A K-array system was chosen to provide sound reinforcement for two ambitious multimedia installations – Wonderfall and Digital Sky – at Singapore’s Changi Airport, which is consistently voted one of the world’s best airports by Skytrax.
The two multimedia installations were created by multimedia studio Moment Factory, in close collaboration with the design studio BOIFFILS Architectures, and implemented by systems integrators Electronics & Engineering (Wonderfall) and Electro-Acoustics Systems (Digital Sky). Moment Factory also designed the soundscape of both installations and selected a K-array system to provide sound reinforcement for this ambitious installation.
Both installations, whilst clearly of a visual focus, required sound systems that would blend into the space whilst providing high-quality, lifelike soundscapes. Both the Wonderfall and Digital Sky are set amongst vegetation, so K-array’s IP64-certified loudspeakers make them an ideal choice in the presence of water and humidity.
Wonderfall is a landmark feature of the Terminal 2 departure hall. Here, a four-story digital waterfall, measuring 18m wide and 14m high, displays an array of creative waterfall imagery on a 34.4-megapixel LED wall, interspersed with animations and recreations of roaring ocean waves.
The Wonderfall required considerable audio reinforcement as between ambient interludes, the LED screen displays a three-and-a-half-minute show consisting of an immersive waterfall animation set to a piano composition by composer Jean-Michel Blais.
Here, the systems integrators opted for a system based around K-array’s Vyper series loudspeakers. These ultra-flat line arrays create minimal visual impact due to their sleek design.
19 Vyper units are supported by two equally slimline Kobra line array elements and four mid-size Domino units. The addition of four, metre-long Python loudspeakers, each with twelve closely spaced 3.15in neodymium magnet woofers, ensures maximum throw and reproduction of the entire vocal range. These loudspeakers are mounted on the surrounding living wall of foliage to ensure minimal visual distraction.
Four Rumble subwoofers take care of the low-end frequencies, integrated below the wall, whilst a total of 16 metres of Anakonda ultra-flexible loudspeaker units provide a seamless wall of audio around the bottom of the LED wall. The system is driven by five of K-array’s own Kommander KA84 amplifiers, providing powerful DSP and integration with the QSC control system.
Airside, the Digital Sky at Changi Airport’s Dreamscape enjoys audio through K-array’s Vyper, Kobra and Domino loudspeakers. 19 Vyper units ensure consistent audio coverage, reinforced by six Kobra and eight Domino loudspeakers. Audio playback across the Dreamscape and the Wonderfall is handled via Delta Media Server Infinity by 7th Sense.
Joseph Browne, interactive sound designer at Moment Factory, said: “By installing the loudspeakers on the ceiling, balcony and hidden in the vertical garden structures, we could localise the sound of individual birds and wildlife in space. This effect was achieved by using the spatial audio tools in Wise, as well as driven by the location of actors in Unreal Engine. For example, if an eagle flies overhead on the Digital Sky, this triggers a corresponding sound effect in the correct location in the garden sound system.”
The placement of the K-array loudspeakers to create an immersive experience in the Dreamscape Garden is demonstrated every 30 minutes in a show that brings the space to life through a three-dimensional orchestral soundscape utilising all 33 loudspeakers. The sound system allows for the individual instruments to be mixed to different locations in the room, resulting in an enveloping musical experience. Whilst the cellos and strings are played from the ceiling, the piano melody comes from the balconies, whilst the mandolin emanates from the garden loudspeakers, lsurrounding passengers with music.
“By blending a dynamic soundscape with visual content, we’ve created a harmonious environment that immerses guests in the Garden City’s natural beauty,” concluded Atallah. “At Changi Airport, travellers can enjoy moments of true tranquillity and wonder in the midst of one of the world’s busiest transportation hubs.”
