Morfitts won the contract based on the success of a previous Odeon refurbishment and competitive pricing. Morfitts' project manager, Tony Horsman, explains: "We contacted Fibre Optic Systems because we've worked with them before and we know we get a good service from them and reliable back up whenever we need it. It was a very tight schedule, so we had to pull all the stops out with everybody to deliver - that is why we used suppliers and manufacturers we could trust implicitly."
The newly built cinema features a LED-illuminated, glass staircase which dominates the foyer area. FOS supplied lengths of DIVA Flex ULTRA to light up each stair edge with colour-changing effect according to the prevailing colour theme.
The FOS-supplied Mode Evolution lighting control system, from Mode Lighting, was utilised for the Mezz Bar areas and enables the lighting theme to change at various points during the day and evening and can be tailored for special events - a particular requirement of the client. The Evolution was chosen for its quality and ease of use for the cinema staff.
DIVA Flex ULTRA was also used in the bar area, named Ambar, and the Gallery Bar VIP Suite. Used to create colour washed highlights along the edges of features, DIVA Flex ULTRA has been positioned on the ceiling coffers, chair backs and around the lip of the bar area. To punctuate the DIVA Flex, Robe Anolis spot LEDs have been positioned between and have also been used for ceiling down-lighting.
A four by three metre DIVA Twinkle - a colour-changing, custom twinkle ceiling - creates an unusual lighting feature in the VIP area.
Gordon Addison, FOS technical director, adds, "The versatility of the DIVA range has been used to maximum effect in the Odeon Metrocentre, which showcases its wide variety of effects and uses for us.
"It's always a joy to work with the professionalism of Morfitts, even under the extreme pressure of close deadlines! The installation went very smoothly, however. We pride ourselves on a reliable product and full customer support."
(Jim Evans)
