Lakeside Shopping Centre.

We needed to create a soundscape system that enhanced customer experience. We had to design from first principals, learning, experimenting, and innovating as we progressed. We used a combination of small loudspeakers and programmable, schedulable, immersive audio components. Our biggest challenge was producing and composing the music and sound design. As the end result could only be tested and understood on site, a trial and error process was needed to ensure every nuance was heard.

To begin, we needed to better understand Lakeside’s customers and social areas. We imagined ourselves in the space, listening to the sound around us and focusing on how we reacted, as simulating the design using VR was less accessible at that time (2017). We looked to other industries like theatre for support and studied how it uses sound and light to stimulate an emotive response from audiences. The lessons learnt guided our positioning of the entire soundscape. Several other technical features were also being designed - all of which needed to work in harmony to bring the area to life. The sound design & composition needed to be relevant to the listeners; non-intrusive yet impactful enough to enhance the space.

The Leisure Realm is split in to three distinct zones and each features a multi-channel Meyer Sound audio system. This is paired alongside a variety of modern lighting installations, fountains, water features and large video displays. Our soundscape is tactically designed to work with the acoustic characteristics of each zone; however, the realm needs to adapt to the changing seasons and time of day. As a result, we embedded a TiMAX SoundHub to allow the system to be easily programmed, scheduled and configured by employees.

Lakeside has been truly reignited into a modern, fun retail and leisure destination. Home to more than 300 shops, restaurants and leisure attractions, we have delivered a unique audio system and musical content that blends each realm together seamlessly, creating a relaxing and flexible environment.