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inflated PVC performance structure soundforms with lighting

Written by in Events, Inflatable PVC, London 2012 Olympics

The worlds first mobile acoustic performance area has been created by new London company Soundforms Plc, with internationally renowned tensile fabric contractors Architen Landrell providing the fabric skin.

The idea of an outdoor structure that could be placed in any environment without having effect on the acoustics was the brainchild of world famous conductor Mark Stephenson, who enlisted the assistance of Arup Acoustics and ES Global to create his dream. Arup Acoustics worked with Mark to create an initial design for the internal shell which meant that music could be projected and amplified to the audience naturally; a completely new concept for open air concerts.

BFLS Architects were the brought on board to develop the external faade of the shell, who in turn enlisted Architen Landrell Associates and Total Solutions Group to build the fabric jacket and aluminium framework.

The Architen Landrell team comprised Josie Britton, who managed the project, Ceri Richards working as Senior Designer and Lance Rowell and Alex Heslop who worked as technical consultants.

The outer inflatable skin is made out of white PVC coated polyester and on the inside the fabric is black to ensure the lights inside dont reflect. The roof of the structure is lined with acoustic timber baffles. The inner cheeks of the structure (which form the sides of the shell) were made out of stretchy joelastic‘ white fabric with a slight shimmer to it. 

The fabric skin was required to be easily erected, similar to a childs pram cover, with little or no heavy plant assistance. The Architen Landrell design team accomplished this and produced a cover that requires very limited plant to erect the fabric.

The logistics and assembly of the prototype was undertaken by ES Global who kindly hosted the launch at their base in London.

Architen Landrell project manager Josie Britton comments we are very proud of the final fabric skin, for such a challenging unique project the end result is beautiful. All teams involved worked arduously and meticulously to ensure everything went to plan and we look forward to being involved in Soundforms mark two!

Senior Designer Ceri Richards thoroughly enjoyed working on such an exciting and innovative design, the final structure is unique and amazing! Im proud to have played such an integral role in the design process of such a ground breaking project.”

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Author: Architen Landrell

For over 30 years, Architen has been at the forefront of the tensile fabric industry.


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Architen Landrell, Station Road, Chepstow, NP16 5PF, UK

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