Wroclaw ‘s Afrykarium is a unique visitor attraction, exploring the different ecosystems associated with some of Africa’s aquatic environments. Located adjacent to Centennial Hall, it offers 19 aquaria and pools, which are incorporated into a large complex which combines a three-storey building with 7,500sq-m of external grounds. Each zone is designed to represent an African region and combine the environment and wildlife of that area.

Regions included in the Afrykarium experience include the beaches and coral reefs of the Red Sea, the river Nile, the land of the Great Rift Valley, the Mozambique Channel, the beaches of the Namibia’s Skeleton Coast and the jungle of the Congo Basin.

Afrykarium is also home to a vast array of native African wildlife, living within their natural flora and fauna. In addition to serving as an attraction with great educational value, Afrykarium has recreated ecosystems threatened by human activities and supports many endangered species.

The sound systems throughout the complex were provided by Tommex Żebrowscy: ‘Afrykarium presented us with a wide range of requirements, including background music for the hospitality areas, A/V for the conference facilities and an audible alarm system throughout,’ says Marcin Zimny, Commercial Director of Tommex. Most important, and key to the visitor’s experience, is the multi-zone sound effects system provided for the African regions. As this covered large areas and would be subject to the climatic conditions of Africa, we chose Community speakers for their proven all-weather capability, and audio performance that would recreate the effects naturally.’

The effects system consists of seven zones, controlled by a Dynacord P64 audio matrix, feeding DSA-8805 and 8405 power amplifiers fitted with Iris-Net RCM-810control modules. Community W Series W2-228W loudspeakers are used to cover the large wide areas, combined with 30 compact, two-way, 5-inch D Series DS5 loudspeakers used to ensure an evenly distributed system throughout.

‘The effects are stunning.’ Zimny reports. ‘Clear and accurate, the audio combines with the recreated environments to give a remarkable perception of the African regions. Afrykarium is a very unique experience and I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to provide a superb quality system for visitors to enjoy.’