A new terminal extension at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport – incorporating the calming sights and sounds of Finland’s landscape – has benefited from a multi-channel soundtrack delivered by Meyer Sounds. The 27 self-powered loudspeakers complement a 2m (6.6ft)-high Samsung 4K video screen that wraps around 75m (246ft) of the airport’s perimeter walls.
“The goal of the project was to create a showcase through which millions of international passengers will receive their first contact with Finland,” said Joni Sundelin, director of Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. “The experience of Finnish design, fluency and peaceful nature will leave the traveller with a long-lasting, pleasant memory.”
High-quality and balanced audio was critical in achieving this goal, principally because weary travellers can close their eyes but – short of inserting earplugs – they cannot shut out sounds. Therefore, the audio programme had 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 of nearby Espoo, Finland, under the general direction of managing director John-Axel Stråhlman, and with project management by system specialist Kai Granholm.
“We evaluated options from two other leading loudspeaker manufacturers but in the end we determined Meyer Sound offered the best overall solution,” said Granholm. “Their loudspeakers provide excellent natural sound quality, a wide choice of sizes and a range of rigging options that allowed precise placement and orientation.”
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 exclusive IntelligentDC technology, with balanced audio signals and 48V DC power for the amplifiers supplied to the loudspeakers from a remote rack mount unit over a single flexible cable.
“The sound of the system naturally supports the effect of the wide, 360° panoramic view,” said 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, and overall the airport management has been very pleased with the Meyer Sound system.”
In addition to the Samsung wrap-around screen and Meyer Sound loudspeakers, the complete AVL technology package also includes nine Christie video projectors, a Christie Pandora’s Box media server and BrightSign media players.
PES-Architects was the chief designer for the terminal extension, and the video display was designed by Davidson Tarkela Architects in collaboration with Rune & Berg Design. OiOi Collective and Granlund Oy provided concept development and implementation of the presentation content. Tuusmet and Visual Element partnered with Studiotec on the display installation.
