David A. Straz Center for the Performing Arts

Opportunity
The Straz Center seeks “to inspire audiences and artists to dream and discover, to create and celebrate.”  Opening in 1987, the facility comprises five theaters, three restaurants and the Patel Conservatory for the Performing Arts.  The 335,000 square-foot complex provides an environment for a wide variety of events.

Desiring to better engage their patrons, the Center deployed a digital signage network throughout the campus. However, the use of larger scale video walls by other performing arts centers throughout the country prompted Straz to explore a stronger engagement solution utilizing visual communications.

Solution
The Straz Center began a study of the logistics and budget requirements for such an endeavor. They looked to Professional Communications Systems, the integrator of the original digital signage network, to propose several solutions for visual communications at a grander scale. Several areas within the center were identified as high-visibility locations that would support the addition of a significant amount of technology.

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Entrance Video Wall - This video wall display (top-left) located on the first floor header near the main entrance features a 1 x 8 video wall composed of 52" zero bezel HD displays. The video wall is to be networked to the existing digital signage network allowing remote network, content and display control.

The video wall is framed with a custom decorative casing that is backlit with LED lamps and composed of materials and colors compatible with existing architectural elements.

Entrance Sign Redesign - This application (above-left) replaces existing static posters with HD dynamic displays that provide a high visibility to patrons approaching the entrance to the 2 main theaters. The displays will be installed in weatherproof housings within the existing steel framework. The displays will be networked to the existing digital signage network allowing remote network, content and display control.

Entrance Projection Screen - This application (left) creates a permanent projection screen that is mounted to the overhead architectural beams at the entrance to the 2 main theaters. Build of a material resistent to weather elements, the screen is designed to be compatible with existing architecture when not in use.

During evening hours, the screen will display images from 2 HD theatrical projectors that display a seamless image. The projectors will be housed in weatherproof enclosures and networked to the existing digital signage network.

Theater Door Display Retrofit - This application (left) borrows from the video wall design and retrofits existing entrance digital signs with a similar architectural casework frame.

As with the video wall application, these frames are backlit with LED lamps and are composed of materials and colors compatible with existing architectural elements.

Stair Landing Video Wall - This video wall application located on the first floor landing features a 1 x 4 video wall composed of 52" zero bezel HD displays. The video wall is to be networked to the existing digital signage network allowing remote network, content and display control.

The video wall is framed with a custom decorative casing that is backlit with LED lamps and composed of materials and colors compatible with existing architectural elements.

Lobby Projection Screen - One of the more spectacular concepts creates a multi-story projection screen that is illuminated by a HD theatrical projector.

The screen is designed to be visually compatible as a shading element during the day and a stunning visual diaplay in the evening hours. The projector is to be networked to the existing digital signage network allowing remote network, content and projector control.