The multi-purpose entertainment arena in London, the
characteristic O2 Arena, previously used for the 2012 Summer Olympics, is now
the venue of the Rugby World Cup for a duration of seven weeks. For this event,
The O2 has transformed into a canvas for the world’s largest projection in
terms of light output.
No less than 96 G-Spot IP65 rated LED moving heads from SGM now
adorn the dome canvas joining forces with 68 video projectors covering the one
km circumference of the roof. The G-Spots provide a petal shaped wash while the
projectors combine to create a 360 degree video image. The interactivity of the
project enables fans to have their tweets projected onto the venue by using the
hashtag #WearTheRose.
This high-profile project is designed by Projection Artworks and
the lighting element is designed and programmed by award-winning Lighting
Designer Tim Routledge.
Professional lighting provider, HSL Group, supplied the many SGM
G-Spots. Together with M.D. Simon Stuart, the team worked tirelessly to
facilitate the delivery of equipment and infrastructure at very short notice.
The distinctive construction of The O2 facilitates this type of
projects, as the arena’s roof was in 2003 constructed on the ground within the
dome and was hoisted up thereafter. Thus, the masts are part of the outside
dome structure.
Still, no project of this dimension comes without challenges.
Several tests were made with traditional moving lights in weather-proof soft
domes, but they failed and proved unworkable. Then the G-Spot moving head was
brought in, becoming the obvious choice.
Tim explained: “This project was delivered at break neck speed
from commission to delivery in a matter of weeks. My biggest creative
requirement was being able to do deep saturates to achieve the two dominant
colours in the display (the English red rose and deep blues matching the
client, telecommunications company O2) that would be bright enough at the
throws we were having to rig at.
“The main logistical requirement was being waterproofed and
reliable for up to eight weeks at over 70m above ground exposed to the
elements. After some testing it became clear that the traditional methods of
inflatable domes were just never going to survive the wind loadings. We even
tested the domes in a wind tunnel.
“We had to find a fixture that could deliver the key creative
and logistical requirements and there is only one fixture in the world that can
do that – the SGM G-Spot. It’s totally waterproof and in deep saturates very
bright indeed. We have been blown away by their use on this project and think
we could go some way with developing their use in architectural and temporary
outdoor projects. SGM moved at break-neck speed with HSL to achieve the
quantity along with the necessary IP rated mains and data cable we needed with
a day’s notice – no mean feat.”
HSL Group worked intensively to ensure availability of all the
equipment within the short time frame. M.D. Simon Stuart explained: “We got the
call several days after we initially discussed the potential to use the SGM
G-Spot in place of conventional lighting fixtures in domes, so we had to move
very quickly to be able to supply not only the G-Spots but all the IP67 mains
distribution and cabling to ensure the project would be protected from the
extreme conditions that could be potentially encountered so high up on the
towers.”
Simom already ordered his first 40 units of the G-Spot moving
head after seeing it for the first time at LDI in Las Vegas in 2013. “My first
encounter with the G-Spots was during their initial release period some 18
months ago in the USA at the LDI show, but at the time the emphasis had been
that the fixture had been developed purely for the outdoor front truss on
festival stages. On closer inspection by our LD’s it became apparent that the
G-Spot is much more than just this, it’s extremely bright with all the features
and functions that enable it to perform in all areas of the entertainment
industry.
“Since then and having subsequently bought the first 40 units,
I’ve been really impressed with their performance, reliability and ease of
servicing,” continued Simon.
The introduction of the SGM G-Spot moving head revolutionised
the lighting industry. With its high power RGBY LED light source and IP65
rating, this luminaire is multi-environmental and maintenance-free. Being
water, dirt and sand proof, there will be no accumulation of dust or externally
induced impact on internal optics, gobos or the light source unit, no smoke
fluid build-up inside and no humidity or moisture inside. This makes for a
perfect functioning luminaire even in turbulent environments.
Simon has had positive experiences with his inventory of the
G-Spot, and he informed: “The unit is completely sealed and free from any kind
of water or particle ingress, so the process of maintaining and cleaning the
unit is minimal in comparison to a normal unsealed moving light. So, when this
opportunity presented itself, I knew that to add another 60 units to our
inventory would be a good long term investment for the HSL Group of companies
going forward.”
