Duecanali amplifiers were deployed
across multiple Sesc centres, forming the core of the audio infrastructure for performance spaces, lecture halls and multipurpose rooms. The Duecanali amplifier platform, selected in DSP-enabled variants, provides onboard signal processing alongside Dante/ AES67 network audio connectivity, enabling system designers to route audio signals directly over IP and configure system tuning via centralised control software. These amplifiers combine high power density with extremely low heat dissipation and energy consumption — a key consideration for venues that operate seven days a week with continuous programming, often hosting multiple events in different spaces within the same day. The design also allows the same amplifier platforms to drive both low-impedance loudspeaker systems and distributed 70/100V installations, providing the flexibility needed to accommodate varied architectural spaces across the Sesc network. Through this scalable architecture, AVM Projetos delivered a unified audio infrastructure capable of supporting the diverse programming requirements of Sesc venues while maintaining operational simplicity for staff and visiting artists. The primary challenge was designing a sound system architecture capable of supporting a large network of multipurpose cultural venues, each with different spatial layouts, acoustic characteristics and programming needs. Sesc centres host a broad range of activities, from children’s workshops and lectures to concerts and theatrical performances, often occurring within the same facility on the same day. READ MORE ONLINE
SHACK15 TECHNICAL DETAILS Location San Francisco, CA, USA Architect Hemminger Architects, San Francisco CA Installer Global AV Group Submitted By Global AV Group
Project Objective: To transform a historic San Francisco landmark into a members-only social club offering uniquely curated experiences, where every detail—from architecture to atmosphere—is elevated. Central to this transformation is a versatile, scalable and future-proof high-performance audio system, expertly designed, installed, and programmed to support multiple uses—from ambient background to dynamic events. Key Features: The system delivers exceptional sound quality while making a visually striking statement, establishing audio as a defining feature of the social club and a cornerstone of the overall member experience. Audio Processing & Amplification: x3 QSC Q-SYS Core 110f Integrated Audio, Video & Control Processor x1 QSC QIO-GP8x8 General Purpose I/O Expander x13 Powersoft Quattrocanali 1204 DSP+D 4-Channel Network Amplifier (1200W) x1 Powersoft Quattrocanali 4804 DSP+D 4-Channel High-Power Amplifier (4800W) x6 Powersoft Unica 4L 5K4 4-Channel Amplifier Platform x3 Powersoft Unica 4L 16K4 High-Power 4-Channel Amplifier x2 Powersoft Duecanali 1604 DSP+D 2-Channel Amplifier Loudspeakers & Subwoofers: (All sourced from the NNNN product lineup)
x24 NNNN Comium 30 full‑range studio monitor / high‑performance point‑source loudspeakers x2 NNNN ON2 (part of the OJAS x NNNN ON Series scalable club loudspeaker system) x4 NNNN ON‑M1 (club loudspeaker from the OJAS x NNNN ON M system) x4 NNNN Gage 60 coaxial point source loudspeakers x4 NNNN Gage 125 coaxial point source loudspeakers x6 NNNN Trent 35 multi‑purpose stackable subwoofers X3 NNNN Devor 23 high-performance horn loaded subwoofer Audio Networking: Dante™ networked audio infrastructure (audio over IP transport) (industry standard) Fiber Optic backbone Challenges: Designing a versatile audio system for Shack 15—a 51,000-squarefoot community-based social club and coworking space—required navigating both architectural and operational complexities. The venue spans multiple spaces, including the main atrium, dining areas, studios, and conference rooms, each with distinct acoustic needs. As a historic landmark within the Ferry Building, all renovations and equipment installations required multiple city approvals. Once approvals were secured, installation presented additional obstacles: work needed to occur without disrupting ongoing operations, including workshops, panels, café/bar service, and live International DJ events. Rigging and mounting were particularly challenging due to the venue’s tall ceilings and numerous arches, requiring creative solutions to ensure both safety and aesthetic integration. READ MORE ONLINE
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MULTIPURPOSE VENUE BELLA LIVE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Sydney, Australia Architect Archebiosis Architects Pty Ltd Lighting Designer Showtec Pty Limited Acoustician gilfillansoundwork Installer Vestec Electro Submitted By Technical Audio Group (TAG) Bella Live is a new performance space opened in suburban Sydney, featuring state-of-the-art AV to attract top international acts. Strategically located on the outskirts of Sydney within its rapidly growing north-west region, Bella Live sets a new benchmark for live multipurpose performance venues in the city and is one of Australia’s largest new multi-purpose entertainment venues. The Client brief was that the venue had to be state-of-the-art, multipurpose, capable of hosting the world’s biggest artists, yet also able to host major corporate events, from nightclub and boxing events to product launches, fashion parades, and more. With the promoters seeking to attract top international acts and meet all rider requirements, as well as deliver a concert experience for 2000 people, Vestec and TAG developed a solution based on 12 Martin Audio WPC Wavefront Precision line arrays combined with eight Martin Audio SX 218 dual 18-inch sub bass units, all powered by factory-supplied iKon ik42 20,000W amplifiers. The WPC, featuring its dual 10-inch three-way design, provided sufficient SPL and headroom to handle full-house nights. Simultaneously, Martin Audio’s electronic steering capability enhanced pattern control in such a reverberant environment. Extensive CAD modelling made bass control crucial. Traditional leftand right-stacked setups caused the usual power-alley issue, with the final solution being a horizontal arrangement of the subs in a continuous line beneath the stage. This enabled the individual steering of each cabinet if needed, leading to better low-frequency summation and overall performance. To minimise energy emission from the subs at the rear, top, and sides, 100 sandbags weighing 30 kg each were placed on top of the cabinets and around the back and sides. Consistent with top performance spaces, Vestec installed a comprehensive house and stage data and analog patching system, including a 48-channel concert splitter and multiple tie lines throughout the venue. To support the main system and VIP booth areas, a delay system comprising 10 Martin X15S and 6 SX 212 subs was installed. The delay zones were also set up to operate as stand-alone zones should the operator wish to hold smaller meetings. Meeting the rider requirements, a foldback system comprising seven Martin Audio LE 200 high-powered concert 15-inch two-way wedges and an SX118 subwoofer was supplied with two iKon 42s, enabling an eight-send monitor system for the main stage. System processing and routing are managed through two Q-SYS Core 110f units running in backup mode, capable of handling Dante and analog streams, while a cloud-based Q-SYS Reflect system
allows for remote monitoring, software updates, and email fault notifications. Additionally, a site-wide noise management system was implemented to alert operators when sound pressure levels are exceeded neighbourhood noise restrictions, with venue operators receiving text alerts. Gareth Mealing from Show Technology worked closely with Vestec and the owners to carefully select equipment capable of supporting a wide range of events, with the guiding principle behind the design of ‘quantity and reliability is king’. This approach resulted in a robust setup featuring 15 Prolights Ruby FCX profiles, which are packed gobos, a linear prism, frost, and infinite pan and tilt rotation, and six Pluto 600 high-powered LED moving head profiles featuring an advanced motorised zoom system. The team selected ten Neptune 400 Wash FX units for its vivid colour displays, precise pixel control and LED ring effect, while three ShowPRO Collider FC strobes offer more creativity with a wide range of pre-programmed macros, special effects and flash. A pair of Look Solutions Unique 2.1 hazers provide steady haze for optimal atmosphere and enhanced lighting effects. Together, these fixtures provided the room with remarkable depth, vibrant colour, and dynamic movement, allowing for a variety of visual effects, and no nightclub is truly complete without some powerful lasers, and so the team incorporated four Unity Laser’s Elite Pro FD4, adding a next-level visual impact. With the design finalised, Mark and Nev from Vestec Electro took charge of the installation, delivering a tidy, professional fit-out that looks impressive and performs flawlessly. Recognising that the backbone of any serious lighting rig must be world-class, the team opted for an MA Lighting grandMA3 on a PC rack system paired with ArtNode 8, ensuring reliable control and flexibility. The system is meticulously programmed so that the entire rig can be operated with just a touch, keeping Bella LIVE fully prepared for any event, from headline acts to massive weekend parties. With such an enormous venue, no performance space could be without a video system. So Vestec engineered and installed two massive Leaton Vision 2.5-pixel pitch 6m by 3m video walls, and the venue’s inventory includes additional panels to enable custom designs for various performances, including DJ decks, dance podiums, and corporate events. Additional room and bar projection are managed by two Sony VPLPZH61 projectors, delivering 7000 lumens and a 21.9 aspect ratio. The system utilised the extensive patch system to enable promoters to set up anywhere in the venue and to load and control content. Control is handled by a Novastar system, with Q-SYS managing additional venue management controls layered on top. Vestec installed a comprehensive Global Truss F 34 system that features a reinforced mounting design. This extensive truss system provides maximum flexibility for hanging the house, sound, lighting, and video equipment, while also allowing for the installation of additional equipment for special events. READ MORE ONLINE
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MUSEUM SPONSORED BY
KIDS’ ATELIER TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Paris, France Installer Cadmos Submitted By Modulo Pi The Kids’ Atelier at Atelier des Lumières is an interactive extension of the venue’s immersive exhibitions, designed to engage younger audiences. Commissioned as part of a family-oriented cultural offering, the brief was to design an engaging, high-capacity experience where children can actively participate. The solution enables children to color illustrated templates inspired by the exhibition theme, scan them, and instantly see their creations animated and projected at large scale within a shared immersive environment. The installation needed to be intuitive, robust, and seamlessly aligned with the exhibition of the main hall, while delivering a meaningful, playful introduction to immersive art. The audio design of the Kids’ Atelier complements the immersive visuals. It delivers a balanced soundscape that enhances immersion without overwhelming the interactive experience. A distributed loudspeaker system ensures even coverage across the space. The soundtrack combines ambient atmospheres with playful sonic cues that subtly reinforce the video projection and user interactions. The result is an immersive yet controlled audio environment that supports exploration and enhances engagement. The Kids’ Atelier is a 160m² immersive space designed as an extension of Atelier des Lumières main hall, echoing its current exhibition theme through a more playful and participatory approach tailored to younger audiences. Rather than replicating the main experience, the installation invites visitors to actively
contribute to the visual environment. The room is fully surrounded by projection, powered by 8 × Epson EB-PU2010 video projectors. The system is driven by the Modulo Kinetic media server, comprising one Kinetic Designer workstation and two Kinetic V-Node servers. Together, they deliver a seamless immersive display spanning a 39-meter-wide surface with a projection height exceeding 3 meters. At the core of the experience are several coloring stations where visitors can create their own drawings. Once completed, each artwork is scanned and immediately integrated into the projected world. The interactive universe was designed and developed by Spectre Lab, while the real-time integration of user-generated content is handled by Modulo Kinetic. Each template includes four unique QR codes. When scanned, a Modulo Bridge establishes communication between the scanner and the media server. Modulo Kinetic detects the QR codes, identifies the template, and automatically associates the scanned drawing with the appropriate media and animation. The image is then processed in real time, mapped as a texture onto a pre-rigged 3D model, and injected into the live projection. Within seconds, the drawing appears animated within the environment, retaining the unique colors and input of its creator. This workflow is powered by Modulo Kinetic’s node-based compositing engine, enabling real-time animation and the seamless blending of 2D and 3D content via its timeline system. Overall, the installation combines large-scale projection, real-time processing, and dynamic content integration to create a highly engaging and participatory immersive experience. The experience at the Kids’ Atelier goes far beyond immersive projections and the real-time display of audience-colored drawings. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - MUSEUM NATIONAL WWI MUSEUM AND MEMORIAL TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Kansas City, Missouri, United States Manufacturers AV Stumpfl Installer Electrosonic Submitted By AV Stumpfl A major technological refresh at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City has introduced immersive storytelling powered by AV Stumpfl’s PIXERA media server platform. Designed by Electrosonic, the system synchronises media across theatres, galleries and the Encounters exhibit. Multiple PIXERA servers drive responsive audiovisual sequences triggered by visitor interaction, integrating LED, projection, spatial audio and sensors. The result is a seamless, reliable environment that brings First World War stories to life across one of the world’s leading historical museums. Electrosonic designed and delivered the audiovisual infrastructure for the National WWI Museum and Memorial’s technology refresh with the goal of enhancing visitor engagement while preserving the museum’s storytelling-led approach. At the center of the project is the Encounters experience, an interactive installation that introduces visitors to 16 personal wartime stories through a sequence of responsive audiovisual moments. Drawn from letters, diaries and photographs, these stories are brought to life by actors from (Company) who embody the voices of combat soldiers, women munitions workers, colonial troops, a child, a dissenter and others — perspectives that together paint a broad and deeply human picture of the war’s lasting impact on modern society. Electrosonic designed a tightly synchronised technical ecosystem to deliver these interactions. Each encounter combines high-resolution 1.25mm Nanolumens LED displays for the character visuals, HOLOPLOT spatial audio to create immersive sound zones without audio spill between alcoves, and concealed Christie Inspire Series projectors that cast dynamic shadows on the floor to create a striking threedimensional illusion. The entire sequence is orchestrated by three PIXERA media servers (two PIXERA two units and one PIXERA zero Dual), which manage sensor triggers and precisely synchronise video, projection and audio elements. As one character exits the scene and another appears, PIXERA ensures seamless timing and narrative continuity across the four portals. Beyond Encounters, PIXERA also manages media playback throughout other areas of the museum, including the Kemper Horizons Theater and the Battlescapes experience. Additional PIXERA servers and a PIXERA Control Core coordinate edgeblended projection environments and multimedia storytelling elements throughout the museum. Integration with the ISAAC AV workflow platform allows the museum’s AV team to monitor and manage these systems efficiently, ensuring reliable operation across multiple interactive spaces. One of the most significant challenges was orchestrating multiple immersive technologies within a museum environment while ensuring that the technology itself remained largely invisible to visitors. READ MORE ONLINE
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TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Rotterdam, Netherlands Installer Ata Tech B.V Submitted By Genelec Oy ortlantis, located at the westernmost point of the Port of Rotterdam, is an exhibition centre inviting visitors to explore the 100-year history and future of Europe’s largest port. While an existing visitor centre was already in place, the Port Authority sought a new, futurefocused destination that combines interaction, storytelling, and cutting-edge AV technology. With the goal of transforming complex port operations into engaging multi-sensory experiences, full-service system integrator, Ata Tech, was tasked with managing the entire technical infrastructure of Portlantis, including audio, visual, lighting, network and control systems, ensuring all elements work together to create an immersive and educational environment. Genelec’s 4410 Smart IP loudspeakers were a core element of Portlantis, with 80 of the compact boxes placed strategically to deliver detailed, localised effects, such as gentle lapping water or the hum of cranes, ships, and industrial machinery. The networkbased Smart IP technology simplified installation and allowed precise zoning and remote system management. An additional 34 K-array Vyper KV25 II loudspeakers delivered highly focused direct sound for individual visitors, ensuring that exhibit audio – such as narrative content, spoken text, or sound effects – is clearly perceived while minimising spill into the surrounding spaces. Audio is controlled via Xilica Solaro processors and QLab to ensure seamless synchronisation with the wider AV system. In addition to audio, Ata Tech also installed a series of DMXcontrolled lighting elements, supported by 52 sACN universes and Casami wireless control. The lighting dynamically adapts to the
narrative of each zone, guiding visitors through environments, from realistic harbour scenes to futuristic energy transition labs. One of the interactive activities includes the Cargo experience, featuring a combination of live maritime footage captured by Canon IP-cameras and augmented reality overlays, providing information, animations, and statistics about maritime traffic. At the heart of the experience is the model table, equipped with Philips videowalls supporting a 3D-printed transparent model of the harbour, allowing visitors to explore different layers of port operations, manually operated via Pharos Architectural Control touch panels. Pharos Show Control acts as the technical core of Portlantis, coordinating audio, video, and lighting across all zones with precise synchronisation. Every visitor interaction – whether touching a touchscreen, operating the interactive model, rotating a panoramic display, or moving through VR spaces – is translated in real time into responsive visual and auditory effects, ensuring a fully integrated immersive experience. The structure of Portlantis resembles five shipping containers stacked at different angles, creating a striking architectural landmark from the outside, but an acoustic challenge on the inside. Audio plays a crucial role in the immersive experience of Portlantis, but the open atrium spanning three floors meant sound from any level could easily travel through the building. Ata Tech created a carefully balanced soundscape, using over 100 Genelec and K-array loudspeakers to ensure clear, localised audio while maintaining a cohesive atmosphere throughout the space. Ata Tech delivered and installed the complete technical ecosystem of Portlantis, including more than 100 strategically positioned loudspeakers, 18 projection screens, 20+ interactive touchscreens, 30 VR headsets, and 64 iPad Pro devices providing augmented reality experiences. READ MORE ONLINE
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OCEANO ODYSSEY – MISSION PELAGOS TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Monaco Lighting Designer 8’18, Paris Acoustician Artisans d’idées, Erwan Girma, Marseille Systems Integrator Musée océanographique de Monaco Submitted By Musée océanographique de Monaco Oceano Odyssey was commissioned by the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco as the central installation of its “Mediterranean 2050” programme, replacing the previous immersive and interactive experience. The brief was to transform the historic Salle de la Baleine into a fully integrated audiovisual environment delivering a scientifically rigorous yet emotionally compelling underwater journey, without individual devices and without compromising the protected architecture. The result is a 310 m² projection-mapped environment powered by 27 4K laser projectors and a robust media infrastructure, featuring photorealistic CGI content developed in Unreal Engine that transforms the hall into a fully immersive scientific vessel. The audio soundtrack was conceived as a fully integrated spatial system designed to reinforce immersion and narrative coherence. From the outset, sound was treated as an active storytelling layer, shaping perception and emotional progression throughout the experience. The immersive approach starts with the entrance tunnel, where eight Frenetik Spik 3 PoE loudspeakers providing localised proximity sound, creating a transitional acoustic environment that prepares visitors for the main space. An additional distributed network of 24 Frenetik Spik 3 PoE loudspeakers was installed around the perimeter of the Salle de la Baleine at approximately three-metre intervals. Suspended beneath the upper-level walkway, they ensure precise coverage of the ground floor while preserving the visibility of the historic architecture. Six Alto TX212 powered subwoofers provide controlled low-frequency reinforcement, adding depth and physical presence without imposing structural stress on the building. The use of PoE technology simplified installation by eliminating separate power cabling, while Dante compatibility enabled networkbased signal distribution and efficient DSP configuration. The system is fully synchronised with central show control and media servers, ensuring frame-accurate alignment between projection and audio. Zoning, level management and low-frequency intensity are adjustable via the control interface, and remote access combined with scheduled maintenance supports long-term operational stability across extended daily opening hours. Sound also structures the temporal arc of the experience. An original composed score was designed, using REAPER audio software. It was synchronised to the visual timeline, driving the progression of sequences. Studio-recorded voice performances, embodying the captain and her crew, are precisely spatialised and integrated within the musical framework. Dialogue, environmental soundscapes, music and underwater bioacoustic textures form a unified, time-coded sonic environment distributed across the networked system.
Our aim was, through calibrated spatialisation and controlled dynamics, that audio becomes a navigational and emotional layer that reinforces immersion and transforms the historic hall into the living interior of the Oceano Odyssey vessel. Lighting was conceived as a scenographic layer supporting immersion, while carefully integrating the constraints of a protected architectural space. A primary challenge lay in controlling the significant daylight entering through the historic windows. This ambient light had to be carefully reduced to achieve stable projection conditions across the 310 m² mapped surface, without altering or obscuring the listed architecture. A discreet and precisely calibrated lighting system was introduced to support both immersion and orientation. Linear LED fixtures with diffused output and DALI dimming were integrated within the cockpit structure and along architectural edges, providing subtle guidance while preventing spill onto projection surfaces. In selected areas, controlled backlighting enhances depth perception and reinforces the spatial composition without increasing overall luminance. Within recessed technical elements, dimmable LED panels were specified to ensure even, glare-free illumination. Cavity depths and diffusion were carefully calculated to avoid hotspots and maintain visual comfort, while allowing independent zoning and fine control in relation to projection contrast and operational requirements. The historic wall sconces were preserved and retrofitted with low-intensity warm LED sources. Rather than competing with the projection, they provide a restrained architectural glow that maintains the character of the hall while avoiding light pollution. Stair access to the mezzanines required compliant safety illumination. Low-level integrated lighting was introduced to meet ERP public standards, ensuring adequate lux levels for circulation without compromising the scenographic darkness of the main space. The result is a precisely balanced lighting environment in which immersion, heritage integrity and operational safety coexist within a cohesive visual atmosphere. The visual system was engineered to transform a protected heritage hall into a fully immersive projection environment without invasive architectural intervention. The Salle de la Baleine presents complex spatial constraints: suspended Mediterranean marine mammals’ skeletons, non-planar surfaces, significant vertical volume and strict conservation requirements. The installation comprises 27 Epson 4K laser projectors (EB-PU1008 and EB-PU2010), 15 were ceiling-mounted, and 12 operate in rear projection, delivering a calibrated multipoint projection system across 310 m² of architectural mapped surfaces. Laser projection was deliberately chosen over LED screens in order to preserve the visual integrity of the historic space and for its long operational lifespan. A combination of short – and long – throw optics was selected to adapt to varying projection distances and sightlines. Edge blending and geometric warping were carefully configured to ensure uniform brightness, colour stability and seamless continuity across walls and structural volumes. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - NIGHTCLUB FABRIC LONDON – ROOM 1 BODYKINETIC DANCEFLOOR TECHNICAL DETAILS Location London, UK Systems Integrator fabric london Submitted By Powersoft fabric London has unveiled a next-generation version of its legendary Bodykinetic dancefloor as part of the club’s Room 1 sound system renovation. Originally introduced when the venue opened in 1999, the dancefloor concept converts audio signals into physical vibrations that are felt through the body. The latest upgrade replaces hundreds of legacy tactile transducers with a streamlined system built around Powersoft’s Mover moving-magnet transducer technology, delivering greater responsiveness, improved reliability and significantly lower power consumption. The installation enhances the club’s immersive audio experience while preserving the unique identity of one of the world’s most influential electronic music venues. The renovation of Room 1 at fabric London formed part of the venue’s fabric25 anniversary celebrations, marking 25 years since the club first opened its doors. A key element of the original venue design was the Bodykinetic dancefloor, an innovative system that used tactile transducers to convert subharmonic audio signals into physical vibrations transmitted through the floor. For the latest upgrade, the technical team set out to modernise this system while preserving the unique sensory experience that has defined the club since its opening in 1999. After years of planning and development, the project team implemented a redesigned Bodykinetic floor powered by 36 units of Powersoft’s Mover moving-magnet haptic transducer, installed beneath the dancefloor structure. Unlike traditional moving-coil tactile systems, Mover’s movingmagnet design allows the system to deliver stronger and more precise haptic feedback while requiring significantly fewer devices. The upgrade dramatically simplifies the infrastructure compared to the original installation, which used approximately 450 tactile transducers, while delivering improved responsiveness and reliability. The installation was carried out immediately following the venue’s New Year’s Day event, with the club’s full technical team coordinating the replacement and commissioning process to minimise downtime. The resulting system works in conjunction with the club’s multi-channel sound system and DJ booth processing to create a powerful audio-tactile experience that allows dancers to physically feel low-frequency elements of the music. One of the key challenges was upgrading a signature feature of one of the world’s most iconic nightclubs without compromising the unique sensory experience that regular visitors associate with the venue. The original Bodykinetic dancefloor was a pioneering concept when fabric opened in 1999, meaning the upgrade needed to preserve its core functionality while significantly improving efficiency and performance. Another challenge involved implementing the new system
within the existing architectural structure of the dancefloor. The installation required careful integration beneath the floor to ensure vibrations were transmitted evenly across the entire dancing surface. The project also had to be delivered within a very limited installation window, taking place immediately after a major New Year’s event before the club resumed its programming schedule. Finally, the team sought to reduce the system’s energy consumption and mechanical complexity while maintaining the powerful tactile feedback that defines the Bodykinetic experience. Few venues carry the cultural weight of fabric, and fewer still attempt to evolve something as iconic as its Bodykinetic dancefloor. This upgrade does so with confidence and precision. By replacing hundreds of legacy transducers with a streamlined system of 36 high-performance haptic units, the installation significantly improves responsiveness while reducing energy demands and system complexity. The tactile connection between music and movement remains central, but is now more refined, efficient and reliable. Importantly, the upgrade also broadens accessibility, allowing guests to experience music physically through vibration. It is a rare example of innovation that both honours a legacy and meaningfully advances it. READ MORE ONLINE
OPEN GROUND TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Wuppertal, Germany Manufacturers Funktion-One Installer Funktion-One Deutschland / Vunktion Submitted By Funktion-One Open Ground is a nightclub built inside a former underground bunker in Wuppertal, Germany, developed over seven years with sound quality and the dancefloor experience as the primary design drivers. Led by Markus Riedel and Mark Ernestus, the project integrated room geometry, acoustic treatment and a Funktion-One system – based around Evo 6 loudspeakers, F221 bass enclosures and F132 subwoofers – from the outset. The bunker’s concrete structure required extensive acoustic work to control reflections and deliver even coverage, a stable stereo image and a controlled low-frequency response. A January 2026 system upgrade refined these qualities further. The sound system at Open Ground was conceived as a structural element of the venue rather than a later addition. From the earliest stages of development, loudspeaker placement, room geometry and acoustic treatment were considered together, with Funktion-One working closely alongside Funktion-One Deutschland and Vunktion to ensure the system and space developed as a unified whole. The main room, Freifeld, is built around a Funktion-One system centred on eight Evo 6E loudspeakers, chosen for their precision and pattern control. Evo 6EL speakers extend low-mid performance and help maintain consistent coverage across the dancefloor. Low frequency is handled by four F221 bass enclosures, with a pair of F132 horn-loaded subwoofers extending response into the lowest octave. In the DJ booth, two PSM318 monitors deliver high output with low feedback and reliable tonal balance, ensuring the DJ’s perspective remains closely aligned with the dancefloor experience. The
bunker’s hard concrete structure presented a significant acoustic challenge. With minimal natural absorption and a tendency toward strong reflections, controlling the room’s behaviour was central to the design process. Extensive acoustic treatment was applied to allow the system to perform as intended, achieving even coverage, a stable stereo image and a low-frequency response that is powerful without being overpowering. In January 2026, a system upgrade was completed to refine and build on the existing system. Evo 6 coverage was doubled in each corner, four additional Evo 6EL units were introduced, and a further F221 bass enclosure was added. Furthermore, all loudspeakers were updated to the latest specification. The objective was not to change the character of the room but to improve consistency — strengthening stereo definition, smoothing low-frequency distribution and ensuring reliable performance across different programme material and playback levels. The venue’s secondary room is equipped with a more compact Funktion-One system, comprising two Res 2 loudspeakers, two F121 bass enclosures, one F124 and an F132 subwoofer, with two F1201 booth monitors. Across both spaces, the approach remains consistent: system performance in service of the music and the dancefloor. The installation of the sound system at Open Ground was integrated into the broader conversion of a decommissioned Second World War bunker — a structure with no original provision for large-scale audio, public assembly or the acoustic demands of a nightclub environment. The bunker presented substantial challenges from the outset. Thick concrete walls and ceilings, limited natural ventilation and a layout composed of multiple smaller rooms meant that significant structural work was required before the space could function as intended. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - NIGHTCLUB MIR LOUNGE
TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Massachusetts, USA Lighting Designer Tirso Pelaez Installer Tirso Lighting MIR Lounge was envisioned as a visually driven nightlife destination where lighting and digital media play a central role in shaping the atmosphere. The client wanted a venue that would feel energetic, modern, and memorable the moment guests enter the space. The project focused on creating a strong visual identity through interior design, dynamic lighting, and integrated video elements that work together to transform the room throughout the night. The goal was to create an environment where technology and design combine to produce a high-impact experience that keeps guests engaged and immersed in the energy of the venue. The lighting at MIR Lounge is built around a bold grid of colorful linear lights that wrap the ceiling and walls. We made sure each line was perfectly straight to get a clean look. At every point where the lines cross, we placed intelligent lights. These lights, from Chauvet DJ, American DJ, and Elation, bring movement and excitement right at those intersections. The whole system is run by Onyx controls, and Madrix software gives the grid its dynamic effects. Together, this creates a lively, energetic atmosphere that surrounds everyone in the space. The video system at MIR Lounge gave the existing LED screens a fresh look. We repositioned them to fit the new layout, with a main screen as the focal point behind the stage. The screens display everything from visuals to branded content, adding to the atmosphere. With Resolume Arena running the show, staff can quickly switch up the visuals to match the night’s energy whether it’s a DJ set, a themed night, or a big crowd moment. It’s all
about keeping the vibe fresh and visually on point. One of the main challenges during the installation was achieving the precise alignment required for the large grid of RGB linear lighting that runs across the ceiling and walls. The design depends on clean geometric lines, so every fixture had to be installed perfectly straight and evenly spaced. This required careful measurements, custom mounting points, and constant adjustments during installation to maintain consistent alignment throughout the room. Another challenge involved wall mounting the existing LED video screens in a way that would better integrate them into the new interior design. Rather than leaving the displays exposed, the screens were framed with a gloss black molding to dress them up and give them a more finished appearance. This detail helped the screens blend more naturally with the design of the space while still maintaining their function as visual elements within the venue. MIR Lounge is a strong example of how creative design and technical planning can deliver real value for a client. Instead of replacing the venue’s existing lighting and video equipment, the project focused on repurposing and repositioning those systems to create a completely new visual identity for the space. The result is a venue that feels modern, energetic, and visually striking while making smart use of the technology the client already owned. The grid of RGB linear lighting creates a bold architectural feature that defines the room, while the intelligent lighting and video system work together to support the nightlife atmosphere. This project highlights the ability to solve problems creatively and bring customers unmatched value. Through thoughtful design and careful installation, the space was transformed into a visually impactful environment without requiring a full system replacement.
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NIGHTCLUB 77 LONDON TECHNICAL DETAILS Location London, UK Lighting Designer Audiotek Systems Integrator Audiotek Exhibit/Experience Designers Visual Artform Visual/Content Designer Rupert Newman Submitted By Audiotek 77 London is a prestigious nightclub located within the Botree Hotel in Mayfair. The brief was to transform the compact, asymmetrical basement space into a high-performance, visually striking club, capable of competing with London’s leading clubs in technical performance and audience impact. The system needed to deliver world-class audio clarity and impact for DJs, immersive lighting, and video to create a distinct visual identity, and seamless integration within strict structural and spatial constraints. The ambition was clear: create a premium, technically exceptional nightclub experience without compromise, despite the limitations of the footprint. Audiovisual technology at 77 London is heavily driven by a precisionengineered audio system designed to overcome the constraints of a compact, asymmetrical basement space. At its core is a four-point L-Acoustics system, centred around eight A10i loudspeakers. This configuration was specifically chosen to distribute sound evenly throughout the venue, rather than relying on a traditional frontfacing system. By positioning speakers around the room, the design ensures consistent coverage across the dancefloor, DJ booth, and VIP seating areas. Low-frequency performance is delivered by KS21i subwoofers, which are clustered and integrated into the DJ booth to maximise impact while maintaining spatial efficiency. Additional SB10 subwoofers are discreetly built into seating and balcony joinery, providing evenly distributed bass without disrupting the venue’s aesthetics. Within the DJ booth itself, a dedicated system of KARA II speakers and SB18i subwoofers ensures accurate monitoring for performers. The system is powered by LA4X amplifiers and managed using L-Acoustics P1 processors, with overall system control handled via Q-SYS. This allows operators to switch between audio presets depending on room configuration, such as opening the dancefloor or adapting for seated events. The audio system produces consistent sound pressure levels, high clarity, and powerful bass throughout the venue, eliminating dead zones and acoustic imbalances. It delivers a “rider-friendly,” worldclass listening environment, enabling DJs and performers to connect effectively with the audience while maintaining exceptional sound quality in a challenging architectural space. Lighting at 77 London is designed to be both immersive and highly adaptable, supporting a wide range of event types from club nights to brand activations. The system includes 24 Robe PAINTE moving heads, 24 Robe Tetra2 linear fixtures, and eight CHAUVET Color STRIKE M strobes, complemented by Laserworld lasers positioned around the DJ booth. Due to the venue’s asymmetrical layout and L-shaped balcony, a
conventional lighting design would have resulted in an unbalanced visual experience. To address this, the lighting system has been carefully engineered to create symmetry from the audience’s perspective, even where the architecture itself is uneven. Fixtures are strategically positioned along both sides of the room, including beneath the balcony and on suspended truss structures. The lighting is controlled using a GrandMA3 console, enabling precise programming and synchronisation with audio and video content. The system is also modular, meaning lighting configurations can be adjusted depending on the requirements of each event, allowing for different moods, intensities, and visual styles. The lighting system delivers dynamic, synchronised visual effects that enhance the energy of the venue. It enables rapid changes in atmosphere, from subtle ambient lighting to high-intensity strobe and beam effects. This flexibility ensures that each event can have a distinct visual identity, increasing audience engagement and reinforcing the immersive club experience. Video technology is a defining feature of 77 London, centred around a custom curved LED wall that wraps behind the DJ booth and extends across the ceiling above the dancefloor. This large-scale installation acts as the visual focal point of the venue, transforming the space into an immersive digital environment. The LED structure was engineered in collaboration with Lucid Creates and supported by a bespoke steel substructure, allowing it to be safely suspended within the constraints of the existing building. Additional LED panels are installed across the venue, and LED strip lighting is integrated throughout, creating a cohesive visual system. Content is controlled using Resolume video servers and MADRIX (LUNA 16) controllers, enabling precise mapping of visuals across the curved and irregular surfaces. Visual content is specifically designed for the space, using 3D animation and high-resolution filmed footage, mapped to the unique geometry of the LED installation. This allows for effects such as depth illusion, where visuals appear to extend out into the room. The video system creates a high-impact, immersive visual experience, drawing the audience’s attention toward the DJ and enhancing the overall atmosphere. Synchronised visuals, combined with lighting and audio, produce a multi-sensory environment that strengthens audience engagement and establishes a distinctive visual identity for the venue. The truss system at 77 London is a critical structural and visual component, designed specifically to overcome the challenges of the venue’s asymmetrical basement layout and L-shaped balcony. Traditional fixed truss solutions would have resulted in an unbalanced lighting design, so a custom motorised (kinetic) truss system was developed to create symmetry from the audience’s perspective. This system allows sections of truss to be lowered into position, aligning lighting fixtures evenly across the space despite the irregular architecture. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED PARKS & ATTRACTIONS AKERSHUS FORTRESS TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Oslo, Norway Lighting Designer Zenisk, Project Manager Stian Lindquis Systems Integrator LYSKONTROLL AS Submitted By Pharos Architectural Controls Dating back to the 13th century, Akershus Fortress is a landmark in the centre of Oslo, Norway. Popular with residents and visitors, the space is illuminated during the hours of darkness, but the lighting system had become outdated and inefficient. The project required overhauling the exterior lighting system to enhance visibility, safety, and aesthetic presence, while improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact. Impact on the historic castle had to be minimal, with the lighting complementing the heritage and architecture of the national landmark. The lighting project covered a large area across the fortress, which presented significant logistical and technical challenges. It was vital for the lighting system to be installed sympathetically, with minimal impact on the historical site. As it was not possible to install conventional cabling across the site, the entire control system, including all communication between controllers and luminaires, was designed to operate completely wirelessly. To deliver distributed DALI control access across the fortress, the system incorporates multiple Pharos Designer RIO D4 devices which simplifies installation and gives precise local control across various locations. With the DALI subnets using LumenRadio W-DALI for wireless operation, the system is afforded robust and reliable performance while having minimal physical impact on the
historic structures. Wireless network also provides futureproofing to the system, allowing long-term scalability. The visuals of the lighting design were formulated in collaboration with cultural heritage and conservation authorities to ensure the installation enhanced the castle, complementing the historic architecture in a precise and balanced manner. Akershus Fortress required an overhauled lighting installation that combined dynamic lighting which complemented the heritage of the structure and provided an enhanced experience for visitors. Programming and remote control was a key consideration in order to achieve dynamic lighting scenes. Two Pharos Designer LPC controllers make up the main control engines of the installation. This dual-LPC setup provides both redundancy and distributed processing power, ensuring reliable operation across the extensive lighting layout. Alongside the Designer RIO D4 devices, the lighting installation provides expansive capabilities for dynamic lighting incorporating architectural scenes, triggers and logic sequences. Incorporating Pharos Cloud adds another essential layer of capability, providing secure remote access for monitoring, management, and troubleshooting. With custom interfaces, local control is also afforded, allowing lighting scenes to be easily adjusted, providing flexibility for both day-to-day use and special events. Together, the LPCs, RIO D4s, and Cloud platform create a flexible system operating over 232 luminaires installed across more that 50 positions. READ MORE ONLINE
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LA ROTONDE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location The Atomium, Brussels, Belgium Lighting Designer Ombre Agency Acoustician More To Show Systems Integrator Muchos Eventos Submitted By PWR Lighting The Atomium is the most popular tourist attraction in the capital of Europe, and at the same an art centre and International symbol of Brussels and Belgium. This year, the Atomium celebrates the 20th anniversary of its renovation through an exceptional anniversary programme. The installation we created for this occasion, “La Rotonde”, is part of three digital art installations, creating immersive experiences in dialogue with the emblematic architecture of the Atomium. Our project is a permanent light and sound installation and aims to give the Atomium a nocturnal identity and is visible from outside at night. The audio for this installation is an original sound composition made up of subtle rhythms, spatial textures and finely crafted transitions. To create an immersive experience, speakers were used all around the Rotonde, structuring the space in a full 360-degree environment. The sound is completely synchronised with the light movements and amplifies the Atomium’s nocturnal presence. It offers a new way of discovering this architectural symbol through the sense of hearing. Just as the sound, the light installation is situated around the lower
dome of the Atomium. A circular structure of LED lines follows the architecture of the rotonde and a down-lighting system projects vertical beams towards the ground. This lighting design aims to structure the space, highlight the lines of the building and accentuates this emblematic architecture through light. Some sequences are almost motionless and minimal, others are more rhythmic, this introduces more contrast to the installation. Thanks to the light movements, vertical descents and variations in intensity, the Atomium feels alive, even at night and continues to attract visitors who are passing by. This lighting installation is powered by led strips, small RGBW spotlights with a 5 degree beam angle and spots from our own brand, PWR Lighting. The main challenge of this installation was to create a permanent outdoor installation with a fixation that would not damage or alter the Atomium’s architectural elements. This means no screws, no glue and no bolts. We solved this issue by creating custom design mounting brackets and by using heavy duty double-sided tape. This allowed us to install our project without modifying or damaging the façade of the dome. Another challenge involved maximizing the continuity of the neon around the dome while reducing the complexity of cable management. To solve this issue, we designed a custom printed circuit board with internal power injection routing, allowing us to make lengths of more than 10m. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED PARKS & ATTRACTIONS SYMPHONY OF THE SEA TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Sunset Bay, Sunset Town, Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam Architect Sun Group (Project Owner) , Laservision (Producer System Integrator), H20 (Live aquatic Performers) Lighting Designer Laservision, Jason Fripp Acoustician Bryan Davidson, William Morrison Installer Laservision Submitted By Laservision Symphony of the Sea (SOTS) was commissioned by Sun Group as the flagship nighttime attraction for Sunset Town, Phu Quoc—designed to transform the destination into a premier after-dark tourism icon. Laservision, in collaboration with H2O Events and Sun Group Entertainment, delivered a world-class multimedia spectacular staged directly on Sunset Bay. Combining lighting, lasers, pyrotechnics, immersive audio, and extreme high-speed waterbased performances, the show creates a dynamic, high-energy aquatic experience. Performed nightly, Symphony of the Sea redefines waterfront entertainment, extends visitor engagement into the evening, and establishes a new benchmark for large-scale, destination-driven attractions in Southeast Asia. Delivering a fully immersive audio experience presented a significant challenge, requiring seamless coverage for audiences positioned 360 degrees around Sunset Bay. With premium sightlines and surrounding hotel viewpoints to protect, speaker systems could not obstruct views, demanding a highly integrated and discreet design approach. Audio forms the emotional backbone of Symphony of the Sea, with a bespoke musical score crafted to drive the narrative and pacing of the show. The score precisely synchronises lighting, laser effects, pyrotechnics, and live performer choreography, creating a unified, emotionally resonant multimedia experience. To realise this vision, a network of slimline speakers was expertly embedded within the architectural landmark, the KISS Bridge, delivering consistent, high-fidelity sound without compromising visual integrity. To achieve the required SPL and lowfrequency impact, additional audio towers featuring line array systems and subwoofers were strategically installed, creating a fully integrated, full-range solution across the beach and restaurant areas. In total, over 230 individual loudspeakers were deployed across the viewing precinct, supported by custom-designed, air-conditioned control racks housing dedicated networking and amplification systems. READ MORE ONLINE
PARKS & ATTRACTIONS SPONSORED BY
© National WWI Museum and Memorial
Small Device. Big Impact. PIXERA zero delivers powerful, reliable media playback in a compact footprint — ideal for museums, themed attractions, retail and corporate environments. Designed for seamless integration and long-term stability, PIXERA zero gives system designers and integrators maximum flexibility with minimal space requirements. Compact. Capable. Installation-ready.
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PARKS & ATTRACTIONS NIAGARA TAKES FLIGHT TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Architect +VG Architects & FORREC Lighting Designer Mulvey & Banani Installer Branch Audiovisual Systems Integrator Branch Audiovisual Submitted By Branch Audiovisual Niagara Parks aimed to transform the former Niagara’s Fury space into a world-class attraction that would deepen visitors’ connection to Niagara Falls through immersive storytelling and technology. The brief called for a flying theatre capable of handling high visitor volumes while delivering a visually spectacular journey across the Niagara region. BranchAV was engaged to design and integrate the attraction’s audiovisual systems, enabling seamless large-scale projection, synchronised media playback, spatial audio, and show control. The result is Niagara Takes Flight, an immersive experience combining advanced AV technology with cinematic storytelling to showcase one of the world’s most iconic natural destinations. Branch AV designed and integrated the audio system for Niagara Takes Flight preshow to support the attraction’s fully immersive flying theatre experience. Working closely with the engineering team at 1 SOUND, the system was developed to deliver powerful, high-fidelity sound with consistent coverage across the preshow area while maintaining precise synchronisation with media and show control systems. A distributed loudspeaker system using 1 SOUND technology was carefully modelled and positioned in each preshow area to ensure even coverage and reinforce the dynamics of the audio content and special effects. System tuning and processing were optimised to produce a dynamic and enveloping soundscape that enhances the visual journey across the Niagara region. Environmental cues such as rushing water, wind, wildlife, and musical score move seamlessly through the space, reinforcing the sensation of flight and helping to guide the audience’s emotional connection to the show story. Reliability and repeatability were key considerations due to the attraction’s high daily throughput. Branch AV engineered the system for consistent performance across continuous show cycles, integrating audio playback and control tightly with the attraction’s show systems to ensure precise timing and operational stability. The result is a robust, cinematic audio environment that fully supports the visual spectacle of Niagara Takes Flight, immersing audiences in the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most iconic natural destinations. Branch AV collaborated with Media Resources (MRI) to deliver the visual systems that power the Niagara Takes Flight flying theatre experience. The installation was designed to produce a seamless, high-impact visual environment capable of supporting a largeformat media presentation within the preshow. High-brightness projection and carefully engineered screen geometry ensure consistent image quality, colour accuracy, and brightness across the entire audience platform.
The visual system was integrated with the attraction’s media playback and show control systems to maintain precise synchronization. This coordination is critical in an immersive environment, where visual timing directly influences the audience’s perception. Through close collaboration between Branch AV and Media Resources, the visual infrastructure was engineered for both performance and reliability, supporting continuous operation in a high-traffic attraction setting. The result is a visually immersive environment that tells the story of the Niagara Falls from an indigenous, geographical and historical perspective. The installation presented several technical challenges, primarily around integrating the audiovisual systems with the attraction’s media servers, ride platform, lighting control and centralized show control environment. Precise synchronization between video playback, motion cues, and audio was critical to maintaining guest flow while preserving the immersive experience. This required careful coordination and programming of system timing and signal distribution across multiple platforms. Branch AV worked closely with Niagara Parks Commision, Brogent Technologies, and the wider project team to integrate audio, video, lighting and show control systems. Detailed calibration and show alignment were required so that visual content, media programming, and spatial audio remained perfectly synchronized throughout each show cycle. Extensive commissioning and testing were carried out to verify timing accuracy, system reliability, and operational stability. Through careful integration and collaboration across disciplines, the team delivered a robust AV infrastructure capable of maintaining precise show control and consistent performance within a demanding, high-throughput attraction environment. Niagara Takes Flight demonstrates how advanced audiovisual technology can transform a visitor attraction at one of the world’s most globally recognised natural landmarks. Located at Table Rock Centre on the brink of Niagara Falls, the installation combines large-format projection, synchronised media playback, spatial audio, motion-based ride technology that includes wind, mist and scent to create a seamless flying theatre experience that immerses audiences in the landscapes and stories of the Niagara region. Branch AV worked in close collaboration with partners including Media Resources (MRI), 1 SOUND, Alcorn McBride, Hive and Brogent Technologies to integrate complex media server requirements, projection systems, spatial audio infrastructure, and show control into a precisely synchronised environment. Diligent system design, calibration, and commissioning ensure that visuals, motion, and audio remain perfectly aligned across every ride cycle. Since opening in August 2025, Niagara Takes Flight has welcomed more than 500,000 visitors and has quickly become one of the marquee attractions in the Niagara region, demonstrating how thoughtfully integrated AV technology can elevate storytelling and deliver a reliable, cinematic experience to thousands of guests each day. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - PERFORMANCE VENUE GREAT PARK LIVE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Irvine, California, USA Systems Integrator Pacific Coast Entertainment (PCE) Submitted By EAW Pacific Coast Entertainment (PCE) returned to Great Park Live to expand the venue’s EAW ADAPTive sound system ahead of the 2025 season. With the City of Irvine adding roughly 1,500 new seats and widening the seating area, PCE looked to EAW to expand the PA to ensure flawless, even coverage across the revised footprint while preserving the clarity, consistency and neighborhood‑friendly control achieved in the original installation. The project added EAW Anya and Anna modules, retuned the existing Otto subs and incorporated EAW engineering support onsite, resulting in a balanced, high‑performance system ready for larger audiences and diverse touring productions. Upgrading the Great Park Live sound system presented several intertwined challenges, all stemming from the venue’s rapid growth and the need to preserve the exceptional performance achieved during the original installation. The most significant hurdle was accommodating the newly expanded seating area (approximately 1,500 additional seats spread across a much wider footprint) without compromising the clarity, consistency and neighborhood‑friendly control that defined the first phase of the project. The original system had been meticulously tuned to the venue’s dimensions at the time; widening the audience area meant the team had to rethink coverage patterns, horizontal reach and overall system balance. The expanded width created a particular challenge: ensuring seamless, even coverage across more than 220 feet of seating. The existing Anya arrays were powerful, but the new geometry required additional modules to maintain uniform SPL and tonal consistency from left to right. PCE addressed this by increasing each main hang to 16 Anya modules, delivering 140 degrees of horizontal coverage per side. This allowed the system to “grow” with the venue while preserving the ADAPTive precision that had made the original installation so successful. Another challenge emerged in the center section. Once the new seating was in place, it became clear that the area beneath the main hangs needed reinforcement to avoid a subtle dip in presence and intelligibility. READ MORE ONLINE
PERFORMANCE VENUE SPONSORED BY
NEUSHOORN (AUDIO) TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Leeuwarden, The Netherlands Installer More AV Submitted By Funktion-One Neushoorn is an important example of adding spatial audio capability into an established live music environment. Delivered through a collaboration between More AV, Funktion-One and Holophonix, the 750-capacity venue in Leeuwarden is now home to one of the first truly immersive live sound systems in the Netherlands. This is a redesign of the venue’s largest performance space as an immersive environment, built to support a programme of live shows, club events and artistic performances. Delivered in under a year, the project demonstrates what is possible when venue, integrator and manufacturers work towards a shared goal. The system was designed as a complete immersive environment, with loudspeaker layout and spatial processing developed together to serve the same goal: consistent, room-wide immersion. A distributed system of 12 Funktion-One PSM15 loudspeakers forms the backbone of the spatial design. Five are flown above the stage for the main floor, three above those for the balcony, and two are positioned down each side of the room. These loudspeakers create the overlapping coverage required for stable localisation and a coherent soundfield throughout the venue. The clarity, low distortion and consistent frequency response of the system are critical here, allowing sounds to move through the space without changing character or losing definition. Supporting this are five F61 front fills, four F1201.2 loudspeakers across the rear of the downstairs space, and 13 F61 loudspeakers providing balcony back-fill. The original left-right Funktion-One Evo and Bass Reflex system remains part of the overall design.
Spatial processing is provided by Holophonix, enabling sound sources to be positioned and moved throughout the room in a way that remains natural and musically convincing. Amplification is handled by Full Fat Audio 8004HD DSP amplifiers with Dante integration, alongside NST Audio processing including the DM-88. Van Damme cabling is used throughout. The project was delivered through close collaboration between Neushoorn, More AV, Funktion-One and Holophonix, with a shared focus on creating a system that sets a new benchmark. More AV led the system design and integration, coordinating closely with the venue and manufacturers. Loudspeaker placement was a critical part of the process, with careful consideration given to positioning to achieve consistent coverage throughout the room. The development of the PSM15 ran in parallel with the project, and its suitability for the application helped shape the final design. This alignment between product development and system design contributed to the pace and collaboration involved in the project. Once installed, the system was tuned as a whole, ensuring that the spatial layer and the underlying system worked together seamlessly. The focus throughout was on how the room performs in use, across a wide range of events. Truly immersive audio relies on excellent coverage. Without an even distribution of sound, spatial reproduction becomes inconsistent and loses efficacy across the room. The solution was to redesign the system around a distributed loudspeaker approach that could deliver the consistency required. The Funktion-One PSM15 stage monitor proved particularly well suited to this role due to its exceptionally consistent directivity and its ability to deliver high SPL with minimal distortion. The venue itself presented another challenge. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED PERFORMANCE VENUE
PERFORMANCE VENUE SPONSORED BY
WARSAW TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Brooklyn, New York, USA Installer Clair Global Submitted By Adamson Systems Engineering The client’s primary objective was to bring touring-grade sound performance into a historic, midsized venue without compromising its intimate atmosphere. This meant delivering exceptional clarity, headroom, and even coverage throughout the room—ensuring that every audience member, regardless of position, experiences the same sonic detail. Equally important was the need to support visiting engineers and artists with a familiar, rider-friendly system that minimizes setup time and maximizes confidence. The system had to be versatile enough to handle a wide range of musical styles while maintaining speech intelligibility and musical nuance. Finally, the brief emphasized reliability and long-term performance. The installation at the Warsaw Theatre was carried out by Clair Global Integration, with the goal of delivering touring-grade performance within a historic venue. The process began with detailed acoustic modeling and system design using Array Intelligence, allowing the team to map precise loudspeaker placement and predict coverage before installation. Working within the venue’s compact footprint, the integrator implemented a flown main array system to maximize performance while minimizing visual impact. Subwoofers were deployed both flown and under-stage to achieve controlled, even low-frequency distribution without overwhelming the room. Front fills were added to ensure consistent coverage in nearfield listening areas, while stage monitors were carefully positioned to meet performer requirements. Once installed, the system was fully networked and calibrated through the Adamson Gateway. Fine-tuning included phase alignment, time optimization, and frequency balancing across all components, ensuring seamless system integration and adaptability for different event types. Use of Audiovisual Technology & Results The upgraded audiovisual system transforms the Warsaw into a high-performance live venue with consistent, immersive sound. Intelligent loudspeaker technology ensures even coverage throughout the space, eliminating dead zones while maintaining clarity and impact at all volume levels. This allows the venue to support a wide range of performances—from high-energy concerts to more dynamic, vocal-driven sets.
On stage, performers benefit from accurate, full-range monitoring with ample headroom, enabling confident and controlled performances. Visiting engineers are supported by a rider-friendly system that mirrors touring standards, reducing setup time and simplifying show execution. The result is a balanced and engaging audience experience, where clarity, power, and detail are maintained across the entire room. Artists such as Sam Smith can deliver performances that feel both expansive and intimate. Overall, the installation elevates the venue’s technical capabilities, ensuring reliable, high-quality sound and positioning the Warsaw as a premier destination for live music in Brooklyn. The upgrade at the Warsaw Theatre presented several challenges in bringing touring-grade performance into a historic, mid-sized venue. Architectural Constraints & Rigging Limitations The building’s legacy structure and compact footprint limited traditional rigging and loudspeaker placement. To address this, Clair Global Integration designed a flown main array system that maximized output while minimizing visual and structural impact. Subwoofers were strategically deployed both flown and under the stage, maintaining powerful low-end performance without compromising sightlines or space. Achieving Even Coverage Ensuring consistent sound across a 1,000-capacity room— without overpowering the front rows or losing clarity at the back—was a key challenge. Using Array Intelligence, the system was modeled and tuned for precise dispersion, balanced SPL, and uniform frequency response. READ MORE ONLINE
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The REBEL PROFILE™ packs power and flexibility into a compact, IP65-rated design for indoor and outdoor use.
A 3.5° – 51° zoom range and full blackout framing adds versatility for any venue.
Features include 15 glass gobos, animation wheel, dual prisms, dual frost, and a high-speed iris. Its 600W 6,500K LED engine delivers 22000 lumens for bold beams, crisp gobos, and stunning aerial effects.
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PERFORMANCE VENUE BRADFORD LIVE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Systems Integrator Submitted By
Bradford, UK Solotech Solotech
As part of a £50m redevelopment of Bradford’s historic Odeon cinema, repurposing the building into a 3,800-capacity live events venue to open for the city’s Capital of Culture Year in 2025. Solotech were commissioned by Trafalgar Group for the project to supply and install the audio, lighting, rigging and infrastructure to both the main auditorium and a separate ballroom. The design brief was clear: to provide high-end audio and lighting systems that are simple to operate, rider-friendly, with the capability to integrate seamlessly with touring production systems. For the main auditorium, the requirement was for a tourgrade, high-end audio system capable of supporting live events, electronic dance music and the spoken word. Solotech specified an L-Acoustics K2 line array system featuring left-right hangs of 12 cabinets per side. Flown directly behind the K2 were hangs of six L-Acoustics KS28 subwoofers for the low-frequency reinforcement. L-Acoustics A10 Focus cabinets were placed along the stage apron to provide infill for the audience closest to the stage, with the entire system powered by L-Acoustics LA12X amplification. Drawing from experience of its festival and touring packages, the audio system is centered around an audio drive rack at front of house featuring a DirectOut Prodigy MP processor. Acting as the interface between the house and visiting consoles and the auditorium PA system, the Prodigy MP provides input selection between house and guest consoles, format bridging across analogue, AVB/Milan and Dante signals, system processing for EQ, delay and matrixing, and console redundancy management. Multiple tie-lines terminating to Solotech manufactured facilities panels have been installed throughout the auditorium, providing increased flexibility for visiting artists and productions. Analogue, fibre and coaxial links connect the stage with front of house, while a digital network infrastructure with analogue failover provides the link from the drive rack to the amp racks situated above the stage. The result is a rider-friendly system that can provide consistent audio coverage to every seat at high sound pressure levels, with a low-end contour that delivers for the most challenging of musical genre. The package is extremely flexible, allowing patching at every stage of the signal path, allowing productions to integrate as little or as fully as possible. A separate audio package was supplied for the ballroom, a 500-capacity venue suitable for live performance, corporate and banqueting events. A pair of ultra-slimline L-Acoustics Syva cabinets provide the main ballroom PA, with four L-Acoustics Syva subs for low-end reinforcement. L-Acoustics X8s have been flown from the truss above the ballroom floor to provide delay and infill, with the entire system powered by a single L-Acoustics 7.16i amplifier. For lighting, flexibility and adaptability were the key
considerations, with a package that can support a wide range of live productions including theatre, live music and corporate events. The resulting solution is simple and straightforward to operate while allowing simple integration of visiting systems when required. The lighting system provides sufficient front light and effect lighting to support all intended uses of the space, while maintaining ease of maintenance and safe access. A key objective of the design was to ensure that the lighting control system is straightforward to operate for day-to-day use, while also allowing simple integration of visiting lighting control desks when required. Power distribution to the lighting trusses is provided via four ETC ColorSource ThruPower 24-way relay or dimmer modules. These modules are DMX-controlled via the house ETC Paradigm system, allowing individual circuits to be switched on and off remotely as required for event setup, operation, and shutdown. From the facility panels, power and control cabling is distributed to truss-mounted breakout panels. These breakout panels provide six PowerCON TRUE1 outputs, along with local DMX, enabling flexible connection of lighting fixtures and accessories on each truss. Lighting control data is distributed via a networked DMX and Ethernet architecture designed to support both the house lighting system and visiting productions. A ChamSys GeNetix GN10 node acts as the primary control gateway. Additional ChamSys GeNetix GN5 nodes are installed at the stage left gallery level, providing local DMX output and Ethernet connectivity to each truss, reducing cable runs and improving reliability. This architecture allows the house lighting control system to operate independently while also enabling straightforward connection of visiting lighting consoles via Ethernet or DMX tielines, without the need for reconfiguration of the core system. The lighting system has been designed to allow visiting lighting desks to be connected when the house lighting console is not in use. Visiting productions may interface with the system via the provided Ethernet and DMX tie-lines at the facility panels. This allows trusses to remain safely isolated during rigging and maintenance activities and energised only when required for rehearsals, performances or testing. The rigging and truss system provides the permanent flown infrastructure required to support production lighting equipment, audio loudspeaker arrays and associated production elements within the Bradford Live main auditorium and ballroom. The system comprises fixed beam clamp anchor points, electric chain hoists, aluminium truss assemblies, wire rope and soft sling suspensions, and certified lifting accessories. The rigging system was designed, installed, examined and certified as part of Solotech’s scope of works by specialist rigging contractors Ambar Installations and Height Sure Ltd, with independent lifting equipment examination undertaken in accordance with statutory requirements. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - RESTAURANT CARBONE LONDON TECHNICAL DETAILS Location London, UK L-Acoustics, Genelec Manufacturers Installer Knektd Ltd Knektd Ltd Submitted By Carbone London required a discreet, well-balanced audio system throughout the venue that would enhance the atmosphere without drawing attention to the technology behind it. The brief included DJ connectivity allowing DJs to connect easily and route audio to selected zones without the need for additional analogue infrastructure. Zonal control was also required to allow different moods to be created across the restaurant, bar areas, restrooms and external spaces. A key requirement was that the system remain visually unobtrusive within a design-led hospitality environment. In the main dining area, the requirement for discreet speakers meant installing loudspeakers overhead behind a fabric ceiling. The ceiling finish utilised billiard cloth, which required acoustic testing by the manufacturer to confirm it would not significantly attenuate high frequencies from the loudspeakers positioned above it. The ceiling void was also densely populated with building services, leaving limited space for speaker placement. The mounting requirements were dictated by the ceiling buildup, which ultimately required the design and manufacture of custom speaker brackets. These brackets allowed the L-Acoustics 5XT loudspeakers to sit neatly within the acoustic board behind the fabric finish, ensuring the system remained completely hidden while maintaining the correct positioning for optimal audio performance. In the downstairs bar, L-Acoustics X6i loudspeakers were RAL matched to the bulkhead above the bar and installed within timber-framed cut-outs lined with acoustic foam to prevent vibration or rattling. The bar and dining areas upstairs required loudspeakers with a smaller form factor due to space limitations, leading to the selection of L-Acoustics X4r speakers with grills RAL matched to the ceiling finish to preserve the visual integrity of the space. Low-frequency reinforcement was delivered using L-Acoustics SB10i subwoofers discreetly integrated within banquet seating, introducing controlled low-end energy to the audio profile without visible hardware. Externally and within the restrooms, a combination of Genelec PoE in-ceiling and wall-mounted loudspeakers was utilised. During the initial installation the external areas were futureproofed with Dante network infrastructure, allowing the system to be expanded once planning permissions were granted. Following approval, discreet Genelec Smart IP loudspeakers were installed externally, integrating seamlessly with the existing network while maintaining the clean architectural aesthetic of the venue. Careful coordination with architects, contractors and other trades was essential throughout the project. This included integrating discreet CCTV cameras within the fabric ceiling, ensuring they blended seamlessly into the environment without disrupting the design of the space.
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RES TAU R AN T SPONS OR E D B Y
MAMANI TECHNICAL DETAILS Texas, USA Location Manufacturers 1 SOUND Bryan O'Sullivan Studio Architect Lighting Designer Bryan O'Sullivan Studio Installer Bespoke Technology Group Submitted By Bespoke Technology Group The brief for Mamani was to create an immersive, high-quality audio environment that enhances the dining experience without drawing attention to itself. Client Brandon Cohanim emphasized that sound should feel natural and refined, supporting the atmosphere rather than competing with it. As a Michelin-starred restaurant, every element of the space is designed to elevate the culinary experience, making discretion essential. The system needed to deliver consistent, intelligible sound across all areas while preserving conversation and seamlessly integrating into the architecture and interior design. At Mamani, audio was designed as part of the overall guest experience, supporting the atmosphere without drawing attention away from dining or conversation. The objective was to create a consistent, highquality sound environment that feels natural across all areas of the venue. A fully distributed 1 SOUND system was developed using Auralis audio mapping software to model coverage within a challenging acoustic environment, including curved ceilings and reflective Venetian plaster surfaces. This informed precise loudspeaker placement and aiming, resulting in even coverage and clear intelligibility throughout the dining room, bar, and patio.
The system was delivered in close collaboration with the interior designer and trades, allowing all elements to be fully integrated into the architecture. Cannon Series loudspeakers (C4i, C5i, C6i) were selected for their performance and compact form factor, then customfinished to match surrounding materials so they remain visually unobtrusive. Low-frequency reinforcement is handled through a distributed subwoofer approach using SUB28 and FSUB45 enclosures, integrated into banquettes and planters. This provides balanced low-end support without localized buildup or physical disturbance to guests. Powersoft amplification and a Biamp DSP platform provide system control, zoning, and tuning. Commissioning focused on achieving tonal consistency and smooth transitions between spaces as the venue evolves throughout the day. The result is a cohesive, well-controlled sound environment that enhances the space while remaining largely unnoticed—aligning with the expectations of a Michelin-starred dining experience. The primary challenges on this project stemmed from strict design constraints and the expectation that all audiovisual elements would be fully integrated into a highly refined interior. Bespoke worked closely with the interior designers and 1 SOUND, with nearly two months spent refining finishes and color matching to ensure all visible components aligned seamlessly with the architectural vision. Loudspeaker placement required careful compromise, as ideal acoustic positions were often adjusted to meet design priorities. This necessitated ongoing revisions to system modeling, aiming, and tuning to maintain consistent coverage and intelligibility throughout a complex, reflective environment.
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SHORTLISTED - RESTAURANT
RES TAU R AN T SPONS OR E D B Y
WOOHOO TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Dubai, United Arab Emirates Vivid Studio Installer Submitted By Stage Precision Located in Downtown Dubai, Woohoo is an immersive restaurant that blurs the line between fantasy and reality. The fine dining restaurant and luxury shisha lounge was conceived through collaboration between human designers and artificial intelligence, creating a dining experience driven by AI-automated environments. System design and integration specialists, Vivid Studio, were tasked with delivering a fully integrated AVLM ecosystem, including LED lighting, video content, spatial audio, and a one-of-a-kind LED sculpture. These elements create the ‘living quantum machine’ that is Woohoo, with SP Grid acting as the central control platform that brings AI and experience technology together. Vivid Studio collaborated closely with Woohoo’s owner to translate the concept of an AI-driven venue into a fully operational immersive environment. Lighting, large-scale LED visuals, and spatial audio needed to work cohesively as they would be controlled by the restaurant’s AI agent. This agent generates AVLM content while the restaurant is closed overnight for Vivid Studio to review before it is added to a library of approved content. The unique audio, visual, and lighting elements come together to create a series of ‘parallel universes’, chosen by the AI agent each day to ensure a unique and memorable experience for every guest. Delivering this level of synchronisation and automation presented
significant technical challenges, particularly around content management and control reliability. To bring all these immersive elements together, Vivid Studio implemented SP Grid as the ‘brain’ of the system. Already using SP in their own virtual production studio, Vivid Studio’s lead engineer, Yuri Stranyov knew that SP Grid was the best data management solution available. The system comprises eight media servers that play a series of custom content, large LED screens throughout the restaurant, lighting elements and a network of 46 loudspeakers, which use TiMax spatial audio processing to deliver three-dimensional immersive audio soundscapes. Using SP Grid’s Python-scripting function, Vivid Studio developed a custom plug-in for seamless collaboration between the restaurant’s AI agent and the AVLM workflow, allowing access the content library. SP Grid’s low-code/no-code environment significantly accelerated system deployment, enabling rapid integration with the ChamSys lighting platform and reducing programming complexity. Grid Studio allowed Vivid Studio to build clear workflow logics, providing a convenient and intuitive platform for connecting, adapting, and programming. To maintain usability for human staff of Woohoo, Vivid Studio used SP Grid’s custom UI creation tool to deliver user interfaces for simplified control. This enables users to activate and operate the system, adjust modes, or override automated sequences for live DJ nights or special events via a touchscreen control station.
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BUILT FOR MORE The new High Output family of loudspeakers expands the Sonance Professional Series into spaces that demand greater SPL, variable coverage control, and low-frequency performance.
The High Output family is available in pendant, surface mount, blind mount in-ceiling, and two-piece in-ceiling configurations, all sharing consistent voicing for seamless mix-and-match deployment. Built for foreground music in environments with high ambient noise, the compression driver delivers the clarity and SPL headroom to keep music clean and intelligible. Interchangeable horn assemblies ship in the box, allowing installers to adjust between 80° or 120° coverage in the field without special tools. A high-excursion 8-inch woofer extends low-frequency response to 41 Hz on select models, reducing system complexity.
sonance.com/highoutput
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RESTAURANT IKON NEW YORK TECHNICAL DETAILS Location New York City, USA Lighting Designer Tirso Lighting Installer Tirso Lighting Submitted By Tirso Lighting IKON New York is a Dominican Peruvian restaurant designed to transition into a vibrant lounge in the evening. The client wanted a space that felt warm and welcoming during dining hours while also supporting a lively nightlife atmosphere later at night. Tirso Pelaez was the interior designer tasked with bringing this vision to life. In addition to the interior design, Tirso also designed the lighting, audio, and video systems so that technology and architecture would work together to shape the atmosphere and enhance the overall guest experience. The installation process for the sound system at IKON New York began with evaluating the equipment that already existed in the venue. The client requested that the system be repurposed rather than replaced, so Tirso Pelaez re engineered the layout to improve performance and coverage. For the high to mid frequencies the system uses FBT Ventis 206A loudspeakers, while the low frequencies are handled by Yorkville PSA2S subwoofers. The original placement of the speakers did not provide even sound coverage across the room. The system was re-layed out and repositioned so that audio would be distributed evenly throughout the venue without overpowering certain areas. This was particularly important because the space operates as both a restaurant and a nightlife lounge. Another important part of the installation was integrating the subwoofers into raised platforms so they would not occupy valuable floor space. This approach allowed the system to deliver strong low frequency performance while keeping the layout clean and functional. Careful planning ensured that the speaker placement supported both the acoustic performance of the room and the overall design of the space, creating a balanced listening experience for guests throughout the venue. The lighting system was designed to support both the restaurant atmosphere and the venue’s transition into a nightlife lounge. Tirso Pelaez developed a layered lighting approach that combines architectural lighting with intelligent lighting so the venue can shift mood throughout the evening. Architectural lighting was carefully integrated into the design to create a warm dining environment. Tirso Lighting RGBW linear LED lighting was installed within the banquette seating along the perimeter of the room. This lighting casts a soft glow underneath the seating and also illuminates the back of the banquettes. The upward glow highlights key architectural elements including the zebra fade wall on one side of the venue and an exposed brick wall on the other, helping to create depth and warmth within the space. Additional architectural lighting includes ceiling cove lighting and WAC track lighting that provide balanced illumination across the dining areas. Custom lighting elements were also introduced to reinforce the identity of the venue. Custom RGBWWA wall sconces were
fabricated and installed along the columns to accent the stainless steel tile finishes and add texture to the space. Custom LED neon signage was also incorporated to create social media photo moments and strengthen the visual identity of the brand within the interior design. For the nightlife environment, the venue uses a Chauvet DJ intelligent lighting system. Fixtures include the Chauvet DJ Intimidator Spot 475Z, Intimidator Spot 260X, Intimidator Beam 360X, Shocker Panel 180, and Corepar 120. These moving heads, beam fixtures, strobes, and wash lights allow the venue to quickly transition from a warm dining setting to a high energy lounge atmosphere. The intelligent lighting fixtures were coordinated around a ceiling installation of more than 300 mirror balls in different sizes. This layout was carefully planned to allow the moving lights to operate freely while reflecting light across the space. All lighting fixtures are controlled through an Obsidian Controls Onyx system, allowing the venue to change lighting scenes instantly depending on the atmosphere desired. The video system at IKON New York was designed to function as both a visual feature and a flexible display system that enhances the overall atmosphere of the venue. Tirso Pelaez carefully planned the placement and scale of the LED displays so they would integrate naturally into the interior design while maintaining clear visibility from seating areas throughout the space. The installation includes a combination of P2 and P2.5 LED displays located throughout the venue. The focal point of the system is a custom curved LED screen installed behind the main bar, which acts as a visual centerpiece for the room. The curved display adds depth to the bar area and allows digital content to flow naturally across the surface. The video system is used for multiple types of content including graphics, promotional visuals, and live programming. The displays also support celebration announcements and guest engagement moments. Using the 036Labs platform, staff can quickly convert text messages into on screen announcements that appear across the LED displays, allowing the venue to easily recognize birthdays and special occasions in real time. All video content is managed through Resolume Arena, allowing the venue to control visual content across the displays and coordinate with the lighting system to create a cohesive atmosphere throughout the venue. One of the main challenges during the installation at IKON New York was coordinating the placement of audio, lighting, and video systems within a space that was also heavily driven by interior design elements. Tirso Pelaez approached the project by developing the entire layout in a detailed 3D environment before installation began. This allowed every technical element, including speakers, lighting fixtures, LED displays, furniture layout, and architectural features, to be carefully planned so that the installation would support the overall design rather than interfere with it. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - RETAIL & LEISURE GRAHAM RAHAL PERFORMANCE
TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Indianapolis, Indiana, USA Systems Integrator Triphase Technologies Submitted By Sonance Professional Graham Rahal Performance is a massive complex in Indianapolis, Indiana that brings together multiple luxury automotive showrooms including Ducati and Piaggio, performance garages, The Wheelhouse restaurant, Rivet coffee bar, retail areas, and a private car country club. NTT INDYCAR Series driver Graham Rahal envisioned music as central to the atmosphere, woven throughout each space. The brief required high-quality audio suited to each environment — from the refined atmosphere of the showrooms to the open energy of the outdoor grounds — delivered across massive ceilings, open industrial environments, drop tile business spaces, and a large exterior landscape. Triphase leveraged Sonance’s design services team, submitting blueprints with context about the goal of each space and receiving coverage maps that identified optimal loudspeaker placement across the complex. In the open, high-ceiling showroom environments of Ducati, Piaggio, Ray Hall Paint Protection, and Ray Hall Performance, Triphase deployed Sonance Professional Series Pendant speakers and Subwoofers, bringing audio down from the deck and delivering consistent coverage throughout each space. In the meeting rooms, The Wheelhouse restaurant, and Rivet coffee bar, Sonance Professional Series In-Ceiling speakers provided a clean, discreet audio solution that blended naturally into each environment. Speaker grilles were custom painted to match the ceilings in each space.
Outdoors, a full Sonance Landscape Series speaker system spans the entire front of the property, running continuously from open to close, and is tied into a microphone setup allowing Graham to welcome guests, make announcements, and run events like Cars and Coffee from a single unified audio infrastructure. A highlight was a custom James soundbar for the Ducati showroom — finished in a matching custom Ducati color and fitted with a laser-etched grille bearing the Ducati logo — quietly installed on the morning of the grand opening as a surprise for Graham and General Manager Keith Gingrich. Today, music moves through every corner of Graham Rahal Performance, tying together the energy of the showrooms, the warmth of The Wheelhouse and Rivet, the activity of the service bays, the outdoor gatherings, and the private club into a single, seamless experience. Meeting Rahal’s vision across such a sprawling, multi-use property meant delivering high-quality audio suited to each environment. With massive ceilings, open industrial environments, drop tile in business spaces, and a large exterior landscape, a single approach couldn’t serve them all. Triphase leveraged Sonance’s design services team, submitting blueprints with context about the goal of each space and receiving coverage maps in return that identified optimal loudspeaker placement — ensuring the right product was in the right position before installation began. In the open, high-ceiling showroom environments, Triphase deployed Sonance Professional Series Pendant speakers and Subwoofers to bring audio down from the deck and deliver consistent coverage. READ MORE ONLINE
HOLT RENFREW, 2ND FLOOR TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Toronto, Canada Architect STUDIO PAOLO FERRARI Systems Integrator GAV MGMT Submitted By 1 SOUND GAV MGMT was engaged to upgrade the second-floor audio environment at Holt Renfrew, delivering a more immersive, consistent, and premium sound experience within a luxury retail setting. The client brief called for clear, full-range audio, stronger low-frequency performance, and even-coverage, while preserving the refined architectural aesthetic of the space. The system needed to enhance the atmosphere without visually intruding. This project also formed part of a broader client initiative to elevate the in-store shopping experience, after seeing an increase in sales following GAV MGMT’s previous Holt Renfrew floor audio upgrade, implementing a premium audio system using 1 SOUND done prior. GAV MGMT designed and installed a distributed audio solution for Holt Renfrew’s third floor using 1 SOUND Cannon C5i loudspeakers and MiniSUB5 subwoofers. The system was engineered to deliver clear, full-range sound with controlled low-frequency reinforcement across a luxury retail environment where consistency and discretion were critical. The process began with assessing the layout, customer flow, ceiling conditions, and acoustic behaviour of the floor. Using 1 SOUND’s Auralis prediction and 3D design software, the team was able to model the space and optimize loudspeaker coverage before finalizing placement. This helped GAV MGMT position the system more precisely to achieve even coverage while protecting the clean visual standard of the store. By combining column-mounted and ceiling-integrated elements, GAV MGMT created a layered audio system that delivers clarity, warmth, and balanced bass without overwhelming the environment. The 1 SOUND C5i loudspeakers provide articulate, high-quality playback across the floor, while the MiniSUB5 subwoofers add depth and low-frequency support to create a more immersive sound profile, while having a profile of only 5 inches off the ceiling. The result is a seamless retail soundscape with strong intelligibility, even coverage, and musical depth across all zones. Audio remains comfortable and refined while still contributing meaningfully to the overall atmosphere of the store. Within Holt Renfrew’s second floor, the installed technology is used to shape the customer experience rather than simply provide background sound. In a luxury retail setting, atmosphere plays a direct role in how the brand is perceived, how long customers remain engaged in the space, and how the environment feels overall. This project was designed to support that experience through discreet but effective integration. GAV MGMT approached the project with the understanding that the technology needed to integrate seamlessly into the architecture while still enhancing the venue in a meaningful way. The upgraded audio environment contributes to a more curated, polished, and immersive retail journey, helping align the in-store atmosphere with Holt Renfrew’s premium brand positioning. This submission is strengthened by the fact that it reflects a follow-on client investment driven by proven results. READ MORE ONLINE
S HORTLI S T ED - R E T A I L & LE I S U RE SHINSEGAE PREMIUM OUTLETS – BUSAN & YEOJU TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Busan and Yeoju, South Korea Manufacturers Powersoft Installer LCS Global Submitted By Powersoft Two of South Korea’s leading retail destinations, ShinsegaePremium Outlets in Busan and Yeoju, have upgraded their audio infrastructure to improve reliability, coverage and control across open-air environments. Delivered by LCS Global with DasanSR, the project replaced ageing systems with networkenabled Powersoft Mezzo and Quattrocanali platforms supporting background music and public address. Completed without disrupting daily operations, the installation restores consistent coverage, enhances sound quality and introduces centralised monitoring with a scalable, future-ready design. Shinsegae Premium Outlets operate two of South Korea’s most visited open-air shopping destinations, featuring multiple buildings arranged along pedestrian streets and public gathering areas. To maintain a premium retail experience, both sites rely on reliable background music and public-address systems operating continuously throughout the year. The existing amplifier infrastructure, based on ageing technology, had begun to suffer from equipment failures and declining performance. Distributor DasanSR engaged system integrator LCS Global to design and implement a comprehensive upgrade across both outlet malls. The project focused on replacing legacy amplifiers with modern network-enabled platforms while maintaining compatibility with
existing loudspeakers and infrastructure wherever possible. Because both retail sites operate 365 days a year, the installation had to be carried out with no disruption to daytime operations. At the Busan outlet, the system was upgraded to a fully operational live system within approximately two weeks, while the Yeoju installation was completed over five overnight work sessions. Across both sites, LCS Global deployed a large fleet of Powersoft Mezzo and Quattrocanali amplifiers, selected for their high channel density and compact form factor, enabling the integrator to maximise output channels while minimising rack space requirements across multiple technical rooms. The installation also modernised the network architecture supporting the audio infrastructure. At Yeoju, the system now combines CobraNet and AVB network technologies, while the Busan site has been migrated to a Dante-based architecture with redundant signal paths to ensure continuous operation. Centralised monitoring through Powersoft’s ArmoníaPlus platform provides operators with real-time control of power, signal levels and output impedance across the system, enabling maintenance teams to identify potential issues before they affect performance. The result is a robust and scalable audio infrastructure capable of supporting reliable music playback and public announcements across large outdoor retail environments. One of the most significant challenges was carrying out a major infrastructure upgrade at two active retail sites without disrupting daily operations. Both outlet malls operate continuously throughout the year, meaning background music and public-address systems needed
to remain fully functional at all times. The installation therefore had to be carefully scheduled during overnight periods, with the integrator working within narrow maintenance windows to replace critical system components. Another challenge involved modernising the network architecture while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure elements that remained in use. In addition, the system needed to provide reliable audio coverage across large open-air environments with multiple buildings and outdoor pedestrian areas. Finally, the upgraded infrastructure needed to deliver long-term operational stability, allowing facility managers to monitor system performance in real time and respond quickly to any faults. Delivering consistent, high-quality audio across expansive outdoor retail environments is no small feat, particularly when those environments must remain fully operational throughout an upgrade. This project succeeds on both fronts. Across two major outlet destinations, the installation introduces a robust and modern audio backbone capable of handling both ambient music and critical announcements with equal reliability. The use of network-enabled amplification ensures efficient system design, high channel density and real-time monitoring, which are all essential in large-scale commercial settings. What elevates the project further is its execution: completed without disruption to daily operations, it demonstrates a clear understanding of retail priorities alongside technical excellence.
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RETAIL & LEISURE IKEA OXFORD STREET TECHNICAL DETAILS Location London, UK Installer d&b solutions Submitted By d&b solutions Located in a Grade II listed building on Oxford Street, this prominent IKEA store is the biggest new arrival at London’s famous shopping destination. Reimagining the traditional concept of the consumer experience, the new metropolitan IKEA meeting point transforms the customer journey and transcends the stereotypical notions of a retail environment. An eye-catching LED window display entices people of every age to join the hive of activity inside, where an immersive live studio, digital hub and interactive events await. This ambitious and pioneering project exemplifies the impactful role of innovative technology in revolutionising the retail sector to engage new audiences. IKEA’s Oxford Street store is the brand’s first ever meeting point to house a dedicated immersive experience – shifting the retail experience both operationally and holistically. State-of-the-art technology instantly delivers a ‘wow-factor’ from first glance of the shop’s facade, through to the multi-faceted live studio that ‘Immerses’ consumers and hosts ‘Takeovers’ as part of their events programme. Initially envisaged as a broadcast-focused platform, d&b solutions worked alongside IKEA to develop a hybrid environment that widened the potential scope exponentially. In the live studio space, guest speakers are equipped with the Shure ULX‑D wireless microphone system, ensuring crystal‑clear vocal clarity and reliable performance throughout every session. Their delivery is supported by a Samsung 55” confidence monitor, positioned to provide seamless visual cues and allow presenters to engage naturally with audiences without breaking flow. The entire audio environment is enriched by d&b audiotechnik 8S loudspeakers, which deliver a balanced blend of live speech, ambient background music and immersive themed soundscapes. Together, this combination of high‑quality audio and visual technology creates a professional, responsive and fully immersive setting that enhances both the presenter’s experience and the audience’s connection to each live event. Four LED window displays seamlessly blend digital storytelling and architectural innovation; with output media showcased independently or as a single combined canvas for maximum flexibility. The top window panels feature two CREATE LED air media 3.9mm displays, with two NEXNOVO transparent 3.7mm LED displays situated below, offering visibility to the outside high street. IKEA products can be strategically positioned behind the transparent window displays, where promotional digital captions optimise sales opportunities. Run by NEXNOVO processing and driven by a QLab media server, different content and playlists can be cued in and triggered at specific times. To ensure luminance levels remain within Oxford Street’s tolerance levels, light emissions are recorded from each LED window, with levels
adjusted accordingly throughout the day. Descending to the ground floor, customers are captivated by the 25m² live event studio, which offers a multi-purpose arena and creative backdrop. The main wall configuration is formed from three 4m high walls, with an additional 5m extension panel scaling the lift shaft. Content can be adaptively themed to specific events and workshops, with the main wall acting as a single canvas or separate modular displays. Live video recordings are routed to the store front’s LED windows using AV-over-IP, revealing the events hosted within. Using video mixer, IKEA’s operator can choreograph a compilation of content for broadcasting in the shop windows or online streaming platforms. Collaborating with longstanding partners Samsung, 197 Samsung IWA virtual production 1.6 LED tiles were integrated. Delivering stunning visuals, the fine pixel pitch combats moiré on screen for superior quality during up-close filming. As the backbone of the system, Disguise VX4+ media server manages mapping and pre-rendered content to the LED walls, with adjustable low-profile Martin MAC One lights to enhance the stage area ambience. Utilising Gaussian Splatting technology, d&b solutions developed pre-visualisations of the studio space to help facilitate key design decisions surrounding the appearance of scenic fixtures and fittings. Deriving from photographs taken within IKEA’s space, the 3D model based upon a Gaussian Splat delivered a rich, high quality, accurate and realistic rendition of the space in Unreal Engine. This time saving approach, enabled creative experimentation and quick demonstrations of different materials, surfaces and layouts within the context of the space, allowing the client to understand the impact of these different options. The clarity delivered by this ‘shared vision’ provided a valuable communication tool that dramatically simplified the selection process, also enabling cost-effective choices. Furthermore, this fly-through presented a complete overview and clearer viewpoint of the customer journey, when descending the escalator into the live studio. A dedicated space under the escalator houses studio racks and control equipment creating a centralised hub for IKEA’s in-house technical team to manage the full range of AV systems efficiently, with an additional iPad connected to the QSC control interface for quick and easy operation. From start to finish, d&b solutions’ technical partnership helped to develop a multi-functional space that can adapt and evolve harmoniously with IKEA’s ongoing visionary journey. Two fixed Panasonic UE-160 mounted PTZ cameras capture dual aspect imagery of the stage performance and audience reaction. Optimised for higher resolution imagery, RED Komodo 6K cinematic camera with zoom lens and global shutter records the entire production. Utilising all three depth cameras, Stage Precision tracks customers entering the studio boundaries, compiling marketing analytics that pinpoint footfall during certain times of the day, allowing IKEA to gauge popularity and adapt their events programme according to customer behaviour. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - STADIUM BET365 STADIUM TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Stoke, UK Systems Integrator Elite Control Services (ECS) Submitted By Pharos Architectural Controls Stoke City FC’s home stadium required a complete upgrade to the outdated lighting and controls, with the aim of elevating fan engagement while meeting the demanding technical standards of elite football. The brief was clear: achieve Premier League-standard illumination, reduce energy consumption, and introduce flexible RGBW lighting capable of transforming the stadium environment before, during and after matches. The project highlights the flexibility and robustness of its technology in demanding sporting environments. Sustainability was a key driver for the project. The upgraded floodlighting system now delivers 1650 lux across the pitch while achieving a reported 51% reduction in energy consumption, supporting the club’s long-term operational and environmental goals. The large scale of this project created a layer of complexity, with the lighting needing to possess the capabilities to run dynamic lighting sequences while remaining within the Premier League standard of illumination. At the heart of the lighting system is a Pharos Designer control solution comprising a two-universe Designer LPC controller, a Designer RIO A remote device, and three Designer BPS keypad wall stations. Together, these provide a powerful yet intuitive platform for managing complex lighting scenes across the stadium, from broadcast-critical pitch lighting to immersive architectural effects. The LPC delivers the processing power and reliability required for large-scale venues, running multiple timelines and scenes
simultaneously. This allows Stoke City FC to programme dynamic sequences for player walk-ons, pre-match build-up and post-match moments, while maintaining consistent, regulation-compliant lighting levels for live sport. RGBW under-bowl lighting, advertising boards and pitch-side screens further extend the visual impact, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for supporters inside and outside the stadium. Delivering a dramatic enhancement to both matchday presentation and operational efficiency, this project demonstrates how intelligent lighting control can elevate fan engagement while meeting the demanding technical standards of elite football. The fully integrated RGBW LED installation is controlled by the solution comprising a two-universe LPC controller, a RIO A remote device, and three BPS keypad wall stations. The intuitive system is capable of managing complex, large-scale lighting scenes and also provides ease of operation. The Designer BPS keypads have been strategically installed in the Match Control room, Media Suite and Groundsman’s Shed, giving staff simple, tactile access to pre-set scenes and manual overrides when needed. With clear button labelling and LED feedback, the BPS stations ensure confident operation even during high-pressure matchday scenarios. The Pharos solution provides the capabilities for Stoke City FC to programme dynamic lighting scenes across the stadium, creating an immersive experience for supporters and maintaining consistent, regulation-compliant lighting levels for live sport. The result is a future-ready lighting control system that enhances the spectacle of football, improves efficiency behind the scenes, and reinforces the bet365 Stadium as a modern venue capable of delivering unforgettable matchday experiences.
S TAD I U M SPON S OR E D B Y
MOHAMMED V STADIUM
TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Casablanca, Morocco Manufacturers HK Audio, Powersoft Installer Maghrebnet Audio Consultant Fabian Reimann (HK Audio), Melanie Ziska (SAVE audio solutions GmbH) Submitted By HK Audio The installation of a high-performance sound system at Casablanca’s iconic Stade Mohammed V was a race against time, executed within a rigorous two-month window from initial conception to the inaugural match. This feat was complicated by the stadium’s prestigious status as a National Heritage. Because the structure is a protected historical monument, every technical decision had to balance acoustic power with architectural preservation, ensuring that the integrity of the original concrete slab remained uncompromised. The project’s success was anchored in a seamless collaboration with the Project Owner and Management, whose involvement in every technical milestone ensured compliance with heritage regulations. The core of the engineering dilemma resided in the stadium’s structural limits. While modern stadium sound often relies on heavy subwoofers, the existing concrete slabs were deemed incapable of supporting the significant static weight and dynamic vibrations generated by traditional sub-bass units. The HK Audio Line Array systems provided the necessary SPL and frequency range to deliver punchy, clear audio across the stands without jeopardizing the building’s structural health. In total, 14 Line Arrays were strategically suspended from the ceiling slabs, selected specifically for their weight, exceptional
acoustic fidelity and full-range frequency response. By leveraging the superior sonic clarity of the HK systems, Each array’s weight and center of gravity had to be meticulously calculated and matched to the available anchor points, ensuring optimal sound dispersion and safety. Logistical agility was equally vital. Given the “express” timeline, equipment selection was dictated by immediate availability and the readiness of engineering teams for rapid deployment. Furthermore, The Execution took place during a harsh February, characterized by torrential rains that threatened both safety and sensitive electronics. To meet the deadline, our dedicated teams operated on a grueling 24/7 schedule, demonstrating unwavering commitment under immense pressure. Ultimately, the synergy between advanced acoustic modeling and sheer human effort allowed the “Stade Mohamed V” to roar with a new, pristine sound, honoring its past while meeting modern international standards. This project was not merely a technical installation; it was a demonstration of extreme adaptability and resilience, proving that even within the confines of a heritage site and under the shadow of a ticking clock, world-class audio performance can be achieved through sheer collective will. The main challenges during the installation were the exceptionally demanding acoustic conditions, the tight schedule, and the complexity of delivering a large-scale project within a compressed timeframe. The stadium’s one-sided roof construction required precise longthrow coverage of up to 150 metres while maintaining clarity, intelligibility, and consistent SPL throughout the 67,000-seat arena. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - STADIUM
S TAD I U M SPON S OR E D B Y
REALMADRID GAMES AT BERNABÉU STADIUM TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Madrid Architect ACCIONA Cultura (collaboration for architecture, engineering, and construction) Lighting Designer Moment Factory (responsible for visual content creation, lighting design, scenography) Installer Moment Factory Submitted By Moment Factory As part of Real Madrid’s stadium renovation plan, the brief was to transform the Bernabéu stadium into a universal entertainment hub, connecting the Club and its fans with the city while expanding operations beyond match days. Moment Factory answered this by collaborating with Real Madrid C.F. to create “Realmadrid Games,” a multi-level interactive journey through the corridors of the newly transformed stadium. Through a unique gamified approach, the experience transports visitors to the heart of the Club, bringing its eight fundamental principles to life with interactive play, and strengthening the connection between fans, the team, the stadium, and the city. The installation features intricate soundscapes, ambient music, and responsive sound effects that react dynamically to the interactive games. The journey also includes dedicated audio environments, such as a welcoming entrance hall and a unique “white box” transition zone equipped with specialized soundscapes. Dynamic and clever lighting design is strategically integrated throughout the installation. This lighting helps transform the stadium’s traditionally underutilized corridors into a fully multisensory and immersive environment, guiding visitors along the different levels of the connected journey.
The visual ecosystem is orchestrated by Moment Factory’s X-Agora operating system. It features a 360-degree immersive room with large-scale video projections, real-time visual content, and interactive scanning stations. Visitors interface with their personalized digital avatars across various interactive screens. Additionally, the project’s visual scope extends to immersive media content displayed on the stadium’s panoramic interior screens, including its cutting-edge 360-degree high-resolution halo ribbon. While the stadium and its museum have long been toptier attractions, much of the venue’s massive infrastructure remained focused on match-day operations or unused. The primary challenge was to leverage underutilized real estate— specifically the sprawling multi-level corridors—to create an entirely new category of attraction. Moment Factory was tasked with developing a dynamic destination that would diversify the venue’s offerings, maximizing the stadium’s footprint yearround to engage both die-hard football fans and broader, nontraditional audiences. Realmadrid Games should win because it is a world-first permanent multimedia activation that sets an entirely new benchmark for stadiums and arenas worldwide. Designed for all ages and skill levels, it engages both loyal fans and newcomers through friendly competition, allowing visitors to connect with Real Madrid’s legacy in a profoundly emotional way. By extending the fan journey well beyond match days and fostering deep engagement through immersive interactivity, it successfully transforms a traditional sports venue into a top-of-mind, yearround tourist destination. READ MORE ONLINE
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LEVI’S STADIUM TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Santa Clara, California Installer Clair Global Integration Submitted By Clair Global Clair Global Integration (CGI) was engaged by WJHW and the San Francisco 49ers to deliver a major audio upgrade at Levi’s Stadium in preparation of the 2026 Super Bowl and World Cup matches. The scope included installing new bowl loudspeakers mounted on custom seismic rated rigging frames. CGI selected JBL Professional for the new end-firing system which is positioned behind the scoreboard. The system combines VLA301Hi, VLA601Hi, and VLA901Hi arrays with Fulcrum Acoustic CS218L-WR subwoofers, powered by Powersoft Unica 12K and 16K amplifiers. n addition, CGI installed a DiGiCo Quantum 338 console and a Shure Axient IEM system in the audio control room, and redesigned patch bays to improve overall signal flow. The largest array measures 27ft long and weighs approximately 8,400lbs, while the smallest stands at 7.5 ft tall and weighs 2,500lbs. Due to the considerable weight of the system and the outdoor nature of this venue – located on the San Andreas Fault – the new bowl speakers required custom seismic rated rigging frames which were designed as exoskeleton structures. Speakers were pre-mounted at precisely calculated, fixed angles. Each frame was fitted with large, forged steel wheels, allowing for a smooth transition during installation. The arrays were assembled in the stadium’s parking lot using truss-built gantries, chain motors, and forklifts, hoisted into position via a crane into trolley beams inside the scoreboard, before being secured in place with seismic bracing. Getting this
right is critical for any outdoor PA installation. Through stringent coordination and unfaltering teamwork between CGI, expert riggers from RIG, and the venue’s on-site superintendent, Ben Adams, the new audio system was also pre-wired in advance to streamline the potentially challenging installation’s compressed construction schedule. This venue exemplifies CGI’s “From Construction to Production” ethos. During the San Francisco 49ers home opener in October 2025, CGI invited the primary Super Bowl audio team from Clair Global’s ATK Audiotek brand and the league, to walk the bowl and evaluate the new system as part of Super Bowl audio planning. The Super Bowl’s audio execution requires considerable experience for both the live entertainment and game audio delivery. As seasoned experts in large-scale stadium production, the ATK team were pleased with the powerful new bowl design, its coverage, and fidelity. Their assessment ultimately confirmed that with such an efficient new system, no supplemental flown speakers were required for game-day audio. Beyond handling the sporting elements, the JBL loudspeakers effectively served as extensions and delay systems for the entertainment audio too, reinforcing CGI’s approach of enabling venues to utilize existing infrastructure to deliver highperformance live events. This is fundamental to a successful stadium install – especially, with a high caliber event such as the Super Bowl, where the world is watching. Viewing figures peaked at 137.8 million during the second quarter and Clair Global touring client, Bad Bunny, made history as the first half time show artist to perform solely in Spanish. Levi’s Stadium is a great example of Clair Global’s internal collaboration for the ultimate fan experience.
SHORTLISTED - THEATRE KARLIN THEATRE
TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Prague, Czech Republic Installer Pro Music Submitted By Naostage Located in Prague’s Karlín district, the Karlín Musical Theatre is the third oldest, second largest and widely considered the most beautiful theatre in the Czech capital. Famous for its staging of musical productions and operettas, the majority of the theatre’s shows are musicals. The venue recently sought to upgrade its audiovisual technology to improve its performance and enhance its audience experience. As part of this update of the technical infrastructure, the theatre invested in Naostage’s automatic and beaconless tracking solution, K SYSTEM. As the appointed integrator for the Karlín Musical Theatre’s AV modernisation, Pro Music was tasked with delivering a future‑proof solution that would elevate the venue’s musical productions while respecting the constraints of a historic building. Our process began with a full technical assessment of the theatre’s existing infrastructure, followed by an on‑site demonstration at the UFFO Theatre in Trutnov to validate the performance of Naostage’s K SYSTEM in a comparable spatial audio environment. The theatre had recently invested in an L‑Acoustics L‑ISA configuration featuring nine frontal clusters to deliver high horizontal resolution across the auditorium. The next step was to ensure that audio objects could follow performers naturally and accurately across the stage. After a comprehensive market analysis, we selected Naostage’s K SYSTEM as the only tracking solution capable of meeting the theatre’s requirement to track up to 16 performers simultaneously, without compromising precision in a scenically complex environment.
Our installation combined one KORE AI processing server, two KAPTA multi‑spectral 3D sensors, and the KRATOS control software. The sensors were discreetly rigged above the stage— one beneath the central cluster and one at the proscenium—to maintain unobstructed coverage while preserving the theatre’s architectural integrity. KRATOS delivers real‑time XYZ positional data to the L‑ISA processor, enabling seamless translation into panorama, depth, and width parameters for each performer’s microphone feed. This integration ensures that vocals and effects are localised precisely to the performers’ positions, maintaining a horizontal deviation of less than 7.5 degrees between visual and auditory cues. As a result, the audience perceives sound as naturally originating from the actors themselves, regardless of seating position—an experience unattainable with traditional stereo reinforcement. The system’s automation capabilities significantly reduce workload for the theatre’s technical team, who manage six performances per week. Once calibrated, K SYSTEM operates reliably without manual intervention, even with elaborate costumes, dense scenography, and fast‑moving choreography. The result is a cohesive, immersive, and highly intelligible audio experience that enhances every musical production staged at the Karlín Musical Theatre. According to the venue, the system “simply works”—delivering consistent, high‑impact results night after night. Integrating Naostage’s K SYSTEM into the historic Karlín Musical Theatre presented several technical and architectural challenges that required careful planning and precise execution. As the integrator, Pro Music had to ensure that the tracking system delivered flawless performance while respecting the constraints of a protected, scenically complex venue. READ MORE ONLINE
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MGM THEATER TECHNICAL DETAILS Location MGM COTAI-Avenida da Nave Desportiva, Cotai, Macau Installer Joint Collaboration Project Submitted By MGM MGM Theatre was delivered as a resort-integrated, multi-format performance venue for MGM, able to host large-scale productions, concerts, corporate events, ceremonies, and gala functions within one footprint. The vision was to achieve theatre-grade production capability—immersive audio, large-format dynamic video, integrated lighting/SFX and automation—while protecting hotel operations: fast, quiet changeovers, minimal guest disruption, and high safety/ compliance. A core requirement was rapid reconfiguration, including a proscenium-to-flat-floor transformation in approximately 12 minutes, supported by modular seating, distributed connectivity, and repeatable, preset-driven workflows. The installer engineered the audio system for consistent coverage, fast reconfiguration, and high reliability in a hotel-integrated venue. The process started with use‑case workshops (resident show, concerts, corporate, gala, flat‑floor), then predictive modelling and rigging coordination to define loudspeaker positions, network topology, and redundant signal paths. A flexible backbone was installed—networked audio distribution, distributed fibre/AES/ analogue patch points, and modular FOH locations—so control can move without re-cabling. Commissioning followed a theatre-standard workflow: network setup, system verification, then full alignment using L‑Acoustics P1 and Smaart to optimise frequency response, phase, and intelligibility across multiple audience geometries. Preset-based routing and interfacing were configured to support touring workflows (e.g., AVB, MADI, AES, analogue) while protecting system stability. Audio technology is used in two key ways: (1) L‑ISA immersive mixing for precise localisation and enveloping sound fields for productions and concerts; (2) rapid mode changes to hybrid or traditional LCR and zoned reinforcement for corporate and banquet formats. The results demonstrate even, high impact sound in every configuration, with repeatable and quick turnarounds that do not require re engineering. The theatre operates as a fully “tour ready” platform, improving reliability through structured commissioning, monitoring, and maintenance documentation while maintaining guest comfort via controlled SPL targets and consistent tonal balance. The installer delivered the lighting system as a reconfigurable, show-ready platform that supports rapid venue transformations and multiple event styles. The process began with coordinated planning across lighting, rigging/automation, video and operations to define trim heights, focus zones, patching, and cueing requirements for proscenium, concert, corporate and flat-floor modes. They installed a predominantly LED-based rig with standardised power and data distribution, plus distributed nodes to support alternative FOH and backstage control positions. Commissioning focused on reliability and repeatability: network verification, fixture addressing, baseline calibration, and creation of consistent focus libraries, preset positions, and showfile templates. The control environment (GrandMA2/GrandMA3) was configured for both cue-stack theatre operation and busking workflows, with timecode integration enabling accurate synchronisation with video, automation and SFX. Laser and atmospheric/SFX systems were integrated with defined safety procedures and operational interlocks. Lighting technology is used to reshape the venue’s identity on
demand—high-impact concert looks, nuanced theatrical storytelling, or restrained corporate palettes—while maintaining consistent colour, angle and intensity across changing room geometries. The results include faster changeovers, repeatable visual quality across formats, reduced heat and power load through LED infrastructure. They also deliver higher operational confidence through standardised programming, robust distribution, and CMMS-supported maintenance and compliance. The video system delivered a pixel-accurate, resilient visual platform built for rapid format changes in a hotel-integrated venue. The process started with show-use workshops (resident production, concerts, corporate, ceremonies) to define content formats, routing needs, FOH locations, sightlines, and LED motion requirements. They then built the backbone: fibre/ IP distribution, standardised patching, and a centralised equipment/control environment for clean changeovers. Commissioning focused on stability and repeatability: LED mapping and calibration, genlock/timecode verification, routing validation, and redundancy tests across critical paths. Playback and processing were configured around Disguise GX3 servers (director/actors + active backup) for reliable 4K timelines, Megapixel VR Helios for high-bit-depth LED processing, and a ROSS Ultrix core router with multiviewers for fast source management. Analog Way Aquilon supports layered presentations and corporate switching, while projection systems provide additional surfaces when required. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - THEATRE
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WATERMILL THEATRE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Berkshire, UK Installer Watermill Theatre Submitted By EM Acoustics In the rural countryside of West Berkshire, Watermill Theatre generates a year-round programme of new productions and reimagined classics. In 2025, the theatre staged a production of Jesus Christ Superstar, which demanded a high-performance sound system capable of delivering consistent coverage and vocal intelligibility at levels the theatre’s pre-existing system could not achieve. The Watermill’s unwavering dedication to exciting and accessible storytelling led the theatre to commission a significant and permanent EM Acoustics solution that would be able to meet the artistic and technical demands of this and all future productions. At Watermill Theatre, the proximity of seating to the stage creates an intimate atmosphere between the audience and actors – one where intelligibility and impact are key to the immersive nature of performance in the venue. A high-energy production like Jesus Christ Superstar underpinned the need for a new audio solution to support the rock-driven musical intensity that the theatre’s team imagined. After consulting with a number of sound designers, Watermill selected a combination of EM Acoustics’ flagship Reference Series and EMS Series loudspeakers to make up the new system. For the main system, a central R8 loudspeaker, two R6s on each level, and four R4s were strategically deployed to provide even coverage. Six R5s cover slip seating, with an additional six R5s
covering all remaining audience areas. Two S18 subwoofers, one installed under a staircase and the other mounted on a perch, provide extra power for low frequencies. Twenty-four EMS51 boxes were installed for surround sound, whilst a floating stock of EMS-61s, EMS-41s, and EMS-81s offers flexibility to scale the system up or down depending on the needs of specific productions. EM Acoustics’ Di20D amplifiers provide power and seamless control over a Dante network. Being an old watermill, traditional rigging points were simply not available. To combat this, the team opted for a system of compact loudspeakers widely distributed throughout the auditorium, maintaining both space efficiency and sonic clarity. Having used EM Acoustics loudspeakers previously, Watermill Theatre’s Technical Manager, Neil Starke, was confident that the manufacturer’s compact boxes would deliver the high level of audio clarity and performance that was required. Although the theatre faced serious infrastructural challenges due to the lack of ready rigging options, the compact form factor of the EM Acoustics loudspeakers allowed a highly distributed system be integrated throughout the auditorium. EM Acoustics equipment possesses legendary levels of headroom, even in their smaller boxes, and thus audio coherence, impact and intelligibility were maximised while preserving the rather beautiful nature of the space. Watermill Theatre’s investment in a complete EM Acoustics upgrade has provided the venue with exceptional coherence, uniform and consistent coverage, and dynamic range that guarantees ongoing reliability and future scalability. READ MORE ONLINE
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THE ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA TECHNICAL DETAILS Location London, UK Manufacturers Martin Professional Installer George Townsend of The Royal Ballet and Opera’s Renewal Team Submitted By HARMAN Professional The Royal Ballet and Opera has begun a comprehensive renewal of the Royal Opera House’s lighting infrastructure, installing 90 Martin MAC Viper XIP fixtures as the foundation of a new era for one of the world’s most demanding performance environments. The Royal Opera House in London’s Covent Garden is home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, and, as one of the world’s leading opera and ballet companies, presents a rigorous repertory schedule that requires rapid daily changeovers and a lighting system defined by technical excellence and longevity. The selection of MAC Viper XIP fixtures has led to Martin becoming an Official Partner of the Royal Ballet & Opera. Led by George Townsend, Lighting Project Manager and Lighting Specialist in the venue’s Renewal Team, the project aims to successfully replace a 25-year-old lighting rig while maintaining the venue’s uninterrupted performance schedule and ensuring ongoing re-lighting consistency for returning productions – a significant technical and logistical achievement. Meeting the Repertory Challenge The Royal Opera House’s operational demands are unique in scale and complexity. A typical day features a morning rehearsal of one opera or ballet, followed by an evening performance of an entirely different production, with complete set and lighting changeovers accomplished in a matter of hours. “It’s a bit like touring internally – we do it every day. It’s quite rare for a show to sit on stage for an entire day,” says Townsend. “We have a fixed rig that is utilised across all productions,” he continues. “Designers obviously can supplement that with extra bars and lights on set pieces, but the aim is to try and light with the core rig as much as possible. For the efficient changeovers, and for when that show comes back, it’s a quicker revival process. “The Martin MAC Viper XIPs have given the Royal Opera House a lot more functionality and many more creative options so there is less need to supplement the rig, making the whole of our processes more efficient. And being modern reliable fixtures things are coming back on the stage exactly how they are expected to.” The additional challenge was the overlap with productions lit with the previous system. “We have to bring in new systems while still doing productions, and a lot of productions overlap,” explains Townsend. “We decided to create a new lighting rig that we could install under our old rig. Some shows would use the old one as we transitioned, and newer or revived shows would use the new one.” The phased approach allowed productions to transition gradually between systems, with the last show using the old rig—the ballet Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland—completing its run in June before the old over stage system was de-rigged. Selection Criteria The fixture selection process involved an extensive shootout at the Backstage Centre in Purfleet, adjacent to the RBOs scenic
workshops, bringing together not only internal lighting team members, lighting designers and broadcast lighting directors, but also peers from organisations including the National Theatre and English National Opera. “Beyond performance, the bigger driver was policy and longterm support,” Townsend explains. “Martin’s UK support via Live Technology and directly was a big factor: provision of spare parts, MAC Attack training, and that sense of a robust service infrastructure.” Build quality proved a critical differentiator. “There’s a very obvious difference between the MAC range and some competitors, in terms of how solid they feel,” he notes. “Given how long we keep rigs in service – and how often shows come back after a couple of years – we needed something that would recreate designers’ work consistently over a long period.” Jack Champion, acting Head of Lighting, agrees: “When we first saw the Martin MAC Viper XIP we knew it would have a place in our rig – the question was how many and where. The build quality combined with the form factor and the output were a formidable combination.” An unexpected benefit emerged during the project: the IP-rated fixtures have significantly improved maintenance workflows. “IP rating actually wasn’t on our original wish list at all, but we ended up with an almost all-IP overhead rig, and it’s made a huge difference,” Townsend reveals. “It’s not about weather – this is an indoor house – but dust and general environmental contamination.” Virtual Opera House Drives Selection A key element in the project was an extensive visualisation process that preceded physical installation by over a year. “Although it looks like we’ve ‘just’ put the lights in, we’ve actually been working with them for over a year in the virtual Opera House,” Townsend explains. This visualisation is essential for the venue’s workflow, allowing lighting designers to build their shows before arriving on stage. The accuracy of the fixture models in the virtual environment was critical to providing designer confidence in the process. “The anti-shutter collision technology within the MAC Viper XIP proved difficult for the RBO to replicate in Visualisation, with the fixture being in control of this function and not the lighting console.” notes Townsend. “Martin collaborated with the RBO to bring a classic viper framing option to the Viper XIP holding regular development calls between the RBO and Henrick Kristensen (Product Manager, Martin Professional) and product testing sessions with the Lighting Control and Visualisation Team at the RBO. Martin’s support and determination to implement these firmware changes has been invaluable.” Comprehensive Rig Design The new installation distributes 90 MAC Viper fixtures across multiple positions: overhead light bridges carrying the bulk of moving lights above the stage, proscenium positions with crossbridge mounting and two runs of fixtures, front of house positions integrated with the venue’s historic architecture, including candelabras on circle fronts and fixtures under circle fronts across three levels, dome positions at the top of the auditorium shooting down to the stage. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED - TRANSPORT & BUILT ENVIRONMENT OCULUS – GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Houston, Texas, United States Installer Ford AV Submitted By AV Stumpfl George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston has unveiled the Oculus, a 69-metre elliptical LED installation suspended between terminal levels. Integrated by Ford AV, it uses over 2,000 Nanolumens modules to form a seamless curved canvas of nearly 49 million pixels. Powered by PIXERA media servers, the system delivers motion-responsive visuals that react to passenger movement below. Serving as both an architectural landmark and storytelling platform, the Oculus creates a striking digital gateway that celebrates Houston’s identity for millions of travellers each year. Ford AV served as system integrator for the Oculus installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, working alongside display manufacturer Nanolumens and immersive experience studio Gentilhomme to realise the ambitious architectural media feature. The concept called for a suspended LED structure that would function simultaneously as a sculptural architectural element and a dynamic storytelling platform within one of the airport’s busiest passenger concourses. The installation needed to be visible from both the arrivals and departures levels while maintaining image continuity across a complex curved surface. Unlike conventional LED video walls constructed from flat rectangular cabinets, the Oculus structure forms a truncated elliptical cone composed of continuous arcs. Achieving this geometry required the development of more than 2,000 custom Nanolumens Nixel Series LED modules, each engineered with precise trapezoidal shapes to maintain the installation’s smooth elliptical curvature. Ford AV coordinated the integration of the LED system, content playback infrastructure and control platforms. PIXERA media servers power the playback environment, delivering the high-resolution media content that drives the nearly 49-million-pixel display. The servers interface with Smart Monkeys’ ISAAC control platform and Nanolumens’ NanoSuite display management system to provide centralised monitoring, scheduling and system diagnostics. Occupancy sensors installed beneath the structure capture passenger movement and feed real-time data into the media system. PIXERA processes this information to dynamically adapt the visual content displayed across the curved LED surface, creating an interactive environment that responds organically to activity within the terminal. The Oculus project presented several significant technical and architectural challenges. The most notable was the complexity of the structure itself. Unlike standard LED installations built from uniform rectangular cabinets, the Oculus required a precisely engineered curved surface forming a truncated elliptical cone. Every module had to be custom designed and aligned within millimetre tolerances to maintain a continuous visual surface
across the entire 69-metre structure. To achieve this geometry, Nanolumens developed nine unique LED frame shapes and fabricated dozens of custom frames to construct the eight arc sections that form the display. This level of bespoke engineering required extensive factory testing and validation before installation could begin. Another challenge was ensuring long-term reliability within a busy international airport environment. The installation operates in a bright, high-traffic terminal where visibility, durability and maintainability are critical. The LED system was therefore designed with front-service access, allowing individual panels to be replaced without disrupting adjacent sections. Finally, the system needed to support interactive content while maintaining continuous operation. PIXERA media servers play a crucial role in managing the display’s high-resolution content and responding to real-time passenger movement data, ensuring smooth, responsive visuals across the nearly 49-million-pixel display. The Oculus installation at George Bush Intercontinental Airport represents a landmark achievement in architectural digital media. Spanning 69 metres and delivering nearly 49 million pixels of resolution, the installation transforms a major airport concourse into an immersive visual environment that welcomes and engages travellers from around the world. Suspended at a dramatic angle between two terminal levels, the LED structure functions as both a sculptural architectural centrepiece and a dynamic storytelling platform. READ MORE ONLINE
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SHORTLISTED - TRANSPORT & BUILT ENVIRONMENT PORTLAND INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Portland, Oregon Architect ZGF Architects Acoustician Arup Installer PAE Engineers Submitted By Copper Leaf Media Portland International Airport (PDX), the largest in Oregon, is undergoing a major redevelopment as part of the PDX Next programme. The expansion focuses on enhancing passenger experience through innovative architecture and technology. PAE Engineers, alongside Arup consultants and ZGF Architects, designed the terminal’s extension, adding 40% more space with sustainable infrastructure and improved wireless communication. To meet the project’s audio needs, Renkus-Heinz ICONYX Compact ICC 12/3 loudspeakers were selected to integrate seamlessly into the terminal’s design, housed within custom Integrated Technology Poles. This solution ensures exceptional speech intelligibility throughout the terminal while blending discreetly with the modern architecture. To address the technology needs of the open-concept terminal, ZGF Architects and PAE Engineers developed an innovative solution: custom-designed Integrated Technology Poles created specifically for the project. The modular structures, fabricated from 100% metal, were designed to house multiple technologies, including loudspeakers. The poles incorporate fire alarm coverage, cameras, lighting, WiFi and access points alongside the audio technology. Designed to be rotatable for precise alignment, they work in harmony with the ICONYX Compact ICC 12/3’s beam-steering technology. The poles were prefabricated off-site, allowing them to be delivered fully assembled for efficient installation and minimal disruption to the public. Extensive testing was conducted prior to installation, including a full-scale mock-up of the poles with CONYX Compact ICC 12/3 speakers installed in an airplane hangar. “We invited the airport’s client team to experience the system firsthand,” Ryan Lalum, Senior Associate at PAE Engineers recalls. “Everyone was blown away by the clarity and performance. It sealed the decision to go with Renkus-Heinz.” The ICONYX Compact ICC 12/3’s advanced beam-steering technology delivers broad coverage patterns and tight dispersion, ensuring supreme audio quality. The technology allowed integrators to direct sound precisely where required, minimizing interference and ensuring intelligibility, even when the open terminal is extremely busy and noisy. The system provides 100% coverage throughout the space, delivering clear audio for paging announcements, wayfinding and general communications. The loudspeakers also ensure focused audio in passenger flow areas, whilst minimizing spillover into operational zones. Dante connectivity simplifies integration with the airport’s digital infrastructure, enabling individually addressable speakers and streamlined maintenance. Even when the terminal is experiencing high footfall and noise levels, the ICONYX Compact ICC 12/3 loudspeakers ensure
focused audio in the right places, so everyone who needs to hear the announcements will do so. Additionally, the seamless integration of the loudspeakers into the poles allows the airport’s aesthetic to remain as intended – bright, spacious and uncluttered. The slim form factor of the poles ensures they don’t disturb the flow of terminal or block walkways, whilst remaining in keeping with the ‘natural’ look of the space, mirroring the shape of the trees and wooden ceiling panels. Additionally, PAE Engineers helped design the terminal’s sustainable systems, including a new groundwater heating and cooling system. The design needed to balance energy efficiency with passenger comfort while avoiding disruptive noise. The resulting system delivers a 90% reduction in fossil fuel usage while maintaining optimal temperature control and sound quality. READ MORE ONLINE
SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL HOLIDAY SHOW TECHNICAL DETAILS Location San Francisco Lighting Designer Lumen and Forge Installer Lumen and Forge Submitted By Lumen and Forge Lumen & Forge was brought in to transform one of America’s most iconic civic landmarks into a month-long holiday spectacle designing, producing, and operating a large-scale architectural projection experience on San Francisco City Hall in close creative partnership with the city. The program featured a 10-minute original animated show playing every 30 minutes from 5:30 PM to midnight, with a continuous ambient loop keeping the façade alive with warmth and motion between showings. The system deployed 40 Barco 40K lumen projectors across six projection locations, all synchronized over a custom wireless network, with automated calibration ensuring pixel-accurate alignment. One of the most unexpectedly magical elements of the City Hall project was something most people never saw. The audio. Rather than blasting a traditional PA system across Civic Center Plaza, Lumen & Forge made the bold choice to deliver the show’s entire soundtrack through personal headphone streaming powered by Pladia’s Event Sync platform. This wasn’t a compromise. It was a revelation. City Hall doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It sits surrounded by residential buildings, cultural institutions, and government offices, all of which have every right to a quiet evening. Pumping amplified sound loud enough to match the scale of a 40-projector architectural show, repeating every 30 minutes from 5:30 PM to midnight, would have turned the holiday season into a neighborhood nightmare. A conventional sound system was never going to fly. So Lumen & Forge flipped the script. Using Pladia’s Event Sync, audience members simply scanned a QR code on their smartphones to launch a Progressive Web App with no download required. The platform delivered high fidelity audio to personal headphones with lip sync precision, perfectly synchronized to the projection timeline through integrated show control triggers. Suddenly the soundtrack wasn’t just audible. It was personal. Music, ambient textures,
narrative elements, all delivered intimately, as if the show had been designed for an audience of one. Audio intelligibility through headphones absolutely crushed what any speaker system could have achieved competing with traffic, wind, and crowd chatter across an open plaza. The experience became richer, more emotionally immediate for those who plugged in, while casual passersby still enjoyed the full visual spectacle on its own terms. Event Sync’s network resilient architecture preloaded audio when users launched the app, ensuring dependable playback even when thousands of devices shared the same cellular environment. Operationally the system was beautifully lean. Just clean, scalable infrastructure that performed flawlessly across weeks of continuous operation. The result was something quietly extraordinary. A system that honored the site, respected the neighbors, and wrapped every willing audience member in a complete audiovisual experience without a single speaker pointed at the building. The visual heart of the City Hall holiday show was a 40-projector array using Barco 40K-lumen class units, deployed to illuminate one of the most architecturally demanding civic façades in the country. San Francisco City Hall isn’t a flat canvas waiting for light. It’s a deeply sculpted Beaux-Arts masterpiece, alive with columns, cornices, recessed windows, layered setbacks, and heavy ornamental relief that creates a shifting landscape of shadow and surface. Every detail catches and rejects light differently, which means projection mapping at this scale isn’t just about brightness. It’s about precision. Lumen & Forge engineered the projection layout to deliver seamless coverage across the full façade, accounting for surface depth, material reflectivity, and the angular relationship between each projector and the architecture it was painting. To maintain geometric accuracy over a month of outdoor operation, the team implemented an automated calibration workflow using Vertex software paired with VIOSO Projection Tools, correcting for environmental drift caused by temperature swings, wind load, and the settling that happens when infrastructure lives outside for weeks. READ MORE ONLINE
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TRANSPORT & BUILT ENVIRONMENT BURJ KHALIFA DUBAI DOWNTOWN TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Lighting Designer Systems Integrator Submitted By
Dubai, UAE Kvant Show Production Kvant Show Production Kvant Show Production
The client commissioned a permanent transformation of the Burj Khalifa from an occasional projection canvas into integrated vertical light architecture. The brief demanded a shift from temporary spectacle to sustainable urban infrastructure—creating a nightly artistic landmark intrinsic to Dubai’s identity. We were tasked with designing a programmable, weather-resistant light system operating at 828 meters. We responded by integrating 70 Kvant laser systems and 250 beam fixtures directly into the tower’s façade, synchronised with nine surrounding towers. The solution functions as permanent infrastructure rather than event technology, requiring seamless integration with the building’s structure and the wider Downtown Dubai skyline. We equipped the Burj Khalifa with: – 70x Kvant Monsoon Atom 70 – 250x Kvant 600 Prestige Beam All permanently integrated into the facade, transforming the tower into a controllable vertical instrument for large-scale beam compositions. We extended the composition beyond a single building. Nine surrounding towers joined the synchronized skyline architecture, each equipped with: – 12x Kvant 600 Prestige Beam – 2x Kvant Monsoon Atom 70 This created a coordinated, multi-building activation across Dubai. Extreme environment engineering standard lighting equipment failed rapidly during initial testing at altitude. At 828 meters, fixtures faced 50°C heat, sand infiltration, and intense UV exposure. We deployed custom-adapted Kvant Monsoon and Prestige units with sealed optics and redundant cooling systems, turning environmental stress into a design parameter rather than a limitation. Vertical installation logistics integrating 320 fixtures across the world’s tallest facade required specialized rope-access protocols and complex rigging for the upper tiers. We engineered modular mounting systems allowing for efficient installation and singletechnician maintenance without disrupting building operations—a critical factor for the long-term viability of permanent infrastructure at extreme height. Signal integrity across scale maintaining synchronisation across 828 meters of vertical complexity, plus nine neighbouring towers, demanded overcoming signal degradation in a dense urban RF environment. We implemented a robust fiber-optic backbone with redundant signal paths, ensuring millisecond-precise coordination
across the entire district, regardless of electromagnetic interference. Urban coordination complexity the phased installation across nine additional towers involved navigating multiple stakeholders, building management systems (BMS), and municipal coordination. We established unified control protocols and a centralized monitoring architecture, treating the Dubai skyline as a single programmable instrument rather than a collection of isolated installations. Long-term sustainability and monitoring shifting from temporary event logic to permanent infrastructure required a complete rethink of component lifespan and maintenance. We developed proprietary real-time monitoring software that tracks every fixture’s internal performance (temperature, humidity, signal). This enables predictive maintenance, ensuring that the artistic precision and beam alignment remain consistent year after year, despite the brutal environmental conditions. This project redefines the relationship between architecture, light, and urban identity. Unlike temporary projections or decorative façades, we transformed the world’s tallest building into a permanent light instrument—establishing a new category of infrastructural art that operates continuously as part of Dubai’s urban fabric. The technical achievement is unprecedented: We integrated 320 custom-engineered fixtures (250 Kvant 600 Prestige Beams and 70 Monsoon Atom 70 lasers) directly into the Burj Khalifa’s facade at heights reaching 828 meters. By synchronising these with 126 additional units across nine neighbouring towers, we solved challenges no standard AV installation faces: extreme desert survival at altitude, vertical signal integrity, and urban-scale coordination across ten structures. Our innovation extends beyond technology to a new conceptual framework. We shifted industry thinking from “events on buildings” to “buildings as art,” creating a programmable infrastructure that generates decades of cultural value. The work demonstrates how high-end AV integration can transform global landmarks into living cultural assets rather than temporary canvases. The impact is both measurable and sustained: a 2 billion global reach during major activations and a nightly presence in the world’s most photographed skyline. More significantly, we’ve created a replicable model for urban light architecture—proving that technical infrastructure can become permanent public art. This project represents the future of our industry: where AV integration, architectural lighting, and urban design converge to create enduring cultural infrastructure. It deserves recognition not merely for its monumental scale, but for establishing new possibilities in how technology serves cities and their global identities. By combining engineering discipline with artistic vision, the Burj Khalifa Vertical Light Sculpture stands as one of the most ambitious permanent installations ever realised. READ MORE ONLINE
SHORTLISTED SUSTAINABILITY AWARD ESTONIAN THEATRES TRANSITION TO LED TECHNICAL DETAILS Submitted By Robe Robe’s Estonian distributor, Tallin-based E&T, helped deliver a nationwide initiative across Estonia aimed to transition 10 major theatres from ageing tungsten and halogen lighting to energyefficient LED solutions. Driven by the theatre community and supported by the Ministry of Culture, the brief required highperformance, sustainable fixtures tailored to diverse venues. A total of 15 different Robe products have been specified across the 10 venues, including T1 and T2 Profiles, Fresnels and Follow Spots, LEDBeam 350s, Spiiders, iParFect FWQ RGBWs and RGBWs, T11 Profiles, T32 Cyc Slims, LedPOINTES, Tetra2s, TetraXs, FOOTSIE2 Slims and RoboSpot Base Stations. Each theatre’s lighting department chose its own individual wish list of the most appropriate luminaires specific to their individual needs and venues, assessed according to the sizes, shapes, headroom and other physical parameters, as well as the demands of their programming in terms of style and genre of productions. The primary technological shift is the transition from traditional tungsten and halogen sources to advanced LED lighting, delivering a dramatic reduction in energy consumption. In addition to energy efficiency, the fixtures are designed for longevity and reduced maintenance, significantly lowering operational costs and environmental impact over time. Quiet
operation was also a critical factor, ensuring that performances are not disrupted in acoustically sensitive environments. Each theatre’s lighting department chose its own individual wish list of the most appropriate luminaires specific to their individual needs and venues, assessed according to the sizes, shapes, headroom and other physical parameters, as well as the demands of their programming in terms of style and genre of productions. The primary technological shift is the transition from traditional tungsten and halogen sources to advanced LED lighting, delivering a dramatic reduction in energy consumption. In addition to energy efficiency, the fixtures are designed for longevity and reduced maintenance, significantly lowering operational costs and environmental impact over time. Quiet operation was also a critical factor, ensuring that performances are not disrupted in acoustically sensitive environments. One of the key challenges was the scale and coordination of a nationwide upgrade spanning 10 theatres, each with unique technical specifications, architectural constraints, and programming needs. Achieving a unified sustainability goal while accommodating these individual requirements needed careful planning and collaboration. Another significant challenge was navigating the administrative and logistical complexity of a publicly funded initiative. READ MORE ONLINE
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LEGRAND SELECTS NATUREFLEX TECHNICAL DETAILS Manufacturers Legrand Legrand announced a major sustainability milestone with the transition of its wall plate packaging (excluding the adorne Collection) to compostable, bio-based NatureFlex material. This shift is expected to replace 117 tons of single-use, fossil-fuelbased plastic annually, marking progress toward Legrand’s goal to eliminate 100% of single-use plastic from its packaging by 2030. The 18-month initiative entailed more than 5,000 hours of engineering research, testing, and material evaluation. After extensive validation, Legrand selected NatureFlex, a BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute)-certified compostable packaging film derived from renewable, responsibly sourced cellulose. “This shift to NatureFlex packaging represents meaningful progress toward our environmental sustainability goals,” said Ratish Namboothiry, VP, Sustainability & Corporate Social Responsibility, Legrand, North & Central America. “Our teams worked tirelessly to re-engineer packaging that protects the product and reduces its impact on the environment.” NatureFlex, produced by Futamura, offers the durability and protective performance required for retail environments, while providing a compostable, end-of-life pathway through industrial composting under appropriate conditions. Its USDA-certified, bio-based composition allows manufacturers like Legrand to replace traditional petroleum-based plastics without sacrificing functionality. “We’re thrilled to partner with Legrand on this transformative packaging initiative,” said Yasuo Nagae, President of Futamura. “NatureFlex was designed to help global brands transition away from fossil-fuel-based plastics without compromising performance. Legrand’s commitment demonstrates how responsible material choices can create measurable environmental benefits across an entire product category.” Delivering Impact at Scale The transition applies to Legrand’s entire standard wall plate portfolio, offering immediate environmental benefits across one of the company’s highest-volume product lines. “This project was far more than a packaging redesign; it was a complete rethinking of how we deliver our products responsibly,” added Racheal Rich, Pass & Seymour Sr. Product Manager, Legrand, North & Central America, who oversaw the material evaluation process. “Our goal is to lead the industry with solutions that reduce waste, protect resources, and set new standards for sustainability.” A Milestone in Legrand’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Journey Legrand’s CSR strategy focuses on mitigating climate change, developing a circular economy, promoting inclusion, serving its customers, and being a responsible business. Transitioning a highvolume product category to compostable packaging represents a meaningful step toward reducing the company’s environmental footprint. NatureFlex packaging will begin appearing in retail and distribution channels as updated wall plate packaging phases in throughout 2026. READ MORE ONLINE
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THE COURTYARD’S ETC LED UPGRADE TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Hereford, UK Manufacturers ETC Distributor Stage Lighting Services Installer Stage Lighting Services Submitted By ETC and Stage Lighting Services In a major step towards sustainability and energy efficiency, The Courtyard theatre in Hereford, UK has completed a comprehensive lighting upgrade across its three main performance spaces, featuring a range of ETC fixtures and systems supplied and installed by ETC dealer Stage Lighting Services. Following an independent professional energy audit in March 2023, The Courtyard identified lighting as the single most transformative area for reducing its electricity usage and carbon footprint. The project, undertaken throughout August 2025, reflects a long-term commitment to sustainability, technical excellence and an enhanced experience for audiences and visiting artists alike. Stage Lighting Services were selected as the preferred supplier and installation specialists, having worked together previously with The Courtyard. The upgrade spans the three main performance spaces: Main House (400 seats), Studio Theatre (125 seats), and Nell Gwynne space (100 seats), replacing legacy tungsten fixtures with efficient and flexible ETC LED solutions. The Courtyard Theatre’s lighting upgrade brought a range of ETC products chosen for efficiency, versatility, and performance. ColorSource PAR units replaced Par 64s to deliver bold colors for music and comedy events, typically used as backlight or pipe-end lighting. ColorSource Fresnel V fixtures provided soft, natural theatre tones for top light, with a nine-point stage wash and additional provision for dance booms. Source Four LED Series 3 with the Lustr X8 array replaced 750W tungsten profiles for FOH washes, gobo washes, and onstage specials, also with extra units
for dance lighting. ColorSourceThruPower maintained dimming flexibility across 164 channels for visiting productions. The system is controlled via a Gio @5 console, replacing the Main House Ion XE, which now serves the Studio Theatre, offering enhanced programming options and quality control. The impact is already measurable: The Courtyard anticipates up to a 90% reduction in energy usage across its performance and rehearsal spaces. The new Main House lighting rig alone is projected to save approximately 14 tonnes of carbon annually, averaging just 36 kilograms of carbon per performance. The new ETC additions has also allowed The Courtyard’s technical team to increase their creative flexibility, improve production values, and significantly reduce power consumption. Lighting setups are faster to program and adjust, freeing staff to focus on future planning and maintenance. This project highlights The Courtyard theatre’s ongoing dedication to sustainability, artistic innovation, and community impact. By partnering with ETC and Stage Lighting Services, the venue ensures it remainsboth environmentally responsible and technically equipped for the future of live performance. ETC Associate Regional Manager, Matt Cowles comments: “ETC is proud to support The Courtyard Theatre and its commitment to sustainability. Thanks to the expertise of Stage Lighting Services for delivering the project and upgrading the theatre to a greener, more flexible lighting system from ETC.” Head of Lighting at Stage Lighting Services, Scott Bainbridge adds: “We were delighted to supply and install ETC’s comprehensive LED lighting system for The Courtyard. Our working relationship with Technical Manager Dave Beever spans over ten years, and we are proud that our collaboration has resulted in such substantial gains for the venue. This project achieves dramatic energy savings and provides the team with a flexible, high-quality lighting rig that future-proofs the venue for years to come.” READ MORE ONLINE
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SUSTAINABILITY AWARD LE PETIT CAB TECHNICAL DETAILS Location Marseille, Paris Manufacturers PikiP Solar Speakers Installer PikiP Solar Speakers In September 2025, the large complex La Friche la Belle de Mai unveiled Le Petit Cab, a new 300-capacity performance space in Marseille, and, in doing so, set a European first. The venue is now believed to be the continent’s first current music space whose entire audiovisual setup runs on a fully autonomous, solar-powered system. The project was delivered in partnership with Marseille-based manufacturer PikiP Solar Speakers, whose solar energy storage and audio technologies power the room’s sound, lighting, and control infrastructure. Le Petit Cab, led by the BISOU cooperation, was conceived as more than an additional stage. The brief was to create a space aligned with the owner’s ecological transition goals and capable of modelling new production standards for live music venues. Julien Feuillet, Founder of PikiP Solar Speakers, explained: “La Friche is a major avant-garde cultural space that promotes a range of incredible artists. In le Petit Cab, they wanted to imagine an autonomous and responsible space, which is part of the reason they came to us, as these commitments are a big part of our ethos at PikiP.” PikiP’s role in this project is also a result of the manufacturer’s previous work with Le Petit Cab. “We’ve supplied equipment for festivals and events inside the larger La Friche space before,” Feuillet continued. “It’s a big venue, with many areas, and a big team, so it’s beneficial that we already had an understanding of this going into the installation. “Collaborating with La Friche has been a valuable opportunity to implement a permanent installation in the space and demonstrate the versatility of our systems.” For about ten years, La Friche has been part of an ecological transition approach. It has already managed to reduce its energy consumption by 45% since 2018, thanks to a 1,500 m² photovoltaic power plant that produces 25% of the energy consumed on the site. Le Petit Cab’s investment in PikiP marks the next step in this environmentally conscious move. To guarantee the energy autonomy of the Petit Cab, fifteen solar panels have been installed on the roof by PikiP. They are themselves connected to three of the manufacturer’s SE10000 power stations, which each provide 10.2 kWh of autonomy and 10 kVA of power. Together, they supply the entire scenic infrastructure – PA system, stage lighting, and control room. The stations are modular and mobile, allowing different configurations both indoors and outdoors.
The sound diffusion system consists of six high-performance PikiPVCH30 speakers with constant curvature suspended in the room to ensure homogeneous coverage. They have a conical-exponential pavilion with multiple inputs and offer constant directivity on a band of 85-18,000 Hz. Alongside this are two PikiP VTL218 hybrid subwoofers with double resonators, placed on the floor in front of the stage. Then, on stage, six of the manufacturer’s VCX12 full-band coaxial speakers provide accurate feedback for artists. The entire system is processed through preset-based multiconfiguration processing, allowing different acoustic setups to be selected and optimised depending on the venue layout and programming requirements. This solution operates sixteen channels of PikiP amplifiers, which use PikiP’s patented DC amp technology central to the installation. By working directly in direct current rather than repeatedly converting between AC and DC, the system avoids the energy losses typically associated with transformation stages, as Feuillet said that such losses can accumulate to around 5% at each step, and then snowball from there. “You produce the energy, you store it, and you use it as efficiently as possible,” he added. Yann Loric, Technical Director at La Friche, stated proudly: “The scenic sound, light and video equipment has been completely disconnected from the main grid. It is now powered by energy stations connected to photovoltaic panels, with a target of 95% autonomy and solar-panel energy-only usage.” Feuillet affirmed this, revealing: “Our technology is battery priority, with these batteries charged by our solar panels. The system integrates an automatic transfer switch that requests support from the grid only in emergency situations, such as prolonged bad weather or unusually high energy consumption leading to an abnormally low battery state of charge. In other words, if the battery level drops below 10%, the system automatically requests support from the grid to ensure uninterrupted operation, without programmers or technicians even noticing it.” Le Petit Cab’s launch programme included a performance from US-based DJ Carl Craig, demonstrating the system’s ability to handle high-level electronic performance within the autonomous framework. To this, the PikiP founder said, “We were able to prove just how incredibly such sustainable, energy-conscious systems can work.” According to La Friche’s Loric, the long-term aim is to make energy self-sufficiency the standard rather than exceptional. Feuillet shares a similar sentiment, as he concluded: “We want to encourage music venues around the world to explore new energy solutions and become independent from the energy grid. With proven reliability and professional-grade performance, our systems offer a viable and forward-thinking alternative.”
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