From Gas to Glass: L-Acoustics L-ISA Technology Amplifies Berlin’s Reimagined Gasometer From Gas to Glass: L-Acoustics L-ISA Technology Amplifies Berlin’s Reimagined Ga...
Historic industrial icon is reborn as a cutting-edge, ecological multi-function event space with immersive audio experience
BERLIN, GERMANY – July 2024 — In the heart of Berlin, a relic of industrial history has been transformed into a beacon of innovation. The Gasometer, once a colossal container for natural gas that rose and fell within its iconic steel scaffolding, now stands as the crowning jewel of the EUREF Campus development. This 200 million Euro metamorphosis has not only preserved the structure’s historic grandeur but has infused it with cutting-edge technology, creating a space where past and future harmoniously coexist.
At the core of this reimagined venue lies L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound technology, a sonic marvel that matches the building’s innovative spirit. “We wanted a high-quality immersive speaker system to offer a unique event space in Berlin,” says Jens Breetz, Technical Manager at EUREF. “L-Acoustics has been our partner since 2016, but when Thomas Mehlhorn, Senior Application Engineer at L-Acoustics, introduced us to L-ISA, we knew we had found something extraordinary.”
The Gasometer’s ground floor and gallery level now house a flexible event space designed to host everything from high-profile government congresses to concerts. The venue’s technical capabilities are as adaptable as its physical space, featuring moveable platforms that can transform from a flat floor to a raked theatre setup at the touch of a button.
L-Acoustics’ Soundvision software played a crucial role in the planning phase, allowing the team to visualize the L-ISA immersive audio experience in the unique circular space. “During the planning, it became even more apparent that L-ISA was definitely the way to go,” Breetz explains. “We needed a very flexible sound reinforcement system to cope with the various configurations. An immersive system was essential, as a localized sound source is crucial for improved cognitive function at conferences.”
The L-ISA Scene configuration consists of five hangs of four A10 Focus and one A10 Wide, complemented by two hangs of three KS21 subwoofers flown centrally. Ten 5XT speakers are evenly spaced along the stage front for spatial front-fill. This setup ensures that every seat in the house experiences rich, immersive sound, regardless of the event type or room configuration.
The system’s versatility was put to the test during BESTIVAL Berlin 2022, where a prototype was installed in the Gasometer’s shell. Paired with a tracking system from Lightpower, it created a mesmerizing interplay between light and sound, offering a glimpse of the venue’s future capabilities.
Despite the challenges presented by the Gasometer’s unique architecture – including its large glass surfaces and semi-circular shape – the L-ISA immersive audio technology has exceeded expectations. “It was immediately clear to us that we had made the right choice,” Breetz notes. “There are hardly any sound reflections, and we have an immersive sound system we are proud of.”
As the Gasometer begins its new life as a hub for innovation and culture, the L-Acoustics L-ISA technology stands ready to amplify every moment. From the clarity it brings to spoken word during conferences to the immersive experiences it creates for musical performances, this cutting-edge spatial audio technology ensures that the reimagined Gasometer will continue to be a landmark in Berlin – not just for its striking visual presence, but for the unforgettable auditory experiences it offers. The Gasometer is a testament to the power of reimagining Europe’s industrial heritage for the future, where history and high-tech coalesce to create truly extraordinary spaces.
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