CLIENT
Ministry of Defence, Singapore
LOCATION
Marina Bay Floating Platform, Singapore
YEAR
2010
PROJECT TYPE
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Scope
Sound system design and signal distribution for large-scale outdoor ceremonies
Services Provided
- →Sound system design
- →Signal distribution design
- →Show control integration
- →Systems engineering support
The Brief
Auditoria were engaged to design the audio systems for the ceremonies of the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games, staged on the Marina Bay Floating Platform.
The floating venue sits directly on the water, with the performance area constructed on a large platform and the audience seated in grandstands along the waterfront. The ceremonies formed a central part of the Games programme, combining performance, music and visual storytelling in front of a large live audience and international broadcast coverage.
The Challenge
The geometry of the venue created the main design challenge. The stage spanned roughly 120 metres in width, while the audience seating area extended considerably further, approaching 160–170 metres across.
This meant that the main arrays were positioned a significant distance apart. Achieving even coverage across the full audience area required careful consideration of how the front fill system was deployed.
At the same time, loudspeaker placement had to remain visually discreet to avoid obstructing sightlines to the stage and the large visual elements used throughout the ceremonies.
Our Approach
The system design combined L-Acoustics KUDO line arrays with a carefully distributed front fill system to maintain coverage across the full width of the audience area.
Because the primary arrays were spaced widely apart, the front fill system played a much larger role than in a typical stadium deployment, effectively forming the primary reinforcement for large portions of the seating area.
Signal distribution across the system was handled through an Optocore network, with Yamaha consoles supporting the control environment. Replay was delivered through a Pyramix system to support the ceremony playback requirements.
Technical Highlights:
Audio Design
L-Acoustics KUDO line array loudspeakers
Yamaha control consoles
Optocore signal distribution network
Show Control Design
Pyramix replay system
The Results
The ceremonies were delivered successfully at Marina Bay, with the audio system providing coverage across the wide waterfront audience area while maintaining clear sightlines to the stage.
The deployment demonstrated how careful system layout and front fill design can overcome the challenges of unusually wide performance environments.
Although the floating platform venue has since been dismantled, the Singapore Youth Olympic Games ceremonies remain a notable example of large-scale production staged in a highly distinctive setting.
Acknowledgements
Our Client
Ministry of Defence, Singapore
Our Team
Scott Willsallen – Audio Designer
Nick Eltis – Technical Director
Ian Baldwin – Production Manager
Our Supplier
Norwest Productions
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