Denmark’s DR Concert Hall Debuts Living Work of Art

On the evening of January 17th, Danmarks Radio (DR), Denmark’s national public service broadcaster, christened its new Concert Hall in Ørestaden with a series of eclectic concerts, an event that also marked the debut of the building’s innovative animated façade.

As opera, classical, jazz, pop and rock resounded through the venue’s four studios, the exterior of the building came alive in a mix of light, color and pattern from Martin Professional Exterior 1200 Image Projectors.

The idea for the flexible façade was created by celebrated French architect Jean Nouvel, designer of the new arts venue. Eight designers, five technicians and creative manager at DR then realized the complex solution.

Exterior 1200 Image Projector
A total of 24 Martin Exterior 1200 Image Projectors cast color changing light and moving images onto the building’s 14,000 square meter façade in a visually enthralling display that portends the musical performance inside.

The Exterior 1200 Image Projector is a powerful 1200 W luminaire designed to project animated images and effects onto architecture. It includes a full color mixing system that combines with gobo animation to create a variety of customized textures and moving effects. Completely weather resistant, the Exterior luminaires are mounted in ‘projection houses’ as well as atop adjacent buildings at the DR complex.

And because the luminaires are computer controlled, the artistic expression of the façade can easily change to cater to any type of music being performed inside. Designers, artists and technicians are able to create something much more sophisticated and exciting than with paint, static lighting or banners. The illumination also represents an entirely new form of branding for DR.

A wow experience
DR chose Danish companies Martin Professional and local dealer Informationsteknik Scandinavia, technical and main creative supplier for the project, to realize the exterior illumination. “I’m convinced that the façade’s art projection will draw the attention of citizens and tourists alike, and will act as an appetizer for activities within the Concert Hall,” says Niels Bull Klarskov, Division Manager at Informationsteknik.

Martin Professional is equally proud to contribute to an innovative project of such international standard. “DR is an absolute front runner within this field. At the same time, we see a clear tendency globally where companies are increasingly opening towards the possibility of creating experiences, atmospheres and messages with the right technology and expertise,” says Christian Engsted, CEO of Martin Professional.