2024 Finalists Announced
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FINALISTS: BEST APPLICATION OF AV IN COMMERCIAL OR GOVERNMENT (BUDGET EXCEEDING $1M)
The Ritz Carlton, Melbourne
Entered by Programmed Electrical Technologies. (AV Consultant: WSP)
Programmed Electrical Technologies delivered the BGM and Display system across six levels at The Riz-Carlton Melbourne, working collectively with all stakeholders to deliver a 6-Star-Hotel Audio Visual System. Close collaboration with the hotel enabled Programmed to provide effective and timely installation services scheduled around the hotel’s events and services. This meant the works did not impact the running of the hotel or the guest experience. With new and updated display, audio, hearing augmentation and signage systems, The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne has maintained its high-quality appearance and service and will do so for many more years to come. Programmed met the Hotel’s sustainability goals and substantially reduced the environmental impact by accurately calculating cable requirements – minimising the surplus to be discarded. Careful attention to sustainability also ensured all applicable waste was recycled throughout the project construction.
Queensland Rail Management Centre
Entered by Pro AV Solutions Queensland (Design Partner: Barco)
The Rail Management Centre (RMC) is a critical part of QR’s operational infrastructure, operating 24/7/365. The objective of this project was to replace and modernise the hardware of the three existing RMC Mimic Panels to provide a scalable and flexible display of rail network information systems and CCTV security camera feeds. Installation works had to be meticulously planned to coincide with closures and other works, ensuring minimal downtime and disruption to train and security operations. The completed operations centre, one of the most advanced in the country, includes an epic 24-metre-long Barco video wall that offers a real-time view of 850km of track and every train in the network, boosting safety and operational efficiency across the board. Alongside, a 7-metre-long screen integrates security footage from 12,000 CCTV cameras, enhancing real-time response capabilities in emergency situations.
Fortress Sydney
Entered by AVIT Group Australia
Fortress Sydney is a new kind of venue, comprising an eSports arena and broadcasting centre, games arcade, restaurants, bars and function spaces. The Avit Group was commissioned to design and install its audiovisual system, integrating a wide array of components. Their all-encompassing solution was tailored to meet the needs for background music, network video transmission, and a flexible arena space. The installation includes state-of-the-art display, audio, performance lighting and broadcast facilities, all designed to support a variety of events. The audiovisual system implemented in the venue is entirely digital, utilizing AES67 for audio transmission, NDI for video transport to the tavern, and HDSDI for the arena. The result was a transformative audiovisual system with a scalable infrastructure that not only met the client’s immediate needs but also provided a foundation for future growth and adaptability.
Marvel Stadium Upgrade
Entered by Equans AV Technologies. (AV Consultant: Mott MacDonald)
The strategic vision of the Marvel Stadium Upgrade was to enhance the guest experience through the use of technology, and to be at the forefront of stadium content production and delivery in Australia. The overarching technology platform integrated by Equans Audiovisual, now allows greater control over content delivery and guest engagement by integrating and synchronising control of the audio, vision, LED sports lighting and architectural lighting systems. The AV Package comprised of general AV systems, LED Videoboards and Public Address systems. As Marvel is one of Australia’s largest stadiums, hosting over 50,000 patrons, deploying this project had some specific challenges. Being fully operational during the entire refurbishment, ‘the show still went on’ through 2 years of integrations works. This meant a full cross over plan was put in place to keep the older system in functional order whilst the new products were installed and tested.
FINALISTS: BEST APPLICATION OF AV IN COMMERCIAL OR GOVERNMENT (BUDGET UNDER $1M)
AAMI Park Melbourne Lounge
Entered by Equans AV Technologies. (AV Consultant: NDY)
This project involved fit-out of a new VIP bar and lounge, as well as media suites on the west side of AAMI Park Stadium. This solution not only addressed the specified brief by enabling diverse video sources in the space but also enhanced the visual experience through strategically positioned LED Video Walls, providing dynamic and customizable content displays. The integrated control station offers a centralized command centre for managing both video and audio elements, enriching the overall presentation experience within the Melbourne Lounge. Utilising Extron AV over IP solution for video transmission, the technology has revolutionised the connectivity within the spaces. This innovative approach enabled the entire venue to be networked, offering unparalleled flexibility in content delivery and management, meeting and exceeding client expectations for the premium space.
Hobsons Bay Council Chambers
Entered by Converged Technology
Hobsons Bay City Council were in desperate need of a new Audiovisual solution for their Council Chambers environment. Their old platform had been cobbled together through necessity and was teetering on the edge, and an uplift was long overdue. The solution needed to support councillors and remote attendees connecting via the Zoom video conferencing platform, whilst also supporting live web-streaming to the internet where constituents would view the feed via a HTML web-browser. The new platform, designed and integrated by Converged Technology, has provided a significant uplift in audio and video capabilities whilst also simplifying in-meeting control interfaces. It now fully supports hybrid council meetings based on Zoom. Considerable design effort, experimentation and innovation was required to meet the Council’s the key business requirement – “screen equity” – whereby all elected councillors are displayed equally both on displays located in the room, and also when streamed to the internet.
Ballymore Stadium
Entered by Biamp. (Integrator: Fredon)
The new McLean Stand project was part of the $30 million National Rugby Training Centre (NRTC) development, located in Ballymore in Queensland. Fredon was engaged to complete just over $400k of work for the new McLean Stand, a 3,000-seat grandstand, to which Biamp contributed DSP’s, speakers and paging equipment. The success of this project was of utmost importance as the facility will play a significant role in sport and in the community – including the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The AV had to deliver the best audio experience for the crowd on the grandstand, with speech intelligibility of immense importance. It also had to incorporate a paging system and be aesthetically complimentary of the architecture. Biamp’s solution met all operational requirements from day one, whilst creating versatility and future capacity for expansion. Importantly, the solution provided an intuitive interface which is key to the success of match day operation.
FINALISTS: BEST APPLICATION OF AV IN A PRODUCTION, EXHIBITION OR DISPLAY
Vivid Sydney
Entered by TDC
TDC’s contribution to Vivid Sydney 2023 significantly enhanced the event through cutting-edge projection technology. Their advanced systems not only improved deeply saturated natural colour vibrancy and visual impact but also prioritized energy efficiency, benefiting the client and the environment alike. The introduction of the TwLite projection towers reduced the installation and removal times significantly, minimising disruption to the city. Furthermore, TDC’s implementation of remote monitoring via LiveView played a crucial role in maintaining operational stability. LiveView enables the technical team real time connection and viewing of all the technology installations, along with line up and tweaking of projectors from one remote location. This innovative approach minimized technical disruptions, guaranteeing a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. The combination of these technological advancements allowed for spectacular visual storytelling, thereby elevating the overall quality and appeal of the event.
Sovereign Hill Winter Wonderlights
Entered by The Electric Canvas
Sovereign Hill remains Ballarat’s premium tourism destination since its founding 50 years ago. The large-scale outdoor museum immerses visitors in a replica 1860s gold mining town, complete with horsedrawn vehicles and period-accurate activities around the huge site. In 2014, The Sovereign Hill Museums Association devised a nighttime activity to boost attendance during the cold winter school holidays. In the ensuing years, Winter Wonderlights has continued to grow and, in 2023, covered 26 facades with varying visual themes. The show requires 31 channels of synchronised HD playback, from five server clusters, with a full 31 channels of live backup for immediate failover should there be a technical issue. There is the capability for multi-track sound delivered to any point in the projection footprint delivered over a Dante network. Redundant network topology is employed with all signal and network reticulation via a robust fibre backbone.
Adelaide 500 State Dinner
Entered by Novatech
For the annual motor racing event, VAILO Adelaide 500, the South Australian Government hosts a Gala Dinner, the Adelaide 500 State Dinner, to showcase local talents and serve as the event’s opener. For the 2023 event, Novatech conceptualised & designed the entire audiovisual production, which was delivered in conjunction with the Adelaide Convention Centre’s AV team and Nexstage. The entrance, featuring transparent LED walls with real Supercars behind them, instantly engaged guests and set the scene for a unique night. This distinctive setup enhanced the event experience and perfectly matched the VAILO Adelaide 500 theme, making a memorable impact from the start. Two massive video walls were hung using Bomac tracks on the stage backdrop, enabling them to open and close seamlessly throughout the event. This innovative setup allowed for dynamic stage reveals for the surprise performance of Jon Stevens adding a sparkle to the performances and presentations.
Murrook Culture Centre
Entered by Art of Multimedia. (Integrator: Command Digital Systems)
The Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council (WLALC) wanted a Culture Centre where a cutting-edge digital interpretation experience would allow Elders to personally welcome visitors, and immerse the visitor in Worimi Culture through large-scale interactive cultural stories. WLALC appointed Art of Multimedia to deliver all aspects of the Interpretive Digital Experience to fulfil their curatorial vision. The finished project contains multiple audiovisual zones. A highlight is the immersive and interactive projection system running real-time 3D graphics using Unreal game engine. This exhibit features interactive scenes, each representing a different time of day in the Mullet Run, a key cultural story of the Worimi. Other exhibits include 14 personal oral history videos; welcome videos by Elders and young Worimi to personally welcome visitors to Murrook; a 2.5-metre multi-touch table containing the Worimi photographic collection and much more.
FINALISTS: BEST APPLICATION OF AV IN EDUCATION
Australian Catholic University Innovation Hub
Entered by Pereira Wilson. (Integrator: Insight Systems)
Consultants Pereira Wilson guided the conception, design and commissioning of this project, the first of multiple planned ACU Innovation Hubs, where students from different allied health disciplines will be able to work together virtually. Think physio students in Ballarat consulting virtual patients alongside dietetics and midwifery students in Melbourne as part of a holistic health plan. Igloo Vision is used to drive image mapping and content control as part of a 240-degree immersive projection installation. QSC audio and sub/sat speaker system is used to provide surround sound. 360 cameras were also supplied to enable field recordings for independent content creation and education. ACU now has a flagship space to conduct simulations, training, immersive hybrid experiences and high impact presentations. The wow factor space communicates ACU’s focus on innovation to prospective students and academics.
Brisbane Grammar School STEAM
Entered by Videopro. (AV Consultant: Design Stage)
Videopro recently completed the integration of the Brisbane Grammar School STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) precinct. The STEAM Precinct is an integrated multidisciplinary education facility which is not simply ‘a new science building’ but rather reflects a whole of school approach pedagogically, physically & culturally. The audio-visual package featured innovative technologies and system solutions spanning across five building levels. A multitude of system types and spaces were delivered, including solutions for Science Labs, Meeting Rooms, Combinable Design Studios, GLA Classrooms, Prep Rooms, a large flexible format Incubator Space and a huge central atrium complete with LED screen and a flexible sound reinforcement system. Digital Signage was provided throughout the facility and the network centric design featuring AV over IP provides flexibility for future expansion. Completed in late 2023, this project was one of the largest education projects delivered in Queensland during this period.
Flinders University: New City Campus
Entered by Diversified Australia and Sennheiser (Design Partner: Flinders University)
Flinders University’s new city campus at Festival Plaza was the first of its kind in South Australia and required comprehensive audiovisual (AV) infrastructure that matched the university’s leading reputation. The project enhanced teaching, learning, and collaboration experiences across many spaces including digitally enabled classrooms, meeting rooms, and recording studios. Diversified designed and installed state-of-the-art AV systems throughout, creating a versatile and engaging educational environment, significantly enhancing the university’s AV capabilities at scale. Key technologies were meticulously chosen with the client’s needs in mind. These included Crestron NVX for networked AV distribution, Biamp for digital audio routing, Sennheiser microphone systems for clear audio capture, and Poly video conferencing solutions for seamless remote communication. These systems were seamlessly integrated to enhance the functionality of more than 100 spaces, capable of fully supporting both hybrid and in-person learning.
The AVIAs 2024 are sponsored by:
In participation with:
