Monday, July 9, 2007

4WALL Systems Group restores Hard Rock Biloxi

July, 2007- The newly restored Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, MS opened its doors on the anticipated “lucky” 07/07/07 after suffering extensive damages from Hurricane Katrina.he newly restored Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Biloxi, MS opened its doors on the anticipated “lucky” 07/07/07 after suffering extensive damages from Hurricane Katrina. Jon Champelli, the lighting designer and president of SHOP 12, was asked to capture the energy of Hard Rock and create visual interest throughout the hotel. To do so, Champelli joined up with 4Wall Entertainment to revamp the disaster stricken property.

Immediately upon entering the hotel, one’s attention is instantly grabbed by the Memorabilia Wall. This two-story wall pays homage to rock‘n roll’s greatest influences; featuring clothing, instruments and other personal items from the music industry’s greatest icons. Over 1,000 iColor Cove QL units are used to bring the display to life. Above the memorabilia case, 78 ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures blanket the white atrium wall with a saturated wash of color.

As guests cross the promenade walkway they are sure to notice the four 10’ x 10’ “Video Skylights”, which were custom designed and constructed by 4Wall and prominently embedded in the ceiling. One hundred iColor Tile FX (a 2’ by 2’ panel) are used to make up these eye catching 10’ x 10’ skylights that provide a canvas for creative lighting designs and video. The “video skylights” feature custom video light shows that run in one-hour loops.

If you want to see and be seen, then the raised Center Bar is the place to go. Amidst the luminous metal panels that radiate out from the center of the bar, blazing with ever changing color, one can take in the action while sampling anything from America’s favorite domestics to tasty cocktails. The focal point of the bar is a 15’ x 25’ LED wall which displays intricate patterns, images, and animation including video content created by Champelli to compliment the other design elements throughout the property. To achieve this very futuristic ambience the team used 56 ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures and 72 iColor Module FX - panels.

VIBE is an upscale restaurant with a private dining room in the early evening hours and a small performance area for late night live entertainment. Champelli commissioned the custom sign built and installed by 4Wall. The 24’x12’ steel frame structure is covered in a DiBond material, and punched holes allow for almost 3,500 iColor Flex SL nodes to slightly protrude from the artificial leather surface. Again, Champelli created custom video to provide the vibrant effects.

Over 300 ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures which are mounted on poles with a 4Wall specially fabricated support arm that holds 6 ColorBlast 12 Powercore fixtures, illuminate the hotel’s exterior. The poles are then directed to focus the light on the lower, middle, or upper levels of the building. The LED light show has a changing color palette and nicely complements the famous eight-story guitar.

Control and data distribution were critical to the success of the project. Buddy Pope, Senior Project Manager for 4Wall Entertainment Lighting, explains, “We designed conventional managed data networks using star topology, routers, and other features of typical office or industrial networks. Our approach was to use Ethernet and commonly used network wiring protocols to allow for the distribution and control of all of the LED systems in a reliable and seamless manner.”

With the combined efforts of Champelli & 4Wall on this year long project, Hard Rock Biloxi is now a place where thousands go to enjoy it’s lively rock-n-roll atmosphere.

About 4Wall Entertainment

Founded in 1999, 4Wall Entertainment is a leading national provider of entertainment lighting systems. 4Wall's services include rentals, sales, service, design, and labor for the lighting industry. Staffed by lighting veterans, 4Wall has become the industry standard for quality and customer service. With the motto of being "Large enough to service, Small enough to Care," 4Wall equipment and design provides customers with projects that are not only aesthetically spectacular but also extremely reliable. 4Wall features three convenient locations- Las Vegas (702-263-3858), New York (201-329-9878), and Phoenix (480-212-0140). To learn more about 4Wall products and services, please visit www.4wall.com.