Largest digital ceiling in Europe hits Manchester
Manchester Printworks has a new 1,000sq m LED ceiling comprising of over 10,720,900 pixels
Shining a spotlight on the industry
Friday, 19 Apr 2024 13:12 GMT
Printworks © Jason Lock Photography
A number of digital technology-based companies have helped bring Manchester Printworks to life with Europe’s largest digital ceiling.
Printworks has undergone a £21m refurbishment with the reveal of the transformation taking place at the end of March.
The 1,000sq m LED ceiling was brought to life through event specialist ADI along with animation created by Flipbook. The screen, dubbed ‘SkyLights’ has been added to the portfolio of advertising screens managed by digital out-of-home (DOOH) company, Ocean Outdoor.
The launch partner for Ocean Outdoor was Universal which used the screen to showcase a trailer for the DreamWorks animated film, Kung Fu Panda 4.
The screen/LED canopy offers visitors and passers-by both an audio and visual experience as it can display Ocean’s DeepScreen and augmented reality (AR) content.
Image: Printworks © Jason Lock Photography
Comprising of over 10,720,900 pixels and measuring around 115 metres in length, the digital ceiling has been created by ADI with a new fire-rated LED product which is believed to be the world's only LED module to meet the BSEN 13501-1 classification.
Drew Burrow, head of Bespoke and Creative at ADI, says: “The project has not been without challenges given the scale and complexity; the digital ceiling is made of three separate mega screens that are unusually shaped and at different heights to seamlessly integrate with the existing architecture.
“We also had to go through a rigorous research and development process with intensive testing and prototype design to develop an LED screen product that achieved the strict fire performance requirements for incorporating very large-format displays into internal public spaces.”
Powerful Green Hippo media servers were used by ADI to drive video, lighting, and audio while content scheduling and triggers are managed through a Signage Live interface.
ADI says more interactive experiences will be incorporated over the next few months with the installation of heat mapping cameras allowing for real time, audience-generated content to appear on the ceiling based on the movement and volume of people inside Printworks.
Ocean Outdoor UK chief executive officer, Phil Hall, adds: “The transformation of Manchester Printworks into an international entertainment destination offers advertisers a chance to really make a statement, reaching diverse audiences with bespoke, shareable out-of-home (OOH) experiences tailored for either families or the lively night time economy.
Image: Printworks © Jason Lock Photography
“Printworks Skylights is a formidable addition to Ocean’s UK portfolio as both a unique standalone opportunity and as part of our full-motion DOOH corridor which stretches from Golden Square to Victoria Street.”
Printworks accommodates over 20 bars, restaurants, and leisure venues including Vue’s flagship cinema, which houses one of the largest IMAX screens in Europe.
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