Application scenarios

Historic environments and cultural heritage

Integrating technology into historic buildings requires particular design sensitivity and attention to heritage conservation. Multimedia solutions must engage with the existing architecture, enhancing the spaces without altering their identity.

The case studies below present real design experiences and contexts, useful for highlighting recurring challenges, design approach and the skills involved.

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Technology integrated into historic lecture halls

Technology integrated into historic lecture halls

Padua
ContextMultimedia equipment for historic lecture halls under heritage protection by the Superintendency for Cultural Heritage, to allow continuous use.
Typical challenges of the context
  • architectural constraints
  • hardware integration into the environment
  • need for ease of use
Design interventionAudio, Video and Controls design with an AVoIP solution.
Skills involved
AVC designNetworkingIntegration
Auditorium

Auditorium

Venice, Italy
ContextGenerali's auditorium in the Procuratie Vecchie, Piazza San Marco, designed by David Chipperfield. A multipurpose hall for live events, concerts and gala dinners in a UNESCO context.
Typical challenges of the context
  • AV integration in a historic building with no invasive works
  • Acoustic flexibility: live music vs. amplified sound
  • Custom multimedia tracks on historic beams
  • Stage lighting for conferences and gala concerts
Design interventionFinal design of the multimedia and acoustic system with configurable retractable acoustic absorber banners, custom-designed suspended multimedia tracks, Dolby Surround 7.1 audio with an LED wall, and dedicated stage lighting for live events.
Skills involved
Architectural acousticsAV designLighting designDolby Surround 7.1Control systemsMultimedia tracks
Former Convent of Sant'Antonio

Former Convent of Sant'Antonio

Taranto
ContextPermanent architectural mapping.
Typical challenges of the context
  • outdoor hardware protection
  • compliance with heritage authority constraints
Design interventionDesign of insulation systems for outdoor projectors and cabling made invisible and integrated into the cloister.
Skills involved
Outdoor mappingWeatherproofingArchitectural constraints
Villa Favard

Villa Favard

Florence, Italy
ContextMultipurpose hall (teaching, concerts and spoken word) in the historic Florentine villa used by the Cherubini Conservatory.
Typical challenges of the context
  • Strict architectural constraints
  • Need to make acoustic correction works invisible
  • A dome that focuses sound, requiring acoustic treatment
Design interventionAcoustic correction of the Sala dei Giochi and the former refectory.
Skills involved
Room acousticsInterior design