The atmosphere on opening day was electric, and as the excited children charged into the city, they were greeted by music and special effects delivered through a Bose audio system.
As an official industry partner of Kidzania London, Bose supplied all of the audio within the city, from the streets on the main concourse to many of the 60 individual establishments, including a Hospital, Police Station, Fire Station, Airline, Stadium and Theatre.
Built over the course of one year, the 75,000sq.ft child-size city is the equivalent in size to Leicester Square, with the ceiling height of Heathrow Terminal Five. It is able to welcome up to 1,700 visitors at any one time, and is forecast to host 750,000 in its first year.
Sound is key to maintaining an exciting and entertaining environment in which children can learn, challenge themselves, and be inspired to explore a world of opportunities.
Designed by Bose, and installed by Bose pro partner PEL Services, the sound system comprises 62 Bose FreeSpace DS40SE loudspeakers in the main concourse areas on the ground and mezzanine floors, with further FreeSpace loudspeakers in the Entrance, Airport Check-in area, Aircraft and Radio Station.
In the Theatre, where children can put on performances after attending the Acting Academy, there are six RoomMatch Utility speakers, and the Clock Tower in the central square has two RoomMatch Utility speakers. On the Burning Building, where young firemen can practice extinguishing 'a fire', there are 2 Bose Panary 402-II loudspeakers. Most of the establishments, including the Engineering Pit Lane, Hotel, Hospital, Supermarket and Music Studio are equipped with Bose FreeSpace DS16F loudspeakers with local volume and input control.
All of the main system is centrally controlled by Bose ControlSpace ESP-00 DSP engineered sound processors, with Dante enabled networking, and powered by Bose PowerMatch PM8500N amplifiers.
Kidzania London chairman Joel Cadbury said, "Kidzania London will be an experience like no other. Throughout its development we have to extraordinary lengths to ensure the City is as authentic and true to the real world as possible, working with an incredible group of Industry Partners and talented content creators to build a city that we truly believe will alter the way the UK views education and entertainment, opening the eyes of future generations to a myriad of possibilities they may have otherwise never known existed."
Sue Harrison of Bose Professional UK said, "Bose is honoured to have been asked to provide the sound systems for the new Kidzania educational experience in London. As a company founded on the principles of research, innovation and technology, Bose understands the value and importance of education, so Kidzania was a perfect fit.
"The challenge of adding to the children's experience and enhancing the learning environment through the power of sound has allowed us to show our passion for developing unique solutions. Another of our guiding principles is that of teamwork and collaboration, and we have enjoyed a being a part of the team of Kidzania partners during the development. We hope to remain involved as a Kidzania partner for many years to come."
(Jim Evans)
