With the 2022 version of Soenda Indoor Werkspoorkathedraal in Utrecht being an unbridled success, repeating the trick for the 2023 edition in the same location would be no small feat. Fortunately, T.Y.S were once again on hand to create a design that surpassed expectations.
The biggest challenge for the design team was coming up with a solution that could turn the cavernous Werkspoorkathedraal into a venue with a cosy club atmosphere. With a floor surface of 5,800 m² to cover and a ceiling height of 20 metres, there was plenty of scope for creativity.
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Together with the event’s producer, Elevation Events, the design team decided that doing something with motion could add a surprising new dimension to the lighting setup for the 2023 edition. This culminated in the construction of four large square frames that were suspended from the venue’s two crane tracks. With each frame loaded with visual and lighting equipment, double the number of trusses and motion hoists were needed to support the frames and make them tiltable.
DEFRAME provided the stunning visuals that covered the square frames. Ampco Flashlight supplied the motion equipment, while Stagelight was responsible for supplying the sound and lighting equipment. They equipped each square frame with 32 Showtec Helix S5000 Q4 LED washers. With 8 washers attached to each side of the frames and each washer having the capability to be split into 5 separate sections, it was possible to create virtually unlimited wash effects. The DJ booth also benefitted from 2 Helix S5000 washers, which were used as side and front lights.
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A total of 60 Infinity iB-2R moving light beams were added on either side of the square frames to create a dynamic light curtain for the frames to dance through. With their razor-sharp beams, vivid colours, fast movements, rotating prisms, ultra-fast gobos and colour wheels, the iB-2R fixtures added plenty of energy. There were also 20 Infinity Furion S601 Profiles that were used to project a wide variety of breathtaking gobo effects onto the walls and ceiling of the Werkspoorkathedraal.
Soenda is an event that continues to go from strength to strength, which is not surprising given how much time and thought goes into its planning and organisation. The design team behind Soenda Indoor Werkspoorkathedraal 2023 in the Werkspoorkathedraal are currently preparing for the eagerly anticipated Soenda Outdoor Festival 2024. As soon as they’re done with that, they’ll start planning for Soenda Indoor Werkspoorkathedraal 2024. Who knows what they’ll come up with for that, but it’s probably best to expect something spectacular and unexpected.
* Photo credits: Soenda Indoor Werkspoorkathedraal 2023 by Tim Buiting, Sander van de Ven, Stef van Oosterhout & Sanne Hamacher"
