The multi-purpose Gdańsk Institute of Urban Culture auditorium features an immersive experience with L-ISA technology from L-Acoustics
Based in the Kunszt Wodny (Water Art) building, a converted water plant which features a river running underneath, the Institute creates and plays hosts to a vast range of projects designed to promote culture and nurture Gdańsk’s rich heritage.
“Gdańsk has always been blessed with a pioneering, independent way of thinking,” said Pawel Kuhn, Audio Plus marketing director. “Everything starts here – one might say – and innovative spaces like Gdańsk Institute of Urban Culture with its L-ISA immersive experience help the community’s cultural vibrancy to flourish.”
The impressive building also boasts a 50 square-metre interactive model of the city, a café, a bookstore, three workshop rooms, and an auditorium, which Audio Plus has equipped with a state-of-the-art L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound system. Hosting everything from cinema, concerts, and theatre productions to conferences and commercial hires, the 250-capacity auditorium space is very adaptable.
“The city of Gdańsk required the space to be a special, one-of-a-kind venue that would offer a spectacular cultural experience,” explained Kuhn.
Audio Plus’ long-time contractor Sound Design and Stage Technology proposed an immersive audio technology design based on L-Acoustics L-ISA technology for the space. The city of Gdańsk was excited by the idea, and the proposal was accepted.
Audio Plus, L-Acoustics certified provider distributor in Poland, was appointed general contractor for the project to provide sound and stage technology for the entire venue. This included the auditorium, overseeing a mix of several subcontractors, with lighting delivered by LTT, stage mechanics by BSC, cinema equipment via Awaco, and finishing touches, including the acoustic cladding, entrusted to ESM Systems.
“To help bring this kind of innovative thinking and technology to the city is an achievement for Audio Plus, as well as an incredible honour,” added Kuhn. “The L-Acoustics L-ISA installation looks light and simple in the space but is unbelievably powerful at the same time. It’s everything we could have wanted.”
The final configuration consisted of five hangs of two L-Acoustics A10i spread across the proscenium, with two flown hangs of two KS21i subwoofers. Seven 5XT placed along the stage lip provide spatial fill. Twelve X8, each on the side and back walls, provide surround, while six further X8 mounted in the ceiling provide overhead. The system is powered by five LA2Xi and one LA4X amplified controllers while an L-ISA Processor II manages object-based spatialisation. A stage monitor system of four X12 and eight X8 is powered by two LA4X amplified controllers.