Collaborating on the design of the new Centre were the Beijing Institute of Architectural Design and the American firm of Heitz-Parsons-Sadek, which specialises in high-end hospitality interior design. The installation of the sophisticated AV and communications systems was completed by China Construction Third Engineering Division. Corp.
China Construction has a long-established working relationship with TICO, the Chinese distributor of Spanish loudspeaker manufacturer Vieta, which has supplied compact full-range loudspeaker models from its Re and Do Series for the largest multi-function halls in the new Centre.
In the main banqueting hall, TICO sound designers have specified Vieta Re-15 full-range cabinets for the main front-of-house PA, with Re-118S subs. Some 8m down the length of the room, two clusters of Re-15s are fitted in the ceiling, and a further complement of Re-15s are wall-mounted down the sides of the hall and in the back wall. With supplementary Vieta Re-10Ms in the ceiling, the venue is equipped for all types of amplification, from live music performance to speech reinforcement or background music play.
In similar style, the BIH's new theatre has a completely discreet PA installation. Invisibly mounted behind the room's panelling, this 1500-capacity room benefits from a L/C/R installation, using Vieta Re-15s left and right, and three Re-12 modules as centre channel speakers above the 'stage'. Low frequency requirements are served by Vieta Re-118S subs. Around the back wall of the theatre, more than 20x DO8 compact cabinets constitute the delay system. Each hall has a dedicated Vieta Re-10M stage monitor system available for use by live performers. Front-of-house control systems are Allen & Heath, and amplification of all PA is by QSC.
With a high-speed networked information transmission system, multimedia projection and other AV facilities, the BIH Convention Centre has already received much praise, including a nomination for the Great Wall Cup, China's highest recognition in architecture.
(Jim Evans)
