S+H MD Terry Murtha was approached by DJ's new management to help create a visual scheme to make the space a vibrant nightspot. The premises had been empty for a year and before then had been a sports bar.
"It's a great brief to have almost a blank canvas and be asked to produce something original and imaginative," comments Murtha, who decided on a fresh visual approach based around using LED screen and video content as the main lightsource.
"I thought video was a great medium to produce a versatile environment," he explained, "It is excellent for creating mood, and used correctly, the dramatic contrasts between bight and dark really enhance atmosphere, especially in an intimate space like DJ's."
Terry conducted several detailed site surveys before committing to a visual installation with Glux LED screen at the centre.
His starting point was then the layout of the premises, which features a main bar and a DJ / dancefloor area. "LED screen immediately came to mind as a great solution to get energy, action and 'a vibe' into the different spaces," comments Terry, who has had plenty of experience with installations and nightspots during his career.
He decided on S+H's Glux 3.9 mm LED screen behind the bar - installed in an 8m long by 1.5m high strip - which throws light into the working area and around the room.
Behind the DJ and covering the dancefloor area, is a 6m wide by 3m high surface of Glux 12mm which has immediate impact and can either close the space down or open it up depending on the content being played and the rhythm and pace of the evening.
A laptop running ArKaos GrandVJ is used for control, which can be run as a stand-alone 'house' video system, or guest DJs can hook in and run their own visuals for their performance.
"Most will have a bespoke show now, so building this flexibility into the set-up was important," explained Terry.
Some ambient wall up / down lighting was also added by S+H to support the video screens as lightsources, and a distributed Wharfdale sound system was configured around the venue with a separate substantial PA in the main room - all these production elements have helped make DJs trend as a local destination.
S+H is also using the venue as a training and demo space to show clients how effectively the screen works in situ, as well as to test out new content and other related creative functionality.
(Jim Evans)
