Built in 1897, the Pierhead is a Grade One listed building owned by the National Assembly of Wales.
Situated in Cardiff Bay, the majestic venue, which features striking terracotta architecture, was originally the headquarters for Bute Dock Company in the industrial era.
Today, the Pierhead Building is utilised for discussion and debate, and regularly hosts public exhibitions, events and conferences.
With a history spanning 115 years, the building has become a landmark and focal feature synonymous with the local area.
Vaughan Sound was appointed to integrate audio, lighting, video and control elements to the main hall of the Pierhead.
The biggest space within the building was to act as a multi-functional area accommodating interactive visitor attractions, events and conferences.
Working to a technical specification originated by theatre consultant Paul Covell, the team were invited to add their own expertise and specialist knowledge to the project.
To meet the brief, the installed scheme needed to be adaptable for a variety of activities and also comply with cultural heritage guidelines.
To equip the main hall for conferencing and interactive exhibitions, a state-of-the-art multimedia package was specified.
Offering ease of use and flexibility, the system comprised of six Panasonic projectors with laptop connections and a Sony show relay camera to enable the presentation of pre-recorded or live footage.
The projectors were installed throughout the large-scale room and were accompanied by six large electric roll-down screens allowing easy viewing for visitors.
The multi-screen solution provides the ideal setup for Pierhead’s current film exhibition that highlights the building’s vibrant history.
A sound system, consisting of Martin Audio amplifiers and loudspeakers, Yamaha and Allen & Heath mixers and a Tascam CD player/recorder, was also incorporated into the main hall and connected to the video projection scheme to offer clear audio.
Additional sound reinforcement was achieved through the inclusion of Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and Shure microphones, along with a Current Thinking induction loop system to aid the hearing impaired.
Control for the audio-visual and sound scheme was provided via an AMX console, offering employees simplicity when managing and maintaining applications.
For the lighting, which can be used for events and exhibitions, the team specified Light Projects and Zero 88 fixtures.
The energy-efficient luminaires are controlled via an industry-standard Zero 88 console, that again provides staff with a simple control solution.
Vaughan Sound successfully provided the Pierhead building with the interactivity the National Assembly of Wales desired.
The impressive multimedia package has enabled the main hall to become adaptable and appropriate for a range of exhibitions, events and conferences.
“Vaughan Sound efficiently completed the complex AV, sound and lighting installation we had specified to the high standards which were required.”
– Paul Covell (Theatre and Lighting Consultant)
For advice and solutions on sound, communications and audio-visual systems for your heritage or community space, please get in touch.
Call us today on +44 (0)1554 740500, email info@vaughansound.co.uk or simply use the form on our Contact Us page.
