The largest LED ceiling in Europe is part of the Manchester leisure center

In it center of Printworks A thousand square meter LED ceiling has been installed, that covers the interior streets of the enclosure. With more than 10.720.900 pixels and ones 115 meters in length, allows the environment to continually transform to adapt to different audiences and align with live events and brand activations.

He Manchester Printworks leisure center has undergone a remodeling of 21 million pounds and among the initiatives that have been carried out is the design of a new large LED ceiling. The owner of the center, DTZ Investors, has created a world of entertainment with a totally immersive and interactive environment, on a scale not found anywhere else in the UK.

The centerpiece is a new Led ceiling of 1.000 square meters, defined as the largest in Europe, that covers the interior streets of the enclosure. Created by ADI, space transformation specialist, This innovative multimedia architecture integrates with lighting, audio and creative content to offer an experience that evolves from day to night.

With more than 10.720.900 pixels and ones 115 meters in length, The dramatic digital ceiling allows the Printworks interior environment to continually transform to suit different audiences and align with live events and brand activations taking place..

The screen itself incorporates a new fireproof LED product developed by ADI to exceed the strictest safety standards.. The finished MTF, a light and stylish product of the latest generation, has been specifically designed with interior architectural applications in mind. After undergoing rigorous fire tests, It is believed to be the only LED module in the world that meets the BSEN classification. 13501-1.

“The project has not been without challenges given its scale and complexity. The digital ceiling is made up of three separate mega-screens with unusual shapes and at different heights to integrate perfectly into the existing architecture. We also had to go through a rigorous R&D process - with intensive testing and prototype design.- to develop a Led screen product that met the strict fire resistance requirements to incorporate very large format screens in internal public spaces”, comenta Drew Burrow, responsible for custom and creative projects at ADI.

ADI specified powerful media servers Green Hippo to control video playback, lighting and audio, while content scheduling and triggers are managed through an interface SignageLive easy to use.

In line with Printworks' future ambitions, ADI will provide remote production and event broadcast services through its network Live Venue, that connects more than 90 UK stadiums and entertainment venues with their centralized production studios - located in Preston- via dedicated fiber connectivity.

Stunning creativity

ADI worked in collaboration with the Manchester animation studio, Flipbook, to conceptualize and produce a huge variety of content-based experiences for the ceiling, from AI-generated animations to heartwarming story-driven videos.

Each piece is designed to bring the massive digital canvas to life and evolve the visitor experience, including seasonal extravaganzas and beautiful atmospheric content that make the place a must-see attraction.

“There are almost a hundred contents ready, ranging from live action filming to advanced 3D animation, through illustrations generated by artificial intelligence and collaborations with international creatives”, comments Jim Lynch, creative director of ADI.

More interactive experiences will be added in the coming months. The installation of heat map cameras throughout the venue will allow public-generated content to appear on the ceiling in real time, depending on the movement and volume of people in Printworks.

ADI has installed around 1.550 square meters of Led ceilings, digital signage and large format screens on the interior and exterior façade of Printworks.

These include a giant screen 90 square meters for interactive games, as well as other new elements, such as Wayfinders and high level Led tapes, that will attract visitors and improve their experience, while they will support the tenants' commerce.

“This transformation is unprecedented and a game changer for the UK leisure sector. We have created something unique at Printworks that will continue to entertain national and international visitors for years to come.. This has only been possible thanks to the dedication and commitment of a great professional team., that has overcome many challenges over the last five years, from start to delivery”, afirma Ben Haller, DTZ Investors.

“The general renovation has been designed by the architects of Glasgow CDA and the creative team as a whole has been guided throughout the project by creative director David Fraser, Harrison:Fraser, destination specialists. “This project has been extremely exciting and ambitious given its scale and complexity.; We also had the challenges of the global pandemic and the supply chain issues that followed, as well as a custom digital ceiling, the largest in Europe. Despite this, What we have achieved is a digital destination that is not usually seen outside of America or Asia”.

The overall refurbishment has been designed by Glasgow architects CDA and the creative team as a whole has been guided throughout the project by creative director David Fraser, Harrison:Fraser, destination specialists. “This project has been extremely exciting and ambitious given its scale and complexity.. We also had the challenges of the global pandemic and the supply chain issues that followed., as well as a custom digital ceiling, the largest in Europe. Despite this, What we have achieved is a digital destination that is not usually seen outside of America or Asia”.