Page 184 - Protec PR Book Volume 2

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TECH PROFILE
by IHG and Envie to look into providing a solution for what was the largest indoor dance event that the UAE had seen.
Events Manager UAE for Aggreko, Martin Nichol, explained: “For your normal rock ‘n’ roll gig in Dubai, Aggreko is called for show power and concessions, on this particular event the most important factor was the temperature control to ensure a safe working environment not only for the build and de-rig but also for the actual live event.
“The ambient temperature was in the late 40°C and there were numerous variables that needed to be taken into consideration prior to the design stage, which included the number of people that would be attending the event; the technical equipment that was going to be used for the event and heat that would be distributed from this; the layout of F&B stations, bars, and scaffold VIP structures; and the duration of the event.”
He continued: “Once the main information was ascertained, we were then in a position to design the temperature control system that was needed to keep the structure cooled at 23°C throughout the duration of the event.”
All told, over 7 MW of power, 15 MW of cooling capacity, a range of distribution boards and approximately 5km of cable were installed and commissioned on site.
“Having worked at Festival Arena with the venue team on many occasions it was a very straightforward process from our side,” Nichol
added. “With the large, diverse inventory that we carry in the region, our design and technical team were able to provide a solution that fitted within the footprint of the venue, leaving more than enough access for all emergency and civil defence services and other service providers for the event.
“All of the power that was supplied for technical purposes and temperature control was N+1 – meaning that everything was backed up in case of a failure. Any event has to go on flawlessly and, with the size and scale of this event and the live broadcast involved, we as a company would not provide our solution in any other format.
“It was important to have our temperature control kit running at least 48 hours before the event went live.
“This would give enough time for the concrete slab on which the structure sits on and all of the equipment added to the inside of the structure to cool down.
“Knowing the rigorous pre-delivery checks that Aggreko carry out prior to moving equipment on site and during the installation, we were more than confident that everything would run smoothly.”
The Events Manager concluded: “We have worked very closely with the other suppliers on different events in the region throughout the years so this was a great event to be a part of, especially in the middle of summer which is considered a down time for the events industry.”
THE PEOPLE OF TOMORROW
Emran Khan, one of the production managers at Backbone International, was indeed happy:
“This unique concept is a super idea, which was well executed and fits beautifully with UNITE’s vision. I would especially like to thank Abi and Paul from our Dubai lighting crew for executing
it so efficiently and Markus from MA Lighting for lending a helping hand. It was a pleasure working with them.”
Protec’s Lighting Head of Department, Aaron Russ, agreed: “I think it was a great success. Personally for myself and Paul it was one of the best gigs we have ever been involved with. From a geek perspective, the idea of uniting all stages with a similar design and remote operation so it all looked the same was genius!”
And with the final word on the event, Protec Project Manager, Simon Travis, paid tribute to the excellence of his crew for the way in which they turned an ambitious and groundbreaking concept into a reality. “The show itself was thumping, looked great and sounded great,” he said. “There were no issues and I could not be happier.” Photos: Envie Events and Protec www.tomorrowland.com/en/unite www.envie-events.com
www.productiontec.com
me.aggreko.com
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