When the University of Strathclyde wanted to add a new cycling studio to their sprawling Strathclyde Sports facility, our AV projects team brought lighting, visual, control and connectivity technologies to create a personalised, electrifying class experience.
The university unveiled the sprawling facility back in 2021 and has since worked to deliver new and exciting spaces to cater to its growing number of members, students, and staff. The cycle studio is the latest addition in a long line of upcoming projects for the university.
“Hutchison Technologies took the idea in my mind and delivered a fully functional lighting system. We couldn’t be happier with the service.” – Iain McCormack | Learning Space Operations Manager
Strathclyde University briefed us to create a mesmerising indoor cycle experience, with future-proofing and flexibility built-in for other events they might host inside the studio. They asked us to focus on lighting, visuals, manual control tech, and backend software development that would connect all the systems together for ease of use.
When entering the studio, members are met by a 20-strong fleet of bikes, with chevron-style strip digital RBG lighting suspended overhead. The strips were installed at varying heights across the ceiling to create an uphill feel that mimics the virtual classes on the display upfront.
The front-facing wall features a bespoke mural dedicated to Strathclyde sport that the bikes look towards, with a purpose-built platform for instructors and equipment. RGB lighting lines the podium and synchronises with the other lighting in the space.
A series of spotlights and moving heads surround the cycling studio, and provide additional lighting and feature effects, including a personalised University of Strathclyde logo beacon which travels around the room in a pre-determined trajectory.
The Uni of Strathclyde specifically requested MADRIX software to store and control the sequences and code, which runs through to the lighting server off the side of the studio. We can load any requested additional sequences remotely in-house, meaning the studio always has access to new sequences and programs with immediate effect.
Whilst planning out the cycling studio space, our team knew they would have to work around the exposed vents in the ceiling, as well as plans for future placement of air conditioning units. To overcome this, the team lowered the lights on suspended cables, providing easy access for future installations and access to ceiling units. To ensure no pixel quality was lost due to the circuit lowering, the team added additional LED strips and a DMX decoder to provide a stronger signal.
When it came to installation, our project and engineering teams were praised for their innovative problem-solving, dedication to the project, and attention to detail throughout.
“Hutchison Technologies installation team were a joy to work with. Adapting to the challenges on site and stepping above and beyond to create a great space.” – Iain McCormack | Learning Space Operations Manager
Since launching the cycling studio in the last few weeks, classes have seen a rise in popularity. We maintain an excellent relationship with the University and cannot wait to see what future projects they have for our team.
