Helsinki, Finland (February 28, 2020)—Conceived in support of the idea that you only get one chance to make a first impression, the massive immersive installation Aukio at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport offers travelers the opportunity to discover the sights and sounds of Finland. Key to this immersive experience is a massive Samsung video screen and 27 Meyer Sound self-powered loudspeakers.
According to Joni Sundelin, director of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Aukio is “a showcase through which millions of international passengers will receive their first contact with Finland. The experience of Finnish design, fluency and peaceful nature will leave the traveler with a long-lasting, pleasant memory.”
Aukio, Finnish for “square” or “plaza,” includes a gently undulating, two-meter high Samsung 4K video screen that wraps for 75 meters around the perimeter walls. On it is displayed the best of Finland’s outdoor scenery in a presentation that cycles through the four seasons. Complementing the visual panorama is a multichannel soundtrack that is intended to be clearly present and fully supportive of the visuals, but never annoying or intrusive.
The audio, video and lighting technology package was designed and engineered by Studiotec Ltd. of nearby Espoo, Finland, under the general direction of managing director John-Axel Stråhlman and with project management by system specialist Kai Granholm.
The complete Meyer Sound complement comprises 16 UPJunior and 10 UP-4XP loudspeakers with low-frequency extension from a single X-400C cinema subwoofer. The UP-4XP loudspeakers incorporate Meyer Sound’s IntelligentDC technology, with balanced audio signals and 48V DC power for the amplifiers supplied to the loudspeakers from a remote rackmount unit over a single cable.
“The sound of the system naturally supports the effect of the wide, 360-degree panoramic view,” explained Granholm. “The design emphasis is on the natural beauty of Finland, including some very subtle but remarkable natural sounds. For instance, many people are surprised that the aurora borealis [northern lights] creates audible sound, usually described as crackle, sputter or hissing. The effect on all sounds is remarkable. Overall, airport management has been very pleased with the Meyer Sound system.”
In addition to the Samsung wraparound screen and Meyer Sound loudspeakers, the AVL technology package also includes nine Christie video projectors, a Christie Pandora’s Box media server and BrightSign media players.
Meyer Sound • www.meyersound.com