KPMG - auditorium in new domicile
When KPMG was planning to build a new headquarters in Frederiksberg in 2011, Stouenborg was a key partner in the development of the new auditorium. The visions for creating state-of-the-art meeting facilities were numerous. Still, the primary desire was for a flexible and future-proof system comprising AV, sound, and lighting, which would be able to handle large meetings in a professional and reliable environment. Not least, it had to be easy to operate to ensure smooth operation, for example, when KPMG's clients held a general meeting for their principal shareholders.
The impressive auditorium, with a capacity of 450 people, is designed to be divided into two smaller auditoriums by means of a partition wall. Both have been equipped with sound, lighting, screens and projectors, so that they work side by side at the same time. When the large auditorium is in use, the systems are integrated with each other, so that, for example, screens and projectors deliver one large image.
The building's asymmetrical design, with sloping surfaces in the ceiling, presented acoustic challenges, making the placement of the speakers a puzzle in terms of delivering an even sound level throughout the auditorium. At the same time, it was important that the speakers were not visually too dominant and could function both as two independent systems and as one combined system. It was possible to create a sound image with just 1.5 dB of fluctuation, so the sound level is perceived as being largely the same, regardless of whether you are sitting close to or far from a speaker.
By the standards of the time, the KPMG project exemplified a holistic solution that differed from typical AV standard solutions, as everything, from speakers to blackout curtains, was digitally controlled via a Creston touch panel, requiring minimal technical skills to operate. At the same time, all equipment was carefully integrated into the space, ensuring it was fully utilized, both as a single system and as two independent systems.
Stouenborg has been involved in the entire process from design to implementation and installation.
Photos: Laura Stamer
Stouenborg has also served as a consultant and installer on other projects similar to the KPMG auditorium, including Örebro University, Aarhus School of Architecture, and The National Gallery of Denmark.