56 ATTRACTIONS & EXPERIENCES
WEEKEND WORTHY We round up a few of the latest AV upgrades to mid-tier entertainment venues around the world Words Katie Kasperson EXPERIENCE
H ow do you spend your weekends? Mid-tier entertainment – movie- going, crazy golfing and the like – has long been one of the biggest free-time fillers. These tried-and-true activities appeal to all, making them cultural staples around the world. But, as consumer preferences change and cost of living rises, local attractions risk losing business. In order to combat this, some are upgrading their AV technology to stay fresh and stand out. RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY The Mégarex leisure complex has long served as a cornerstone for families in France’s Alsace region. However, as consumer expectations for immersive experiences rise, tradition alone is no longer enough to draw a crowd. Just north of Strasbourg, Mégarex recently unveiled an overhaul of its 16-lane bowling alley, centred around a 28-metre-wide LED installation that effectively replaces the facility’s back wall with a high-definition digital display – made of the INFiLED MV Series. Spanning all 16 lanes, the LED screen offers near-8K resolution, so graphics stay sharp wherever players are positioned. For Mégarex management, the upgrade was a strategic move to future-
proof the business. To handle the task, it partnered with ADDE, a Lyon-based cinema equipment integrator. “The client wanted to have a flexible space where the atmosphere could switch, depending on the time of day or type of event,” noted Eric Le Cadre, sales director at ADDE, in a press release. “They needed the bowling alley to look visually striking every day for the next decade.” While the end result looks seamless, installing a tech-heavy display in an environment defined by bowling balls and constant vibration presented its share of engineering obstacles. The ADDE team manufactured a bespoke support structure specifically designed to withstand the bowling alley’s unique conditions. Furthermore, for added structural stability, the INFiLED MV Series panels were given an aluminium – rather than magnesium – frame. “Installing a massive screen safely in a busy public space required a lot of teamwork,” stated Marion Rosset, president of ADDE. “We’re really proud of how this project came together,” and it did so in just three days. During the day, the screen displays bright, family-friendly animations; by night, the venue shifts into after-dark status, with high-energy visuals that transform it into a nightclub-esque
By moving away from static decor
environment. By moving away from static decor and towards a dynamic digital landscape, Mégarex has elevated a simple game of bowling to the main attraction of any outing. MYTHOLOGY COMES FACE TO FACE WITH MARINE BIOLOGY Deep within Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm luxury resort, the line between ancient mythology and modern marine biology has blurred. The Lost World Aquarium it houses has transformed into a 4000 sq m multi-sensory environment. The project – a collaborative effort between AV Stumpfl and BoraBora studios – highlights how educational attractions can engage with a digitally native audience. In Atlantis, the ‘lost world’ comes to life through a mix of physical and digital assets. Poseidon and his guardians are able to interact with guests in real time via digital to a dynamic digital landscape, Mégarex has elevated a simple game of bowling
AV hits mid-tier entertainment venues, from Mégarex (left, top right) to Atlantis The Palm (right, middle)
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