Hydro will augment the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre's (SECC) existing facilities
UK - Arcstream AV, specialist provider of interactive technologies and special effects for events and permanent installations, has been commissioned by Sony to supply two 20k Christie projectors to Scotland's newest venue the 12,000 seat SSE Hydro in Glasgow. Used to promote events and deliver other communications, the projected images are overlaid to display an image of 20m x 12.5m on the roof of the building above the front entrance.

As the high-quality projectors have to endure harsh Scottish winters, Arcstream also supplied temperature-controlled enclosures created by Tempest Lighting, ensuring that they remain fully operational whatever the weather. Projection is controlled via a Delta media server from 7th Sense.

"Whilst the installation was fairly straightforward it took several months of planning," explains Neil Dickinson, managing director of Arcstream. "Getting the equipment on to the roof was always going to be the most difficult part so we designed a full framework with a tilt mechanism which meant everything could be lifted by crane. In the end the site work only took us three days."

Richard Foster of Sony comments, "As the only UK venue of its scale built specifically for concerts, and the fifth busiest entertainment arena in the world, everything about the SSE Hydro is big and bold, offering a mix of aesthetic appeal and functionality. We're delighted that Arcstream's bold installation works in harmony with the overall Hydro experience."

Built on the site of the former Queen's Dock, Hydro will augment the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre's (SECC) existing facilities, and will play host to around 140 events every year. From its opening in 2013, the Hydro has the potential to inject an additional £131m annually into the local economy.

(Jim Evans)


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