CLIENT
Expo 2020 Dubai
LOCATION
Dubai, UAE
YEAR
2021
PROJECT TYPE
Permanent Venue – Immersive Performance Space
Scope
Design and implementation of a spatial sound system and show control solution for the central Expo venue
Services Provided
- →Immersive audio system design
- →Show control and automation
- →Loudspeaker modelling and coverage strategy
- →System integration support
- →Technical design of VIP suite audio system
The Brief
Al Wasl Plaza was conceived as the beating heart of Expo 2020 Dubai, a spectacular dome structure uniting the three main thematic districts and acting as the architectural centrepiece of the entire site. By day, it served as a shaded gathering place; by night, it became a fully immersive performance environment, wrapped in 360-degree projection and enveloped by sound.
We were commissioned to design a permanent audio system that could match the scale and ambition of the space, supporting high-quality immersive sound for daily shows, live performances, and special events, while blending seamlessly into the architecture.
The Challenge
The scale and geometry of Al Wasl Plaza presented a number of unique design and integration challenges. The dome structure is over 130 metres wide and nearly 70 metres tall, with a central oculus and a 360-degree audience area. Our brief required precise spatial localisation across the entire listening area, without compromising visual sightlines or projection coverage.
The system had to support both scheduled content playback and live event production, sometimes switching between modes several times a day. And all of this needed to be achieved with absolute reliability, day after day, over a six-month world expo.
Our Approach
We designed a 27.6-channel L-ISA immersive audio system comprising 432 KIVA II loudspeakers and 24 KS28 subwoofers, arranged to ensure full coverage and spatial accuracy throughout the plaza.
Each of the 27 arrays included 16 elements of KIVA II and was placed in alignment with the dome’s structural nodes, ensuring consistent visual integration with the projected media. These were powered in pairs by L-Acoustics LA4X amplifiers.
For low-frequency coverage, we deployed six distributed subwoofer arrays, each featuring four KS28s in cardioid configuration. These sub arrays were powered by LA12X amplified controllers and carefully tuned to ensure smooth bass response across the vast space.
The audio control system was designed around a DiGiCo 4REA4 processor and an SD12-96 console, with flexible I/O and routing capabilities for both automated playback and live event operation. An L-Acoustics L-ISA Processor enabled real-time spatial audio mixing during live performances, while a scheduler allowed seamless daily playback of pre-programmed shows.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Immersive System Design
- 27 arrays of KIVA II (432 loudspeakers in total)
- 6 sub-bass positions with KS28s in cardioid configuration
- 27.6-channel L-ISA spatial audio format
- Integration with 360-degree projection system for unified AV experience
Control & Flexibility
- DiGiCo 4REA4 engine with SD12-96 portable console
- L-ISA Processor for real-time spatialisation
- Show control scheduler for automated content playback
Central Performance System
To support live stage performances with reinforcement and localisation a central performance system overlay was designed with a circular truss suspended from the central oculus. The central performance system consisted of six main arrays each with three L-Acoustics A15 Focus over one A15 Wide and four L-Acoustics KS21 subwoofers in a coplanar cardioid arrangement. Two fill arrays were included for short-throw coverage in front of the two control rooms, each consisting of two L-Acoustics A10 focus over one A10 wide.
The central performance system was used for stage performances and presentations as well as stereo music content as part of the overall immersive system. On specific occasions the central performance system was removed, at which point any stereo music content was reproduced through a chosen sector of the immersive system to ensure the full effect of the content and to preserve musical timing.
VIP Suite Audio
The Pearl Majlis, a private viewing suite overlooking the dome’s centre, features a bespoke 15.1 surround system using L-Acoustics X4i and Syva Low speakers. This setup delivers a spatial mix-down of the 27.6 arrangement of main system alongside a stereo feed to replicate the performance stereo system, ensuring VIPs received the full immersive experience in a more intimate setting.
The Results
Al Wasl Plaza became one of the most iconic venues of Expo 2020, hosting performances, ceremonies, and daily immersive shows that drew crowds from across the globe. The audio system played a central role in this experience, enabling deeply engaging soundscapes that were as expansive and intricate as the dome itself.
With spatial audio fully integrated into the architecture, audiences were treated to a coherent, enveloping experience that responded dynamically to each production’s artistic vision, whether it was a solo voice at centre stage, a full orchestral performance, or a surround-sound soundscape choreographed to the 360° visuals.
The system continues to operate as part of District 2020, with a level of reliability and impact that has exceeded expectations.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
A huge thanks Tareq, Amna, Kylie, Kate and the whole team from Expo who empowered us to push the boundaries of design and come up with something very special for this project.
Our Team
The L-ISA immersive audio system was designed by Scott Willsallen and Luis Miranda with mechanical design by Wonder Works.
Our Supplier
Congratulations to Creative Technology Middle East for their commitment to ensuring every aspect of the installation was of excellent quality. Thanks also to L-Acoustics and DiGiCo for supporting the project.
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