046 REPORT
MERCEDES-BENZ SUPERDOME
Company: Martin Professional Location: Louisiana, USA
In the days following Hurricane Katrina, questions swirled as to whether the iconic Louisiana Superdome would ever reopen to host another event. Structurally damaged by high winds, the torn and broken stadium became the visual symbol of the destruction and despair suffered by the city of New Orleans in August 2005. But almost immediately, a massive effort was planned to not only repair the Superdome, but to modernise the aging venue so it would compete with the newer stadiums that other NFL cities were constructing. Since 2006, the stadium - now branded the Mercedes-Benz Superdome - has completed over $330m in renova- tions, and is now one of the most up-to-date facilities in the United States. Solomon Group - a multimedia entertainment technology firm based in New Orleans - is honoured to have won several contracts for work that not only en- hances one of the state skyline’s brightest jewel, but helped transform the area surrounding the Superdome into a vibrant sports and entertainment district. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is illuminated using a state-of-the-art Martin Profes- sional lighting system, a total of 288 Martin Professional Exterior 410 lighting fix- tures have been installed to wash the building’s exterior in a spectrum of animated colours, patterns and images. They are capable of reproducing every colour of the rainbow on all 96 concave aluminium panels that ring the Superdome’s exterior. “Our goal was to create a lighting system that is both innovative and aesthetically stunning. Onlookers are sure to be amazed by what it brings to the exterior of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome,” said Solomon Group President Gary Solomon, Jr. In addition, each of the stadium’s four quadrants feature Martin Professional Exterior 1200 Image Projectors, powerful 1,200W luminaires designed to project animated images and effects. The entire lighting system is touchscreen controlled and can even be operated remotely. Working with local architects Eskew+Dumez+Rip- ple/Ellerbe Becket, A Joint Venture and electrical contractor Frischertz Electric,
Solomon Group installed the system, which is remarkably energy efficient. The entire system, when operating in one colour, draws only 10KW of electricity, the equivalent amount of energy used by a small home. The lighting system operates nightly and features many different colours and lighting patterns. The design of the lighting system includes the capability to customise effects, images and colour in order to celebrate specific events or commemorate occasions. In anticipation of hosting Super Bowl XLVII, Superdome called upon Solomon Group once again. It was asked to create a special projection of the Super Bowl logo and to provide temporary lighting on special banners that were positioned all around the building’s exterior to promote the big game. As part of the Superdome’s continuing renovations projects, officials also looked for new ways to integrate technology throughout the areas of the stadium that get the most foot traffic. The concession stands on each level of the Superdome received new digital menu boards. Pairs of LCD screens were mounted throughout the heavily travelled concourses to display advertising content, and can even be used to communicate emergency information to visitors if necessary. Solomon Group was responsible for systems design, integration and programming of the digital signage, as well as overall project management. Brian Friborg, President of Martin Professional US, commented on the project, he said: “The Superdome project has really exceeded all expectations and we are extremely proud to be a part of it. We have been very moved by this project, by the sincere passion of those involved, and what the renovation of the Superdome has meant to the people of New Orleans. This is really about the rebirth of an iconic American venue, and a wonderful city, and we are glad to have played a small part in that.”
www.martin.com
www.mondodr.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152 |
Page 153 |
Page 154 |
Page 155 |
Page 156