Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Kraftwerk at Tonguan Kiln: Secret sauce; Magic Glaze

Kraftwerk LT provides immersive theater technology and technical design to new cultural center in Hunan Province, China

News from Kraftwerk LT

Fulfilling the largest contract in its 26-year company history, Kraftwerk Living Technologies (Kraftwerk LT), a leading AV system integrator based in Wels, Austria, provided high-end AV systems and technical expertise for two custom, media-based attractions at the Tonguan Kiln Cultural and Historical Center, open since October 2018 in Hunan Province, China.

Known for its porcelain craftsmanship from the Tang Dynasty, the Center portrays the 1,200-year heritage of Changsha city in Hunan Province. It is part of Tongguan Kiln Ancient Town, a 1.1 million-square-meter complex featuring eight museums, five performing arts centers, three luxury hotels and 18 cultural attractions, expected to draw 5 million in annual tourist attendance.

Kraftwerk LT provided systems to supply two, state-of-theart, immersive, media-based experiences: “Beautiful Hunan,” a 72-seat flying theater attraction and the 800-seat “Magic Glaze” 5D Theater. While the flying theater, for which Kraftwerk LT provided the screen and high-end AV system on behalf of CAVU Designwerks, has been open since October 2018, the first park guests entered the “Magic Glaze” theater during soft opening at the end of March to experience the highly immersive 5D experience. Kraftwerk LT received the order in 2016 and 30 months later, both attractions were completed.

As part of the project scope, the media-based-attractions experts from Kraftwerk LT were responsible for the technical design, detailed planning, supply, integration, programming and commissioning of the “Magic Glaze” theater – including all technological components such as the 3D screen, projection and audio system, SFX motion seats, show control as well as the water and compressed air system, show lighting and special effects. The attraction allows for a maximum daily guest flow of over 20,000, peaking at three 15-minute shows per hour but also features other show control modes, to optimally operate the attraction based on need.

The Magic Glaze theater at the Tonguan Kiln Cultural and Historical Center utilized 5D theater effects to take guests into the world of fine porcelain craftsmanship. All photos courtesy of Kraftwerk
Guest experience

“What is special about this 5D Theater is the seamless integration of the cultural center’s main theme, porcelain craftsmanship, into the attraction. When entering the theater, you walk into the interior of a flaming oven – realized with scenic lighting, various projections and special effects. With this ‘flaming’ atmosphere, the stage is set for a great story and entertaining experience,” explains Manfred Meier, CEO at Kraftwerk LT. The film, produced by PRANA Studios, relates the adventure of the main characters Xiaoxiao und Tongtong, who chase after the “Magic Glaze,” which they seek in order to break an evil spell that has been cast over Tonguan town and its inhabitants. Enhanced with motion and special effects, the experience was designed to entertain all ages.

For its part, the “Beautiful Hunan” flying theater, provided as a turnkey solution by CAVU Designwerks, allows guests to visit picturesque locations in the Hunan province as part of a six-minute fly-over experience. The high-resolution visuals are paired with smooth, realistic motion and in-theater special effects, supporting the feeling of flight. Once again, the media was produced by PRANA Studios and weaves together dynamic, live action flight imagery with visual effects.

The project was delivered to the Macrolink Group, a Chinese company involved in real estate development. “These two theaters are a brilliant example of how media-based attractions – a classic format in theme parks – can be customized to share the stories and messages of cultural and educational destinations,” says Meier. “We’re pleased and proud to have been part of the team.” • • •

More info: https://www.kraftwerk.at

Magic Glaze | Technical Highlights

• 3D projection surface: ~ 1,000 m2

• Total dome screen surface (projection + scenic): 2,214 m2

• 2D ceiling mapping surface: ~ 800 m2

• 800 SFX motion seats with precise 4DOF motion and integrated special effects ranging from wind, water and smoke to vibration, poke effects and more

• 6 x 4K Barco XDL RGB Laser Projectors

• Scenic lighting

• QSC audio system

Joe Kleiman
Joe Kleimanhttp://wwww.themedreality.com
Raised in San Diego on theme parks, zoos, and IMAX films, InPark's Senior Correspondent Joe Kleiman would expand his childhood loves into two decades as a projectionist and theater director within the giant screen industry. In addition to his work in commercial and museum operations, Joe has volunteered his time to animal husbandry at leading facilities in California and Texas and has played a leading management role for a number of performing arts companies. Joe previously served as News Editor and has remained a contributing author to InPark Magazine since 2011. HIs writing has also appeared in Sound & Communications, LF Examiner, Jim Hill Media, The Planetarian, Behind the Thrills, and MiceChat His blog, ThemedReality.com takes an unconventional look at the attractions industry. Follow on twitter @ThemesRenewed Joe lives in Sacramento, California with his wife, dog, and a ghost.

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