The new BMW Mini Dejonckheere showroom
Belgium - Traditionally, the opening of an automobile showroom involves a few signs, along with some balloons and inflatables. When the new BMW Mini Dejonckheere opened its doors, however, it called on Belgian design firm Présence to help it treat customers to an altogether different, more exciting and more contemporary experience that included an EDM afterparty.
Along with enjoying the evening’s festivities, the 1,700 guests in attendance were dazzled by the sleek, contemporary permanent features of the showroom itself, which like the party, were accented by a stunning lighting design. Created by Présence, working with designer Dieter Ducoulombier and project manager Ozzy Vandevoorde from its technical partner Solico, the lighting design was anchored by an impressive collection of Chauvet Professional WELL Fit, Rogue and EPIX fixtures.
A 10,000sq.m venue with expansive glass walls and a three-story ‘Mini Tower’, the new dealership presents an impressive sight to visitors. The facility’s ample open spaces afford a sweeping view of the showroom.
However, the same features that make the dealership so welcoming and remarkable to visitors also presented special challenges to designers at the grand opening event.
“Our challenge was to extend the atmosphere throughout the entire venue, even with all the glass surfaces,” says Isabel D’Hulster, business manager of Présence. “A second challenge, not to be underestimated, was to minimize the use of cabling throughout the building, because of the venue’s size.”
The WELL Fit uplighting fixture was a key part of the solution that helped the design team meet this challenge. Approximately 300 of the battery-powered RGBA fixtures were positioned at points throughout the showroom, at a see-though party tent, and on the patio roof, where they uplighted concrete pillars.
Adding to the atmosphere of the event were the 12 Rogue RH1 Hybrid fixtures positioned in the facility’s outdoor domes. Pointed upward, they created powerful aerial effects.
In the Boiler Room, where the afterparty featuring DJ Tim Grand took place, the atmosphere was enlivened with 24 Rogue R1 Spot and 24 Rogue R2 Wash fixtures, as well as four risers outlined with ÉPIX Strip IP units.
(Jim Evans)

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