1Oak Tokyo opens with major d&b installation
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Sacha Robertson reports, “At the heart of the 1Oak approach is a focus on differentiation through design and function, capturing and curating the energy in each club. Interior design and lighting combine to play a major part, but ultimately that energy has its origin in sound.”
When it came to choices for the Tokyo venue, the interior design process was led by New York-based contemporary artist Roy Nachum, who was Grammy-nominated in 2016 for his cover artwork on Rihanna’s Anti album. With the club interior complete and the opening date fast approaching, 1Oak engaged the local d&b team to design and implement the all-important sound system.
1Oak owner Salvatore Morale says: “As a DJ I appreciate sound. At around the same time we were building the club I had started to notice that in all the places I visited around the world and heard great sound, whether that was a big festival, a hotel bar or an opera house, I was seeing d&b speakers. This was a clear sign for me.”
As with 1Oak clubs around the world, the latest Tokyo venue is not simply a nightclub. Founder Richie Akiva’s vision is that of an entertainment venue; an inspiring space capable of hosting live music, launches, premieres, after-parties and VIP events. Versatility without compromise underpins the business model.
Central to 1Oak Tokyo’s layout is a d&b equipped main stage, using a V-12 and V-8 based array with dual V-SUBS, along with dancefloor and DJ booth in which monitoring is provided by two M4 and two Y-SUB. The feeling of being at the heart of the club is accentuated by the Nachum-inspired ceiling design, evoking the sensation of being within an immense ribcage. Additional to the dancefloor are seating areas, served by 10 d&b E6 Loudspeakers, two 21S Subs and two B22 Sub.
1Oak’s VIP rooms, private karaoke room, and roof garden utilise d&b Y7P and Y10P loudspeakers, with 12S and 27S Subs to match. Amplification requirements throughout the venue are met by seven d&b D20 and four D80 amplifiers.
The overall 1Oak Tokyo building incorporates many different types of space, each with their own requirements and characteristics. For example, high SPL is a central requirement in the main room, whereas tightly focussed horizontal directionality is a priority in each of the VIP areas. What they all have in common is overall tonality.
Key to the d&b system design was seamless transition between these distinct areas of the space, retaining the desired energy through consistently high sound quality. Even the restrooms are equipped with d&b 4S loudspeakers. The result is an even, immersive and intimate experience connecting all three floors.
(Jim Evans)
