Kraftwerk Living Technologies (KLT), a leading-edge AV systems integrator, has revealed details of some of its most recent entertainment projects, which are redefining immersive experiences worldwide.
With headquarters in Austria and offices in Dubai, Riyadh, Shanghai and Johannesburg, KLT is committed to challenging boundaries in system integration for its clients, which range from innovative theme park attractions to state-of-the-art multimedia installations.
Bespoke AV solutions
Chimelong Spaceship opened in China in 2023 and boasts the world’s biggest indoor theme park and the largest aquarium on the planet. An award-winning feature of the attraction is the Bermuda Storm simulator, which immerses up to 300 guests in a highly realistic sea adventure. International partners on the project included Technifex, Yessian Music, Visual Terrain, Far Out! Creative, Mack Animation, Brogent and many others.
Kraftwerk Living Technologies played a vital role in developing a single fully integrated system for all media technology and media replay components for the queue, preshow, and main theatre. To ensure the success of the creative and technical concept, the firm built a mock-up of the attraction near its base in Austria. Technical experts, creative heads, a motion sickness expert, and other specialists used this mock-up to test the concept.
Kevin Murphy, senior VP sales and business development at KLT, says: “Projects that we work on are not ‘off the shelf’ and always present several challenges.
“First and foremost, working with such experienced professional international teams with diverse backgrounds and skills was essential to avoid making mistakes that are obvious to those with the right experience. Also, the degree of technical customization was particularly high in this project and for KLT again we were able to incorporate our expertise into the project, especially when it came to integrating all of the different technical elements seamlessly together, to tell one coherent story.”
The attraction features a huge curved projection screen 40m in diameter and 1,682 sqm in area, a moving simulator motion platform, and a custom-designed low-frequency sound system.
The immersive Spatial 41 Channel 3D Sound System includes three different types of loudspeakers, with 15 subwoofers behind the screen, which measure 2 x 18 inches and two VLFE (very low-frequency elements) on the floor. In addition, an array of transducers below the platform generates a vibrating effect to simulate the boat ride, and special effects enhance the experience of being on a ship in a storm.
The Bermuda Storm project was awarded the 2024 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement. The accolade was presented to Christian Hofer, KLT’s CTO, and the Chimelong Group team at the 30th Themed Entertainment Association Awards Gala, which took place in Hollywood in March.
Flying theatre specialists
“One of our many specialties is working on flying theaters and developing the technology and the experience further. KLT worked on their first flying theater back in 2014 and since then, we have been involved in around 25 completed installations or projects in progress,” shares Murphy.
The firm recently delivered a comprehensive suite of AV solutions for a 36-seat flying theatre at VinWonders in Nha Trang, Vietnam. This attraction takes visitors on a stunning flight through the country’s landscape and culture and features Mack Rides’ first installation of the Airific Theater. KLT’s AV package includes audio, projection, and control systems, a 200 sqm perforated screen from Endurescreens, and SFX.
In addition, the firm has contributed to two FlyOver attractions in North America. FlyOver Chicago takes riders on a journey high above the windy city with exceptional views of its landmarks. The 62-seat flying theatre has a ride system by Brogent and features a 435 sqm perforated screen, again from Endurescreens, projection, audio, and control from KLT.
At FlyOver Vancouver, an existing flying theatre attraction has been redeveloped to include an impressive AV upgrade and takes visitors on a flight through Canada’s sublime landscape.
Extending reach in the Middle East
KLT has recently expanded its reach with a new office in Riyadh, which joins the Dubai office under the leadership of general manager Andrew Nu. With this new location, the firm continues to strengthen its presence in the Middle East, better serve regional clients, and use its expertise to develop and implement world-class projects in the area.
The firm will be exhibiting at the 2024 Saudi Entertainment and Amusement (SEA) Expo in Riyadh, which is taking place from 7 to 9 May. Delegates can meet the team at booth 1D108.
