Located at the western-most point of Maasvlakte, the Portlantis visitor and exhibition centre has opened in the Port of Rotterdam inviting visitors to journey through the port’s 100-year history, experience the port of today, and take a glimpse into the future. Systems integrator Ata Tech BV and project sound designer Danny Weijermans selected Genelec 4410 Smart IP loudspeakers to immerse visitors in the experience.
The modern, multi-use building occupies five rotated spaces, catering for school trips, tourists and business meetings. Connected by a 22m-high atrium, the three exhibit levels host their own individual displays covering the port’s history and its impact on the Netherlands’ economy, as well as its climate-neutral goals and innovations.
More than a standard exhibition space, each floor has been designed to engage visitors with touchscreens, motion sensors, games, interactive labs, and AR and VR experiences. The goal was to bring this all together into one unified A/V system, streamlining the sound as visitors walk through each connected space.
‘The brief was to create a three-dimensional experience with sound that enables you to feel rather than just hear,’ Weijermans explains. ‘From very early on I knew that the project would need many small loudspeakers on every level rather than a few large ones – this avoids the impression of sound coming from one specific direction and creates a smoother flow between exhibits.’ Ata Tech installed over 80 Genelec 4410 Smart IP loudspeakers over the three exhibit floors, delivering extraordinary coverage, clarity and intelligibility – essential in such a complex, and often noisy, space.
‘The centre’s acoustic landscape reflects the port environment with sounds like hammers on metal, wind turbines and birds, but also more abstract music that takes you on a journey,’ he continues. ‘The 4410s bring these natural harbour sounds to life, ensuring visitors feel as though they are in the heart of the action.’ The building’s open, central atrium created its own unique challenge, with the sound from each individual exhibit needing to blend into one balanced, central soundscape. Together with exhibition designer Kossmanndejong, Weijermans carefully planned the location of each loudspeaker to create a complete sound in the central space.
‘Genelec loudspeakers provide the most natural sound,’ says Weijermans. ‘Even in a large space, you really get to experience the port in a vibrant, lively way that flows beautifully. With so much advanced technology used throughout the centre, the audio really brings everything together for a captivating experience.’
Genelec’s innovative Smart IP technology made the installation process simple, delivering power, audio and loudspeaker management over a single CAT cable using PoE technology. Set-up and configuration was equally straightforward using Smart IP Manager software.
When it came to control, Pharos’ control solutions were integrated to create one central control system for all A/V outputs, bringing all core technologies into a single, unified, easy-to-manage system. Pharos panels are installed at various points across the site to give staff easy access to audio, video and lighting controls including audio level, site announcements and rebooting options. ‘If we decide we need to increase the sound level on one particular floor, it takes just seconds to do – it couldn’t be easier,’ says ATA Tech’s Tom Aarts.
‘The integration allows staff to not only control the sound system but also see the status of the speakers directly, so we can see if they are still online, give any warnings if necessary, switch indicator LEDs on or off and view relevant information all from one place,’ explains Bas Hoksbergen, Business Development Director at Pharos. ‘It’s great to walk around Portlantis and see how our touch panels are used to control the complete installation – not only the lighting and show elements but also directly integrating with the Genelec Smart IP system.’
Since opening in early 2025, Portlantis has quickly become a popular destination for tourists, schools and business visitors with Genelec’s Smart IP loudspeakers and Pharos control to provide integrated sound, light and interactivity telling the port’s story.