The Sinus – Systems Integration Award is one of the most important awards in event technology. Presented annually at Prolight + Sound, the award honours innovative audiovisual installations that are characterised by creative and technical excellence. In 2025, the prestigious prize was awarded to the Open Ground Club in Wuppertal. Thomas Riedel, CEO of Riedel Communications, supported the realisation of the Open Ground Club as an investor and thus contributed to the implementation of this visionary project.
Open Ground Club: an innovative event centre
The Open Ground Club sets new standards in audiovisual integration. The concept combines state-of-the-art technology with sustainable solutions. One outstanding feature is the Function One sound system, which ensures an undistorted sound experience. The acoustics have been optimised by Wax Acoustics to achieve perfect sound reproduction.
In addition to the excellent sound technology, the club also has intelligent lighting control. This enables flexible adaptation to different event formats and ensures energy-efficient use of resources. A central control platform allows seamless control of all audiovisual components.
The technical equipment is unique: the sound system was developed by Function One founder Tony Andrews and consists of, among other things, the powerful F132 subwoofers, which generate frequencies down to 24 Hz. The collaboration with Mark Ernestus, a pioneer of electronic music, contributed significantly to the development of the acoustic concept. The close relationship between the Open Ground Club and Bentin Projects and Funktion-One Deutschland ensured that the sound system was optimally installed right from the start. It is particularly noteworthy that even the club’s air conditioning system was adapted for the placement of the speakers to ensure the perfect sound.
In addition to the excellent sound technology, the club also has intelligent lighting control. This enables flexible adaptation to different event formats and ensures energy-efficient use of resources. A central control platform allows seamless control of all audiovisual components.
The Open Ground Club was designed with a special focus on sustainability. The entire energy supply is based on renewable energies, and the materials used come largely from environmentally friendly sources. The club also has state-of-the-art room acoustics, which have been optimised using innovative sound insulation techniques. The modular design enables versatile use for concerts, business events and multimedia presentations.
The technical equipment includes state-of-the-art projection technologies, LED walls and interactive media systems that offer an immersive event experience. By integrating artificial intelligence, the entire technology can be dynamically adapted to the respective requirements.
Open Ground Club: electronic music in the heart of Wuppertal
The Open Ground Club is located in the heart of Wuppertal in a former underground bunker. Within the first seven months of its opening, it has already established itself as a popular destination in the electronic music scene. DJs and clubbers travel from all over Europe to experience the extraordinary sound experience. The club’s strict no-photos policy ensures that guests can concentrate fully on the music and atmosphere. The club’s special acoustics were designed and optimised by Willsingh Wilson to create the perfect listening space for electronic music.
Wax Acoustics: acoustic solutions from Berlin
Wax Acoustics, also known as wax GmbH, is a leading company in the field of acoustic solutions based in Berlin. The company specialises in sound absorbers, diffusers and vibration-isolated structures that enable an optimal sound environment. Its customers include well-known artists and companies such as Sennheiser and Native Instruments. In addition to developing innovative acoustic systems, Wax Acoustics also offers planning, expert opinions and acoustic simulations to create customised solutions for a wide variety of spaces. Their contribution to the Open Ground Club impressively demonstrates how modern room acoustics can sustainably improve event quality.
Award ceremony at the Prolight + Sound
The Sinus Awards 2025 ceremony took place on 10 April at the Steigenberger Icon Frankfurter Hof in Frankfurt. Representatives of the industry came together to honour the best AV installations and discuss innovative developments. The Sinus Award honours projects that break new technological ground and make a creative contribution to the event industry.
The special “Sinus AVantgarde for Innovations” award was presented for the first time in 2025. This category honours particularly visionary and forward-looking AV projects that provide new impetus in media integration. Another innovation was the inclusion of a public vote, which allowed experts to actively participate in the decision.
Future-oriented AV technology
The Sinus Award 2025 impressively demonstrates the innovative power of audiovisual integration. The Open Ground Club is exemplary for the fusion of sustainable and technologically outstanding solutions. Event technology is constantly evolving, and the Sinus Award remains an important indicator of outstanding achievements in this field.
