VENICE, Italy — The canals here are used by thousands of gondolas, launches, barges and water buses daily, so the constantly-changing tidal water levels are a concern — at high tide, the reduced headroom under bridges can require some vessels to take alternate routes. The city has adopted Community R-Series loudspeakers as part of its high-water warning setup.
More details from Community Professional (www.communitypro.com):
Located in 15 bell-towers in central Venice and at another 15 locations on outlying islands, the loudspeakers play a series of alert and musical tones that inform residents of the coming tidal levels so that they can plan accordingly. The system, supplied by Prase Engineering, was specified by audio consultant Ing. Umberto Nicolao and installed by Verona-based S.T.A.S.
The loudspeaker system is one of many ways the city of Venice’s Previsioni E Segnalazioni Maree (Tidal Forecasting and Signalling Centre) is utilizing technology to keep city residents and working commuters informed. (The city also maintains a website, a toll-free phone line, touchscreen information kiosks, and even a smartphone app.) An old siren-based audio system had also been used for many years but it was increasingly less reliable, due to mechanical deterioration, and it could only broadcast one alert signal.
The new multi-tone audio system uses a specially designed version of Community’s R.5 loudspeaker, designed precisely for the power, frequency response and dispersion required. Size was also critical in being able to deliver and mount the loudspeakers in some of the ancient towers where they were to be deployed. And of course, Community’s legendary weather resistance was also a factor in selecting the R-Series.
This new approach to a centuries-old challenge was a custom project for city planners, as well as the system designers, installers and for Community. Its implementation has already made a tremendous impact on the daily flow of traffic around this busy city, improving the lives of commuters and residents alike.
