Europe’s largest LED ceiling has been installed at Printworks, one of Manchester’s principal leisure and entertainment venues. The 1,000m² LED ceiling, which was designed and manufactured by venue transformation specialists ADI, covers the scheme’s internal streets and integrates with lighting, audio and creative content.
Owner DTZ Investors hired ADI to create the ceiling, which has more than 10,720,900 pixels and is around 115 metres long. The design enables the screen to change the ambience inside Printworks to suit different audiences, live events and brand activations.
In total, ADI has installed around 1,550 m² of LED ceiling, digital signage and large-format screens – from their MT Series – across the interior and exterior façades of Printworks in Manchester, England. They include a 90m² interactive gaming screen, as well as other new features, such as Wayfinders and high-level LED ribbon.
ADI worked in partnership with Manchester animation studio Flipbook to produce a variety of content-driven experiences for the ceiling, from AI-generated animations to story-led video. “There are nearly 100 pieces of content ready for launch, ranging from live action filming to advanced 3D animation, through to AI-generated artwork and collaborations with international creatives,” said Jim Lynch, creative lead, ADI.
The main screen also features a new fire-rated LED product – the MTF range – developed by ADI for interior applications. Having undergone stringent fire testing, it’s believed to be the world’s only LED module to meet the BSEN 13501-1 classification.
ADI will provide remote production and event broadcast services over their Live Venue network, which connects over 90 UK stadia and leisure destinations to its centralised production studios, in Preston, over dedicated fibre connectivity.
In the coming months more interactive experiences will be incorporated. The installation of heat mapping cameras throughout the venue will allow real-time, audience-generated content to appear on the ceiling.
The overall refurbishment has been designed by Glasgow-based architects CDA and the creative team as a whole have been guided throughout the project by Creative Director David Fraser of destination specialists, Harrison:Fraser. The scheme, which is managed by Cushman & Wakefield, also remained open throughout the entire refurbishment.
