Moment Factory designs Changi Airport soundscape with K-array

The Terminal 2 This airport has two multimedia experiences designed by Moment Factory, with spectacular images that are combined with the sound systems of K-array to recreate the wonders of Singapore's natural environment and allow passengers to relax on their journey.

Considered one of the best airports in the world by Skytrax, that values ​​the quality and customer experience in this type of facilities, he Changi Airport in Singapore adds a new immersive attraction, to those they already had in another of their terminals, for the enjoyment of passengers.

Named Digital Sky y Wonderfall, These multimedia installations are the work of Moment Factory, in collaboration with the design studio Boiffils Architectures, composed of Electro-Acoustics Systems y Electronics & Engineering, respectively.

Moment Factory has also designed the soundscape of both multimedia installations, for which you selected a system K-array to provide audio reinforcement in these spaces that combine nature with the latest AV technology.

“In our third collaboration with Changi Airport, The trust we already had with the client allowed us to go one step further, both creatively and technically -explains Forbidden Atallah, creative director of Moment Factory-. With these facilities, travelers can immerse themselves in Singapore's nature with two unique experiences on their trip: an amazing moment in Wonderfall and a surprising pause under the digital sky in Digital Sky in it Dreamscape garden”.

Specifically, Digital Sky , a Led installation suspended over the Dreamscape garden from the airport, required an audio system that created a natural soundscape as visitors moved through the space.

He soundscape is generative, which means that, instead of organizing it on a timeline, is done with the software Wwise of Audiokinetic using a random algorithm. The sound can be modified by changing certain parameters and values ​​in real time to activate the density and mixing of all its layers.

Besides, It is possible to control these parameters through a capsule Unreal Engine to respond to the changes in time of day and weather conditions locales, creating a unique experience that combines reality with imagination for passengers waiting for their departure flight.

For your part, Wonderfall It is the first multimedia element inaugurated long ago in the departure hall of the Terminal 2: a four-story digital waterfall, what measures 18 meters wide and 14 s tall, showing a series of creative images of waterfalls in a pared Led of 34,4 megapixels, interspersed with wave animations and recreations that always surprise busy travelers (more details in Digital AV).

Both facilities, although they had a clearly visual focus, required sound systems that were integrated into the space and, at the same time, will provide high-quality, realistic soundscapes.

A K-array solution was chosen due to its performance, reliability and compact design of speakers from this manufacturer, allowing integrators to carefully install equipment with minimal disruption to the installation design.

Besides, both Wonderfall as Digital Sky are located among real-world vegetation, so the speakers with IP64 certification K-array were an ideal option to withstand water and humidity.

The multimedia installation Wonderfall has required considerable audio reinforcement, since the Led screen shows an immersive waterfall animation, of 3,5 minutes long, set to a custom piano composition by the compositor Jean-Michel Blais.

In this case, system integrators opted for a system based on the loudspeakers of the K-array Vyper series, ultra-flat line array equipment that creates minimal visual impact due to its elegant design.

The nineteen Vyper units installed are completed with two elements of Kobra linear array, also ultra thin, and four units Domino medium size from this audio manufacturer.

Adding four speakers K-array Python, each with twelve closely spaced 3.15” neodymium magnet woofers, ensures maximum reach and reproduction of the entire vocal range.

These speakers are mounted on the surrounding greenery wall to ensure minimal visual distraction. Four subwoofers Rumble, integrated under the wall, They take care of the low frequencies, while a total of sixteen meters of units altavoces ultraflexibles Anakonda They provide a perfect audio wall around the bottom of the huge Led screen.

The system is powered by five amplificadores Commander-KA84 by K-array, that provide a powerful DSP and integration with the manufacturer's control system LLC.

In the boarding area, multimedia installation Digital Sky which is part of the Dreamscape garden Changi Airport provides audio through Vyper speakers, Kobra and Domino from K-array.

Nineteen Vyper units ensure consistent sound coverage, reinforced by six Kobra and eight Domino speakers. Audio playback in both multimedia installations is carried out through Delta Media Server Infinity of 7th Sense.

“When installing speakers in the ceiling, the balcony and hidden in the vertical structures of the garden, We were able to locate the sound of individual birds and wildlife in space - he points out Joseph Browne, Moment Factory interactive sound designer-. This effect was achieved by using spatial audio tools in Wwise, as well as through the location of the actors in Unreal Engine. For example, If an eagle flies over the Digital Sky, the corresponding sound effect is activated in the correct place of the garden sound system”.

Recordings from about a hundreds of sounds of local wildlife create an unforgettable immersion experience in nature for the passenger.

K-array speaker placement to create an immersive experience in Dreamscape garden is demonstrated every thirty minutes, with a show that energizes this space through a three-dimensional orchestral soundscape, what they are used for 33 installed equipment.

The sound system allows mix individual instruments in different locations of this space, resulting in an immersive musical experience. While cellos and strings sound from the ceiling, the piano melody emerges from the balconies, that of the mandolin emanates from the garden speakers, enveloping passengers.

“By combining a dynamic soundscape with visual content, We have created a harmonious environment that immerses guests in the natural beauty of what is known as 'Garden City'. Travelers can enjoy moments of true tranquility and wonder in the midst of one of the busiest transportation hubs in the world.”, concludes Atallah.