The “Sinus-Systems Integration Award” has been honoring the most promising system integration solutions in the field of AV media technology for more than a decade. The prizes are awarded in annually changing categories. This year’s award is given for creative and particularly artistic achievements and solutions in the use of technology in audiovisual installations: the “Bassins de Lumières“.
This year’s winner – Bassins de Lumières
In Bordeaux, France, the Parisian art collective “Culturespaces” with the “Bassins de Lumières” created the largest digital art center in the world.
Culturespaces is France’s leading private operator in the management and promotion of monuments, museums and art centers, pursuing the creation of digital art centers and immersive exhibitions.
In June 2020, the technically complex installation on the site of a former submarine base opened. To the sound of music, visitors immerse themselves in a colorful world of colors and images and discover the works of the most important artists in art history and contemporary art in various digital exhibitions.
The jury found the overall concept of the project to create a place of cultural encounter and art out of a former World War II bunker particularly praiseworthy. The use of state-of-the-art media technology helped with the technical and creative implementation of the project, which also factored positively into the evaluation.
The exhibition – the location
The special thing about the exhibition is the location itself, namely in a former submarine base. Upon entering the historic military building, a seemingly endless virtual world opens up to visitors:inside this 600,000 cubic meter reinforced concrete bunker.
On an area of 4,110 meters length and 22 meters width there are 12-meter deep water basins with a total area of 13,000 m², which merge into a gigantic 360° projection surface. Using elaborate edge blending and distortion algorithms, the artworks blend seamlessly into the winding architecture of the facility, which was built in 1941 for the German submarine fleet.
The exhibition is divided into six sections. One of them is the “Le Cube” room, a soundproofed area with a surface area of 220 m² and a height of 8 meters. This impressive area is dedicated mainly to contemporary artists specializing in immersive art.
The “Citerne” on the other hand, establishes a link between the museums and the original works.
On the 155 m² exhibition space with a height of 7 meters, the original works of the artists are presented digitally, which serve as the basis for the art installations.
So far, well-known works by artists such as Gustav Klimt or Paul Klee have been digitally rearranged. In an approximately 50-minute multimedia performance that runs in a continuous loop, the audience can move completely freely through the enormous worlds of light and sound. The exhibition is accompanied by trombone sounds to Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture, excerpts by Beethoven, Mahler, Rachmaninoff and Puccini.
Established technique
The gray concrete surfaces were given their colorful makeover with more than 90 Barco DLP projectors. 30 Kinetic media servers from Modulo-Pi ensure the harmonious playout of the content by means of complex analysis and simulation processes. A directional sound experience without any diffusivity is provided by 80 actively driven, network-controlled CAL loudspeakers from Meyer Sound.
The Treasures of Venice – starting February 2022
Beginning February 11, 2022, visitors will be able to stroll through a new immersive exhibition exploring the artistic and architectural treasures of Venice.
For about 40 minutes, you’ll be immersed in Byzantine art and the stunning golden mosaics of St. Mark’s Basilica, exploring the Grand Canal, Venice’s alleys and squares, and learning more about the history of this extraordinary city.
Sinus is considered one of the most prestigious industry awards in the field of audiovisual installation. The Sinus jury and board of trustees are made up of representatives of the German Association for Media and Event Technology (VPLT). (VPLT), the European Association of Event Centers e.V. (EVVC), the trade press, companies in the industry, and Messe Frankfurt.
Images: Culturespaces / Anaka Photographie
