Case Study: Jaipur War Museum, India Features 02/01/2018 The architect and integrator detail the unique display at the Jaipur War Museum and how fine margins for perfect timing were achieved with the help of a customised and automated control system.The Jaipur War Museum at Amar Jawan Jyoti Jaipur, India set out to create an immersive AV experience for its visitors. The visitor attraction is a project of the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) which is a Rajasthan state government body taking care of development activities in the city of Jaipur. Masooma Rizvi from Belita Design Solutions served as the architect, Usam Concepts (USAM) served as the integrator and Vinshek was the AV distributor for the project. Mohit Mahipal, managing director at USAM, talks about the project: “The client wanted to capture the focus of visitors without losing it to the marvel of the deployed technology. The museum had to come up with an agile solution that acted as an experience enhancer for the observer rather than act as an impediment. Every aspect of the war theme had to stand highlighted amidst the use of modern technology such as speakers and lighting. The architect also wanted better control over the installed technology, whilst keeping it totally covert. At the same time they also knew only AV technology could have brought out the real essence of each display or show, breathing life into the otherwise static fi gures and illustrations.” The museum is configured in a unique manner as Mahipal details: “The Jaipur War Museum put forth a requirement for the deployment of invisible speakers and lighting system with innovative solutions, in its hallway. The part of the museum we were working on comprised 18 ‘jharokhas’ – an open window, overhanging enclosed balcony which is one of the most recognisable aspects of Rajasthan’s architecture.” He continues: “These 18 ‘jharokhas’ showcase various aspects of war across the span of the last few centuries. It showcases how war was fought at the time of Maharana Pratap and how in modern times war has progressed to the level of submarines, missiles, fi ghter jets, etc. Each jharokha hosts a beautiful display of projected scenes of warfronts and the fi repower of the Indian army.” The architect, Masooma Rizvi, also speaks about her vision: “I wanted the project to employ top line technology to please the urban and rural visitor – to inform and entertain and yet maintain the pious sanctity of the war memorial. I designed these spaces with a story that unfolds with the help of technology and artefacts, dioramas, silicon statues and miniature models." She continues: "Along with the exhibits, the technology used includes holograms, 3D movies, augmented reality and many others. These had to be integrated within all the restrictions of space and time.” Mahipal says: “We were involved in the project from the fi rst stage when the architect was conceptualising the project. We came into picture for the reason that AV systems were required and Saleem Ahmed, executive engineer from the electrical wing at JDA, and his team contacted us for appropriate solutions for the project. During detailed discussion on the matter, we suggested and introduced the concept of automation to the architect and JDA as an integral part of the Jaipur War Museum which was accepted by them.” The automation that Mahipal references is built around an Elan control system which comprises one Elan gSC10 controller and one Elan gSC2 controller, accessible via Elan touch panels, remotes and the Elan mobile app. Deploying the control system for automation was not easy. Mahipal details: “The Jaipur War Museum has a long walk on roadside around 300m in length. The jharokhas are distributed in two wings, with ten jharokhas on one side and eight jharokhas on the other. There was no way to connect both sides of museum through any wires but at the same time both sides were supposed to be operated together. Therefore we had to provide a pure wireless solution.” He continues: “We simplified the whole system by offering an Elan solution that ensured each instance is automated as per a pre-defined sequence and time. For instance, the AV goes on and off in a timely fashion and the entire sequence or show also starts and ends on time. Elan manages all of this and everything happens automatically.” Diganchal Singh Sengar, senior Elan programmer at Vinshek, said: “This is the most complex project I have ever configured. Through Elan, we configured the system to automatically turn on at 7pm and run until 10pm. During the evening show, Elan controls the lighting and visual displays to work in tandem with the audio walkthrough.” Rako wireless dimmer and switching modules are used for lighting. Mahipal says: “There were more than 50 circuits of lights, which were installed in these jharokhas and they were supposed to have different lighting effects. Getting few effects was possible through traditional methods, but only to a limited level. The architect was very particular about the quality of lighting effects and wanted something more complicated. This was possible only if we created and programmed scenes as per her desire. We therefore suggested installing programmable lighting control circuits from Rako.” He continues: “Again there was the practical problem of operating the system. To start the entire museum in one go was possible only through automation. The Elan control system once again stepped in to provide this functionality.” The lighting system also brought up some problems. Mahipal says: “Few of the lights selected by the client were old types and models. When integrated with our system, they created magnetic fields around them. This created confrontation with our software and these lights used to behave mysteriously. Initially, we were confused about the reason of the malfunction. However, after performing a rigorous check of each light and its driver, we finally identified and solved the problem.” Regarding the selection of the speakers Mahipal says: “Any foreign element would have resulted in distracting the visitors. This was the singular focus guiding the selection of the speakers. How did we pull it off? We made the AV deployments totally invisible, concealing and camouflaging them in the space around, just like the museum management had desired. Our Sonance invisible speakers were fitted in the hallway in such a way that the visitors remained completely oblivious to their presence.” Visual solutions were handled by a separate contractor. These comprise a Panasonic PT-RZ670 projector and a Christie DWU555-GS projector. The projectors are used to provide the holograms and 3D visuals specified by the architect. Four LG 55-in panels are employed in a 2 x 2 videowall while 50-in and 75-in LG large format displays also dot the museum. Rizvi says: “For the visuals, I wanted exact timing for lights to come on for an exact period. Every movie, hologram and scene needed to breathe with the right lumens of light, the exact shade of colour and the exact theme. My team did a great job. I must say there were times when I drove everyone a little crazy. But, I got my timings, we got the look and we got an integrated package that runs without any problems.” Regarding the challenges faced for the project, Mahipal says: “We were given only 20 days to start and complete the project. This project started in the month of May, which is the hottest time of the year in Rajasthan. It has also got to be noted that this is an open museum and the work had to be done at a temperature range of 44 to 47°C in the day.” In conclusion, Mahipal says: “The entire project has come out in a beautiful fashion. The comments of people visiting the place showcase extreme happiness and satisfaction. The entire team associated with the project is delighted in all respects." Tech Spec Control Elan gSC10, gSC2 controller, touch panels, mobile app Audio Sonance IS4 invisible speakers, DSP2-150 stereo amplifiers Video Christie DWU555-GS projector LG 50-in, 55-in, 75-in displays Panasonic PT-RZ670 projector