A leading European teaching and research institution encompassing Economics, Management, Legal Studies, Political Science and Data and Computer Science, Milan’s Bocconi University recently added the Bocconi Sport Center, which includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, fitness area and the multifunctional arena. Studio Sound Service led the integration of A/V systems at the new facilities, with K-array, providing a high-quality PA system up to the challenges of a multi-sports facility.

‘The goal of the project was to establish uniform, high-quality sound diffusion without using loudspeakers that were excessively large or visually impactful,’ says Studio Sound Service CEO and Technical Director, Donato Masci. ‘In the sports arena and the swimming pool spectator stands, the main focus was on increasing speech intelligibility.’

The project encompassed three main zones: the pool area, main hall and gym. The modern architecture of the centre, with expansive open spaces, required careful product selection and acoustic design and configuration to achieve consistent and coherent audio coverage.

The main hall is a multipurpose auditorium, intended for hosting presentations and events. ‘We needed a directive system, rather than an omnidirectional one, in order to direct the sound waves towards the audience,’ explains Studio Sound Service Building Engineer-Architect and Acoustic Designer, Elena Rossi. ‘K-array’s products use line-array technology with a very narrow vertical dispersion, allowing us to effectively target the audio at the grandstand and overcome the acoustic challenges of the open space.’

Six slimline stainless steel Kobra units are installed near the perimeter walls of the hall, with two, slightly larger Python units recessed discreetly within the walls. Beneath the presentation screen, four Rumble subwoofers support the low end, while three 2m-long K-array Anakonda loudspeakers are hidden in the steps up to the stage for centre fill. ‘By fixing the Kobra and Python arrays to the perimeter walls we were able to keep aesthetic impact to a minimum,’ Rossi says.

The gym at the university offers modern training facilities, including an elevated athletics running track, to both students and the general public. Here, the audio system was required to power fitness and wellness activities. In all, Kobra loudspeakers were installed on the ceiling, accompanied by four Thunder subwoofers and angled to serve the main workout areas, such as the running track and free weights zone.

At the heart of the Bocconi Sport Center is the pool and water sports zone, comprising the Olympic swimming pool, 25m training pool and a 500-seat grandstand. Here, 50 GF82 column line array loudspeakers from K-array brand, KGear were positioned above the stands, fixed on the ceiling around the main pool and placed on the walls around the smaller pool. Using K-array’s PAT array technology, the 8-inch-tall loudspeakers ensure appropriate throw and dispersion from a discreet footprint with a IP54 rating.

‘The small arrays could be positioned directly on the grandstand steps and angled upwards to ensure consistent coverage across the spectator stands,’ says Masci. ‘In the pool area, the ceiling loudspeakers were attached to the already finished barrisol ceiling, so the white colour finish was ideal.’

Throughout the sports centre, but in particular, in the gym and pool zones, avoiding large trussing was critical. K-array’s slim form-factor solutions and versatile installation options allowed Studio Sound Service to minimise potential risks.

‘We needed to avoid using large elements that stick out from the walls or ceiling,’ Rossi says. ‘In these environments, it is common for balls and equipment to be thrown, so using K-array and KGear loudspeakers installed as closely to the walls as possible helps reduce the risk of impacts and damage to the products.’

In addition. the on-site chapel also received a new audio system from K-array. Systems integrator, Number One, led the project, integrating 4m-long Kobra units, complemented by two Kobras, installed around the perimeter walls of the main worship area. Additionally, a further four half-metre Kobra loudspeakers support audio coverage on the balcony. Driving the system is a single eight-channel Kommander amplifier.

Through the collaboration between Bocconi University, system integrator Studio Sound Service and the K-array solutions team, the sports centre project is a testament to the fusion of architecture, technology and practicality.

‘Working with Bocconi and the K-array team, we were able to identify the best products from both the point of view of integration and architectural design,’ Rossi says. ‘The result satisfies all of the client’s requests technically and visually, with sound diffusion and quality perfectly suited to the unique needs of each environment.’

More: www.k-array.com