The Bocconi University in Milan relies on K-array and KGEAR loudspeakers
from editorial team,
Bocconi University in Milan has recently expanded its facilities to include a modern sports center with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a fitness area and the multifunctional Bocconi Sports Arena. Studio Sound Service, in collaboration with Laser Entertainment and VideoGecom, led the integration of an AV system based on K-array speakers into the new facilities.
(Image: Bocconi University)
Founded in 1902, Bocconi University has a strong international focus. Her teaching and research offerings include the areas of economics, law, politics, data and computer science. Its modern architecture with expansive open spaces required special care in product selection, acoustic design and configuration when planning the audio infrastructure to ensure consistent and coherent audio coverage. The Main Hall is a multi-purpose auditorium intended for presentations and events.
Unobtrusive and high-quality sound system
“The aim of the project was to achieve consistent, high-quality sound reinforcement without using excessively large or visually conspicuous speakers,” explains Donato Masci, managing director and technical director of Studio Sound Service. “In the sports arena and the swimming pool spectator stands, the main focus was on improving speech intelligibility.”
should take place. “We needed a directional system instead of an omnidirectional one to direct the sound waves towards the audience,” explains Elena Rossi, civil engineer, architect and acoustic designer at Studio Sound Service. “K-array’s products utilize line array technology with very narrow vertical dispersion, allowing us to effectively direct sound toward the stands and overcome the acoustic challenges of open space.”
Six slim stainless steel Kobra units are installed on the outer walls of the hall, while two slightly larger Python units are discreetly embedded in the walls. Under the presentation screen, four rumble subwoofers support the low frequencies, while three units of K-array’s innovative, two-meter-long, flexible Anaconda speakers are hidden in the steps to the stage and provide sound in the center of the room. “By attaching the cobra and python arrays to the exterior walls, we were able to keep the aesthetic impact to a minimum,” explains Rossi.
In addition to the sports facilities, the Bocconi University Chapel also received a new audio system – with Kobra units from K-array.
Sound for fitness and wellness
The Bocconi University gym, which is open to students and the public, also required the integration of a professional audio system. A total of 18 Kobra speakers were installed in the ceiling, along with four Thunder subwoofers. By targeting the speakers to the desired coverage areas, Studio Sound Service was able to ensure specific audio coverage of the main training areas, such as the track and free weights area.
The heart of the Bocconi Sport Center is the pool and water sports area with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a 25-meter training pool and a 500-seat grandstand. To ensure maximum audio coverage for spectators, a total of 50 K-array brand, KGEAR, GF82 column line array speakers were positioned above the stands, secured to the ceiling around the main pool, and mounted to the walls around the smaller pool .
Thanks to K-array’s PAT array technology, the 8-inch speakers offer maximum range and dispersion in a discrete form factor and are IP54 protected. “The small arrays could be positioned directly on the bleacher steps and angled upward to ensure even coverage of the bleachers,” says Masci. “In the pool area, the ceiling speakers were attached to the already completed Barrisol ceiling, so the white color scheme was ideal.”
New speakers for the chapel
In addition to the integration into the Bocconi Sport Center, the chapel there also received a new audio system from K-array. Systems integrator Number One led the project and integrated four one-meter Kobra units, complemented by two half-meter Cobras, which were installed on the exterior walls of the main worship area. In addition, four additional Kobra loudspeakers, half a meter high, provide sound in the gallery. The system is powered by a single eight-channel Kommander amplifier
