BACKGROUND
In 2008, Snelling Business Systems (SBS) were successful in their tender bid and were delighted to be awarded the contract to design, supply, install and maintain the audio visual facilities for the landmark Forum building in the heart of Norwich.
The Forum building was the millennium project for the East of England and is a striking example of 20th century architecture. Created as a destination with a unique mix of community resources, it boasts facilities for art, culture, learning, leisure, information, entertainment, technology and conferences. Designed by the award-winning architect, Sir Michael Hopkins, the Forum project cost £65M and is now visited by 2.5 million guests a year.
AIMS OF THE PROJECT
In 2008, the Forum saw the need to replace their existing chargeable 'heritage' attraction with an open access innovative and flexible 'digital gallery'.
The overall budget for this project was £2.5m and it was necessary for the contractors to engage with the BBC and other organisations with the Forum building, as content providers.
The audio visual brief also outlined a requirement for user training and ongoing support.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
Snelling Business Systems provided a 24 metre wide by 2.5 metre high edge blended curved display screen with a total resolution of 9157 pixel by 1080 pixel. 'Fusion' is Europe's largest open access digital media gallery.
For sound, two separate and independent systems were installed for a whole room or a five separate zone experience.
Systems are controlled by AMX touch surfaces with multiple gallery scenarios and a Dataton Watchout playout system.
All design work, engineering, planning, installation and programming was conducted in house by Snelling Business Systems and the project was delivered within budget and on time.
Forum Fusion was opened to the public in April 2009 and later that year, the project was honoured by being highly commended at the prestigious AV Awards.