In the world of audio-visual installations, there's a captivating story unfolding at the Duncraig Adventure Hub in Perth, Australia. This project, with its A$9.3 million budget, is a testament to the power of design and innovation in creating inclusive community spaces. The heart of this story lies in the roller disco rink, a space that has become a beacon for female empowerment and a showcase of cutting-edge technology.
A Vision for Inclusion
The City of Joondalup had a bold vision: to create a facility that would appeal to a diverse range of age groups, but with a specific focus on making it inviting for girls. Research revealed a gap in youth facilities that often cater predominantly to young boys, so the roller disco was born. It was designed to be a space where 85% of the audience would be female, a bold goal that has been successfully achieved.
The Challenge: Specialized Audio and Lighting
ETC Solutions and Cablewise AV (CAV) were faced with a unique challenge: to create an integrated audio and lighting system that could transform the rink into a vibrant, public activation zone at the touch of a button. The solution had to be user-friendly, adaptable, and robust enough to withstand an outdoor environment.
Innovative Design: Technology Towers
The centerpiece of the roller disco is four technology towers, each featuring CAV's custom boom box-style LED lights. These lights are programmed to create dynamic effects, from chasing and cascading to strobing, offering a full range of RGBW color mixing and animation. Each tower also houses digital moving head LED light projectors and gobo image projection, all integrated with audio and lighting components.
Audio Excellence: K-array Speakers
The audio system is equally impressive. K-array Kayman-KY102 line array speakers were chosen for their ability to deliver high SPL levels and full-range audio properties within the slim dimensions of the towers. These passive speakers have proven their worth in outdoor projects, and their IP64 rating makes them ideal for the outdoor environment.
Subwoofers and Amplifiers: A Powerful Combination
To enhance the low-end frequencies, K-array Rumble-KU212 12-inch omni subwoofers were installed on either side of the rink. These subwoofers, with their steel enclosures, are designed for outdoor use and can deliver low frequencies down to 35Hz. The arrays and subwoofers are powered by a Kommander-KA208 8x2,500W DSP amplifier, providing precise control over the loudspeakers.
Synced Audio and Lighting: A Dynamic Experience
The audio and lighting systems are synced within the Q-SYS Core 110f processor, allowing for the hosting of shows tailored to the time of day and event theme. The space is versatile, supporting community events, performances, and entertainment with carefully crafted light and sound effects. The Pharos lighting control system and scheduler ensure that the music and lighting are in perfect harmony, with audio peaks intensifying the lighting effects.
User-Friendly Interface: A Key Consideration
With multiple stakeholders and departments involved, the user-friendly interface was a critical aspect of the project. As Roberto Scaturro from CAV notes, "Ease-of-use operations are vital... An end user just wants to press a button to ensure their event takes off." The fixed touchpanel under the canopy provides centralized control, integrating source inputs, wireless microphones, and a crowdDJ managed service.
Future-Proofing and Customization
Q-SYS simplified programming with its plugins for K-array and Pharos, and the system was future-proofed with the integration of Dante networking. Audio and lighting presets are adapted based on the age group or event, backed by Nightlife and crowdDJ playlists. An account manager was also contracted to create customized playlists for various users.
A Unique Experience: Beyond the Roller Disco
The audio system extends beyond the roller disco, providing high-quality, reliable sound across the entire site. Tannoy VLS speakers, powered by Lab Gruppen E Series amplifiers, deliver consistent coverage and high-output clarity in the skatepark, pump track areas, and bowl.
A Success Story: Female Empowerment and Positive Feedback
The roller disco has achieved its goal of attracting an 85% female audience, balancing the more male-focused skate and bike components of the facility. User data confirms its success, and the positive feedback from end users, including a DJ who praised the audio quality and ease-of-use settings, is a testament to the project's excellence.
In conclusion, the Duncraig Adventure Hub's roller disco rink is a shining example of how innovative design and technology can create inclusive, vibrant community spaces. It's a project that showcases the power of audio-visual installations to transform spaces and empower users.
