Multifunctional Conference and Event Center in Berlin

In spring 2023, MCI was awarded the contract through a Europe-wide public tender to provide media technology for an international client’s office space in Berlin-Kreuzberg. The office features a 300-square-meter multifunctional space that can be divided into four rooms for events, conferences, and workshops as needed. When fully opened, the space accommodates up to 199 people.

The event center was equipped with state-of-the-art, IT-based AV systems for maximum flexibility. For compatibility with other facilities, several device types were specified, enabling services such as remote interpreting to be used internationally. The tender and detailed planning were carried out by the AV planning office hmp, Hartmann, Mathias und Partner. MCI’s partner, audioone GmbH, was responsible for the installation of all technical equipment.

The following usage scenarios are possible:

Large presentations and events with up to 199 people: For this, the space is fully opened. The main presentation medium is a 162" LED wall from InfiLED. This mobile LED wall can be packed into a case thanks to a motorized frame and stored when not in use. For optimal stage lighting, ten moving heads (Agilio) from GLP are mounted in a standard power rail, supplying both DMX signal and power. Two Sennheiser gooseneck microphones at a Holzmedia lectern or various Shure ULXD wireless systems provide speech reinforcement.

Boardroom with videoconferencing capabilities: For this scenario, two of the four rooms are combined. The mobile LED wall can also be used here. Alternatively, two 98" Panasonic displays mounted on Holzmedia media stands are available. For additional flexibility, further 55" displays on floor trolleys are placed in the center. Four mobile PTZ cameras ensure direct viewing angles for speakers.

A total of 20 Panasonic UHD PTZ cameras were installed across the four rooms, supporting video-follows-audio automation. The activation signal from Televic microphone units is read by Crestron, which then calls up the corresponding camera preset. Presets are set and saved via Crestron 10" touch panels. Video routing is handled by ZeeVee UHD60 video-over-IP.

To meet the demands of complex streaming and hybrid events, a Vizrt Tricaster Mini X video mixer was installed in the control room, enabling various image compositions. Recordings are saved to a QNAP NAS. For professional audio mixing, a Yamaha QL1 is used, with all signals connected via Dante.

Four meeting rooms or three meeting rooms plus a foyer: In this most common scenario, all partition walls are closed, creating four conference rooms, each accommodating up to 18 people. The rooms are similarly equipped, each with a media stand housing a 98" Panasonic display, active column speakers, and a PTZ camera. Two of the four rooms offer videoconferencing via Cisco Codec Pro, with conference management via Cisco touch panel and in-room technology controlled by Crestron touch panel.

Jörn Bogmer, Project Manager at MCI, explains: “Programming the Crestron media control had to account for the interconnection of all components across different scenarios. This was an extremely complex process that required extensive testing to cover all eventualities. Users can be very creative, and that had to be considered.”

The client chose Televic as the audio conference system, consisting of 44 microphone units and 65 infrared assistive listening devices. The system is designed to support up to eight languages. The UHF microphone system is from Shure. For standard audio transmission, two Biamp Tesira X400 DSPs are used.

In addition to system implementation, the contract includes a maintenance and support agreement with event support for at least three years. MCI adopted a two-phase integration approach to compensate for long lead times from various manufacturers and to ensure basic conference center functionality as early as possible. Final acceptance took place in March 2024.