Providing audio soundscapes in a massive and highly elaborate retail display, Audio Spotlight directional sound technology is an integral part of the centerpiece attraction at Nike’s new flagship store in New York City. At the heart of Nike’s 68,000 square foot “House of Innovation 000” on Fifth Avenue is a three-story high, space-age inspired sculpture called “The Beacon,” which is comprised of 29 video screens, 70 programmable lights, and 36 Audio Spotlight speakers.
Nike worked directly with Holosonics’ partner Parallel Studio to install directional sound technology beneath the floor grating under The Beacon exhibit to beam organic ambient soundscapes upward as part of the display, which promotes Nike’s line of all-white “Noise-Canceling” sneakers.
The retail space also includes vitrines with privacy glass for sneakers on display in which patrons can only see products from certain angles while the immersive waves of directional sound encompass them from below.
According to Nike, visitors to the six-story House of Innovation 000 can experience how “the promise of living retail comes to life… on each floor, groundbreaking features offer spaces and experiences that are both personal and responsive. Throughout, consumers can enjoy services that are deeply customizable and effortlessly smart and seamless.”
Featuring an ultra-thin design with built-in amplifiers, the AS-16i Audio Spotlight speakers were a perfect fit for the floor-mounted sound at The Beacon display, providing a seamless integration into the space. According to the team at Parallel Studio, the Nike display manager was particularly pleased with the ease of installation, and how unobtrusively the Audio Spotlight speakers fit into the space.
In retail projects like this one or in other similar settings, Audio Spotlight is a powerful directional sound delivery system, compatible with any source, ensuring that any retail display, kiosk, or outdoor advertising exhibit has isolated audio, while the surrounding area is kept peacefully quiet.
Product at work:
Audio Spotlight is a flat, thin speaker panel that incorporates a patented technology to create isolated sound in a narrow beam; use cases include museums, exhibits, and signage.
