CLIENT
V&A Museum, Flemming Associates
LOCATION
London, UK
YEAR
2023
PROJECT TYPE
Exhibition audio-visual and sound design
Scope
Audio systems design, technical integration, audio guide system delivery, AV planning, media server programming.
Services Provided
- →Full AV system design
- →Selection and verification of projectors, lenses, and media systems
- →Audio guide system design and implementation
- →Audio and video integration
- →Onsite technical support and programming
The Brief
When the Diva exhibition opened at the V&A in June 2023, it marked the first of its kind, exploring the evolution of iconic performers from the 19th century to global megastars like Maria Callas, Tina Turner, Cher and Madonna. With such an eclectic mix of cultural history, the V&A wanted to create an immersive, engaging audio experience that would elevate the iconic items on display.
Curator Kate Bailey envisioned an environment where the sound of each diva accompanied their exhibit, enhancing the storytelling of their legacy. Our role was to design a technically seamless system that could integrate these diverse soundtracks, using an innovative solution for audio guidance that would support an engaging visitor experience.
The Challenge
The Diva exhibition presented a number of challenges. With over 50 diva exhibits, each requiring their own iconic localised soundtrack, the system needed to deliver high-quality, immersive audio specific to each location without overwhelming the visitors.
The gallery space itself presented its own issues, with complex acoustics, varied exhibit spaces, and a need for discreet yet highly functional equipment. The audio system had to blend seamlessly with the physical exhibits while supporting over 50 pieces of music, with tight synchronisation and triggering required across a large area. Additionally, the design had to be integrated with media servers and lighting systems, creating a cohesive experience across all elements of the exhibition.
Our Approach
Our team worked closely with the V&A’s curatorial team and exhibition designers to bring audio-visual storytelling to life. It became clear at an early stage that an audio guide system would provide the best audio experience for each of the diva exhibits and their associated content. We verified and tested the best audio guide systems for the exhibition, opting for the Tonwelt SPERIC integrated headset. The Tonwelt system met all the needs for the project, with its ability to play back audio, trigger via infrared and RF, and decode Ambisonic audio for a more spatial and immersive sound experience.
The triggering solution was integrated with WATCHOUT media servers and a Pharos lighting system to meet the museum’s brief for an immersive exhibition.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
Audio Guide System
We chose the Tonwelt SPERIC headset for its seamless integration of on-board audio playback, infrared and RF triggering, and timecode synchronisation. This enabled precise control over the diverse audio content while delivering a highly immersive experience for visitors.
AV & Infrastructure Design
AV Systems Design
From the outset, we worked with the V&A Design Studio to assist with AV planning, from selecting projectors and lenses to specifying projection surfaces. We also supported the creation of design drawings, system schematics, and a tender specification for the installation of the AV hardware and audio guiding systems.
Technical Integration
The audio system was designed to work seamlessly with the exhibition’s media servers and lighting systems. Using WATCHOUT media servers, we synchronised the audio triggers to visual and lighting cues, while maintaining precise timing and control.
Onsite Support & Management
Given the compressed build schedule, we coordinated closely with the V&A’s installation teams to ensure everything was on track. Our team programmed the media servers, integrated the audio guide system, and provided on-the-ground technical support during the final installation
The Results
The Diva exhibition at the V&A became a celebrated success, showcasing both the cultural impact of legendary performers and the technical prowess of the audiovisual design.
By incorporating music from over 50 divas into the exhibition, visitors were able to engage deeply with the stories behind these iconic artists, hearing their voices and music in an environment tailored to each exhibit. The Tonwelt audio guide system worked flawlessly, providing personalised, spatial audio for each visitor, synchronised with the media and lighting cues for an unforgettable experience.
Our integrated approach helped bring Kate Bailey’s vision to life, creating a truly immersive environment that complemented the physical objects with an audio experience that felt just as iconic as the divas themselves.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
A huge thanks to the team at the V&A Museum and Flemming Associates for getting us involved and trusting us with the technical ambitions of the project.
Our Team
Our design team was led by Joe Callister, who also worked onsite to technically manage the installation and provide programming support for the AV and Tonwelt systems.
Our Supplier
Thank you to Philipp Hinz and his team at Tonwelt for assisting with the technical design, installation, and integration of the audio guide system.
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