Sound and Communications - July 2008 Issue

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Highland AssociatesHighland Associates, New York City, is a multi-disciplined firm specializingin architecture, engineering and interior design. What makes Highlandspecial is the firm’s proven experience in multiple market segments. Thefirm believes that every project is unique and should be examined withan open mind. The diversity of experience allows its professional staff tochallenge the standard and engage in a creative dialogue aimed at findingthe most appropriate solution.In addition to the Elizabeth Arden flagship store, other projects includerenovating the corporate headquarters of Playboy Enterprises and landmarkrenovations for retailers Elie Tahari and Bloomingdale’s in SoHo.SoundComm For Isl more hlf information, 6-07 5/15/07 go to www.highlandassociates.com.9:39 AM Page 1NEWQ-CS Power1Powered LoudspeakerDirect connection to projectors and computerswith no additional equipment requiredQ-CS Power1 AmplifierSMThe best sound around10 Research Dr., Stratford, CT 06615• 15W built in amplifier• 2 stereo inputs withgain controls• 2 way 8" coaxial driver• 180˚ x 360˚ dispersion• Fewer speakers neededfor better coverage• Single speaker coverslarge areaSoundsphere LoudspeakerConventional LoudspeakerSoundsphere Loudspeakersare Made in the USA.(203) 386-9200 • www.soundsphere.comThe custom-designed space featuresinnovative audio and video elements.including fragrances, perfumes and lotions.However, in order to view theprogram correctly, McCann put in a 4:3projector mounted sideways to createa properly viewed 3:4 rotated image;otherwise, it would have been viewedsideways. And not many window passersbywould cock their heads to viewsuch a skewed presentation. “Theheight and positioning of the 50"x50"screen was thought out pretty well between[Highland’s] Glenn Leitch andme,” said Newbury.Curved Image“Now, we had to take into considerationthat we were taking an image intendedto be projected on a flat surface.But we were putting it on a curve.” Tostraighten the image, they integrated ageometry correction box between thevideo signal and the projector. Thiswas done via a Silicon Optix imagingdevice, which allows the image to befluid across a curved screen (see “Curvaceous”sidebar for details).A Crestron touchpanel made thevideo control user-friendly for storeemployees, allowing them to controlprogram content and turn the projectoron and off for store openings andclosings.There was an iPod connection, aswell, for in-store Muzak audio. A Muzakplayer was installed in the rack.40 Sound & Communicationswww.soundandcommunications.com
McCann SystemsMcCann Systems, LLC, Edison NJ, is an innovative design/build audiovisualfirm. The recent integration by McCann for Elizabeth Arden isanother example of how luxury retailers see the need for AV specialiststo improve a shopper’s experience. McCann Systems is experiencing aspike in interest by retailers to introduce innovative AV design into theirretail environments. McCann has recently integrated AV for a number ofluxury retailers, including Elie Tahari (East Hampton NY), NHL Poweredby Reebok (New York City) and Nintendo World (New York City).For more information, go to www.mccannsystems.com.In addition, there’s a Denon five-discCD changer so they can play additionalCDs.And that brings us to the speakers.“The architects wanted the ceiling tobe clean,” said Newbury. “They didn’twant customers to see speaker grillesor speaker mounts. But they stillwanted an audio experience withinthe store. We used Sound Advancespeakers, an older technology that’sbeen around for a while. Essentially,they’re ‘invisible’ speakers. When thesheetrock ceiling gets constructed, thespeakers themselves get installed intothe framework of the ceiling.“Then, using special spackle, you literallytape the spackle right over theface of the speaker, therefore making itessentially ‘disappear,’ and it becomespart of the ceiling. Then the ceiling ispainted. As far as the eye can see, it’sjust a nice, clean, white sheetrock ceiling.But we have four speakers hiddenup there for audio playback. The storesounds really good.”Other Quality ElementsNow that we’ve covered the AV, let’slook at the other aspects that made upthe store’s renovation. Customers aregreeted dramatically by the oversizedElizabeth Arden Red Door. Flankedby crystal clear Starfire Glass, thestreamlined storefront invites visitorsto explore what lies inside. There’s notonly the aforementioned red ribbonwall; the venue’s constantly changinggallery wall forms a backdrop for focuseson products, fashion and beauty,tributes to the Elizabeth Arden legacy,celebrity spokespeople and celebrationsof humanitarian and educationalcauses.The store’s Mary Beth Mazzotta furtherexplained: “The gallery wall is avery special creative element for us.We want to represent the culture ofthe fashion and beauty industry today:educated, confident and giving.”Turning again to supportive technicalaspects, architect Leitch pointed(continued on page 63)July 2008 41
Page 1: Vol. 54 No. 7July 21, 2008Beauty of
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Page 6 and 7: Standing in front of an exhibit, st
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Page 69 and 70: COMPILED BY DAN FERRISIGas and Conv
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