Austria's largest congress centre has added an international-class attraction: comprising 52 individually controllable LED elements, its new polySTAGE system opens the door to transformative stage-setting possibilities. The system can be used to transform the entrance hall from an exhibition area to a walk-in art exhibition or interactive stage in short order.
“Arriving at a congress is often like entering a different world. The new polySTAGE not only creates a unique wow effect, but also has countless possible uses for trade shows, conventions and corporate customers. We are very pleased to present an absolute world first in Vienna,” says Susanne Baumann-Söllner, director of the Austria Center Vienna.
polySTAGE is the collective name given to the 52 LED panels which together create 174sqm of video display in the heart of the venue's entrance hall.
Arranged in two circles, panels are suspended by motor-driven belts allowing them to be moved individually on a vertical plane from ceiling to floor. The name reflects the multitude of staging possibilities it offers. A giant LED banner surface on the gallery balustrade and two LED side walls complete the polySTAGE. The ensemble is complemented by an immersive sound experience.
The polySTAGE system was developed by Media Apparat, which has realised several international projects at the point where art, design and technology converge. A Viennese event agency, its MD Andreas Göltl, says: “The scale and versatility of the polySTAGE is unparalleled, offering event organisers an unprecedented branding and communications experience. Our goal was to design a flexible installation for multiple settings that would perfectly reflect the variety of different event formats.”
From its starting position, the installation morphs into a flowing wave movement, with the content displayed on the screens appearing untouched by the kinetic flow or just playfully absorbing it. For other settings, the LED panels can be used to create static spaces for registration areas and exhibition booths, or for art exhibitions that seemingly float in the air. They can also serve as an interactive stage for hybrid panel discussions, which bring together on-site speakers and outside participants in the same space.
Karsten Elsner, head of event technology at the Austria Center Vienna, is looking forward to exploring the various scenarios: “The 52 panels, which are filled with content and driven via the media servers, are taking us into completely new territory. Installation of this world first definitely represents a highlight for our technicians – the initial feedback from customers, partners and employees has also been overwhelmingly positive.”
