Formerly a colossal natural gasholder, a relic of Berlin’s industrial history has been transformed into a icon of innovation. The Gasometer in now the centrepiece of the EUREF Campus development in in Berlin-Schöneberg – a €200m project that has preserved the structure in a space where past and future coexist. At its heart is L-Acoustics L-ISA immersive sound technology.
‘We wanted a high-quality immersive speaker system to offer a unique event space in Berlin,’ says EUREF Technical Manager, Jens Breetz. ‘L-Acoustics has been our partner since 2016, but when Thomas Mehlhorn [Senior Application Engineer at L-Acoustics] introduced us to L-ISA, we knew we had found something extraordinary.’
The Gasometer’s ground floor and gallery are now a flexible event space able to host everything from high-profile government congresses to concerts. The venue’s technical capabilities are as adaptable as its physical space, featuring moveable platforms that can transform from a flat floor to a raked theatre set-up at the touch of a button.
L-Acoustics’ Soundvision software played a key role in the planning phase, allowing the team to visualize the L-ISA immersive audio experience in the unique circular space.
‘During the planning, it became even more apparent that L-ISA was definitely the way to go,’ Breetz explains. ‘We needed a very flexible sound reinforcement system to cope with the various configurations. An immersive system was essential, as a localised sound source is crucial for improved cognitive function at conferences.’
The L-ISA Scene configuration comprises five hangs of four A10 Focus and one A10 Wide loudspeakers, complemented by two hangs of three KS21 subwoofers flown centrally. Ten 5XT loudspeakers are evenly spaced along the stage front for spatial front fill. This arrangement ensures that every seat in the house experiences immersive sound, regardless of the event type or room configuration.
The system’s versatility was demonstrated during Bestival Berlin 2022, when a prototype system was paired with a tracking system from Lightpower ito offer a glimpse of the venue’s capabilities.
Despite the challenges presented by the Gasometer’s architecture – including its large glass surfaces and semi-circular shape – the L-ISA immersive audio technology has exceeded expectations. ‘It was immediately clear to us that we had made the right choice,’ Breetz reports. ‘There are hardly any sound reflections, and we have an immersive sound system we are proud of.’
As the Gasometer begins its new life as a hub for innovation and culture, the L-Acoustics L-ISA technology stands ready to amplify every moment. From the clarity it brings to spoken word during conferences to the immersive experiences it creates for musical performances, this spatial audio technology ensures that the reimagined Gasometer will continue to be a landmark in Berlin – not just for its striking visual presence, but for the unforgettable auditory experiences it offers. The Gasometer is a testament to the power of reimagining Europe’s industrial heritage for the future, where history and high-tech coalesce to create truly extraordinary spaces.
More: www.l-acoustics.com
