Dansehallerne

The dance halls in Carlsberg City are a unique combination of historical heritage and modern technological innovation. The finished project has created a remarkable ability to unite architectural preservation, technical excellence, and artistic flexibility.

The transformation of the listed industrial building into a ground-breaking facility for dance and choreography represents a prime example of how technological solutions can be integrated without compromising a building’s historical significance. With a vision of flexibility and sustainability, the Dance Halls were equipped with advanced AVL systems that enable versatile performance and ensure that the building is future-proof and able to meet the needs of a constantly evolving art form.

The scope of the project extends far beyond conventional standards. The carefully planned layouts, from the imposing White Box to the intimate Black Box, offer unparalleled versatility, catering for everything from large-scale performances to experimental setups. The associated infrastructure, including five additional studios, a roof terrace, and a central foyer, shows a deep understanding of artistic and practical needs, making the Dansehallerne not just a venue for the performing arts, but a cultural center that will inspire and support generations of artists.

Despite challenges such as weight restrictions in the listed building, complex network integration, and phased financing, Stouenborg delivered creative and effective solutions. The use of lightweight Moveket lifting systems and Eurotruss trusses ensured that the integrity of the ceiling was maintained, while a centralized technical room and 20 km of cables enabled seamless communication between the systems. Furthermore, the project was carried out with a strong focus on sustainability through carefully selected technologies and the reuse of materials.

This project raises the bar for what a modern theater facility can achieve. It unites the best technology, architecture, and artistic vision and serves as a beacon of innovation in the performing arts.

The installation of Dansehallerne’s advanced AVL systems presented several challenges, primarily due to the historic building’s listed status, complex technical requirements, and phased funding structure. However, innovative solutions and strategic planning ensured these challenges were successfully overcome.

One of the main challenges was the building’s historic status, which restricted structural modifications and imposed strict limitations on the ceiling’s load-bearing capacity. Traditional heavy-lifting systems could not be used, necessitating a lightweight yet robust alternative.

Stouenborg addressed this using Moveket lifting devices and Eurotruss trusses, which provided support without exceeding weight limits. Load distribution was continuously monitored using Elion load cell systems to maintain the ceiling’s structural integrity. Additionally, the placement of power supplies and junction boxes was limited due to the building’s heritage status. To address this, Stouenborg developed a detailed plan to optimize power and connection points, balancing functionality with respect for architectural integrity.

Another significant challenge was integrating multiple audio and video protocols, including AVB, Dante, and analog systems. Ensuring compatibility and seamless signal routing was essential for the venue’s flexible setup. Stouenborg overcame this by implementing DirectOut translation boxes, which acted as bridges between different protocols, allowing trouble-free communication between systems. All technical control was centralized in a dedicated control room, where more than 20 kilometers of cables and 250 network lines connected every room, ensuring efficient signal transmission throughout the building.

The phased funding structure added further complexity, as the project had to be executed in stages, requiring flexible and future-proof solutions. Stouenborg addressed this by designing a modular system that could be upgraded and expanded without disrupting existing installations. This approach allowed the venue to gradually enhance its capabilities while maintaining operational functionality.

Despite these challenges, Dansehallerne now boasts a state-of-the-art AVL system that respects the building’s historical heritage while meeting modern performance requirements. Through innovative engineering, strategic planning, and close collaboration, the venue has become a versatile and technologically advanced space that supports a wide range of artistic activities.

This successful integration of history and modernity has established Dansehallerne as a cultural beacon in Copenhagen, offering performers and audiences a unique and immersive experience.

Dansehallerne’s advanced network infrastructure is essential to seamlessly integrating audio, video, and lighting systems throughout the venue. With over 20 kilometers of cables and over 250 network lines, this system enables flexible and reliable communication across all performance spaces, studios, and meeting rooms. All connections are routed to a centralized control room, which serves as the hub for managing the venue’s AVL systems.

The network supports Dante, AVB audio protocols, and light protocols such as sACN, ensuring compatibility between devices such as Yamaha DM7 mixing consoles, Meyer Sound Galaxy processors, DirectOut audio converters, and all the light fixtures. This combination allows for high-quality audio transmission with minimal latency and seamless communication between audio, video, and light. Bolin PTZ cameras, which run on Dante video, provide live streaming and performance documentation. One of the key benefits of the network infrastructure is its ability to route audio, light, and video feeds from any space to any other. This enables immersive experiences where performances can flow seamlessly from room to room, with perfectly synchronized sound and visuals. The flexible system also allows artists to experiment with different spatial configurations, enhancing live performances and training sessions.

Additionally, the network infrastructure plays a critical role in managing the venue’s chain hoist systems, with Elion load cell systems providing real-time feedback on weight distribution. This ensures that the historic building’s structural limitations are respected while allowing for dynamic stage setups.

Overall, the robust and flexible network infrastructure at Dansehallerne is essential to its reputation as a cutting-edge cultural hub. By enabling seamless communication between audio, video, and lighting systems, the network enhances artistic creativity and audience engagement while supporting the practical needs of performers, technicians, and event organizers.

The versatile space distribution, from the White Box to the meeting room and roof terrace, makes the Dansehallerne a center for both artistic and social activities that support both artists and the audience. The result of the technology integration is an innovative and environmentally friendly facility that supports Dansehallerne’s vision of being a cultural beacon for dance and choreography.

The sound systems in the Dance Halls are designed to support a wide range of scenarios, from intimate performances to large productions. High-performance audio equipment from Meyer Sound, known for its advanced sound quality and membership in GreenAV, has been chosen. The system has been chosen to make it possible to create an immersive experience for visitors who can walk from room to room and experience performing arts with precisely synchronized sound and light despite their moving movement across the rooms.
The speaker system is an environmentally conscious solution with a focus on both precision and sustainability. The sound system is programmed for flexible use, which makes it possible to adapt the sound to the many different room types and performing arts – from the White Box to the smaller studios. The audio system, featuring Meyer Sound’s Space Map Go, enables spatial sound configurations that can be tailored to different spaces. Supported by 32 point-source loudspeakers, LFC-750 and LFC-900 subwoofers, and Yamaha DM7 mixing consoles, this setup ensures high-quality audio capture and playback. Loudspeakers can be repositioned using numerous connection boxes and power outlets throughout the venue, while Sennheiser wireless microphones and TeamConnect ceiling microphones capture both live performances and meetings. The system’s flexibility allows sound to follow performers and audiences as they move from one room to another, creating a cohesive, immersive experience.

The lighting systems in the Dance Halls are equipped with energy-efficient solutions that both meet artistic needs and reduce energy consumption. The advanced lighting design provides flexibility to create atmospheres that support different types of performances and training. With full power management, the entire system can be turned off when not in use, contributing to significant energy savings.

Lighting from Astera, Robe, and Prolights is energy-efficient, programmable, and adaptable to different performance needs. With approximately 400 lighting fixtures, performances can range from intimate and subtle to grand and theatrical, all controlled through grandMA3 consoles along with a comprehensive MA lightning infrastructure in conjunction with Luminex switches. Meanwhile, Panasonic projectors and Da-Lite projection screens support advanced projections, enhancing visual storytelling. Bolin PTZ cameras document performances and enable live streaming across interconnected spaces, while LG displays with Brightsign media players provide information throughout the venue.

The visual elements of the project are carefully integrated to respect and highlight the building’s architectural heritage. Stouenborg has implemented video systems that can be used for everything from live streaming to advanced projections.

This allows the artists to experiment with different visual expressions that support the vision of being a versatile platform for modern dance can be achieved.