INTERIORS & INTERIOR DESIGN
A REVOLUTIONARY NEW PRODUCT
NEW HARLEQUIN LIBERTY SWITCH WINS THREE PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS
Harlequin , the global leader in flooring systems for dance and the performing arts , has won three prestigious awards , including ABTT Engineering Product of the Year 2023 , for its revolutionary new product , Harlequin Liberty Switch . This recognition reaffirms Harlequin ’ s commitment to providing the performing arts community with the highest quality cutting-edge products available .
Harlequin Liberty Switch is a revolutionary multi-use flooring system that seamlessly transitions between a sprung dance floor and a rigid theatre floor at the touch of a button . Using pioneering technology this multifunctional floor enables performers to adapt their space according to their specific needs while providing the highest standards of safety and comfort .
The engineering behind Harlequin Liberty Switch enables carriages running on low-friction rails to engage or disengage stop blocks on the underside of the Liberty panels , transforming the floor effortlessly from rigid to fully sprung in less than a minute . Harlequin Liberty sprung panels , renowned worldwide for their excellence , make up the upper part of the floor , sitting above base units housing the actuators and the mechanical components . The system is linked to a master control unit located off-stage and is controlled using an intuitive touch screen display .
The advantages of Harlequin Liberty Switch are numerous . The system optimises space utilisation , saving time and money by offering a flexible multi-use floor within the same area . With significant reductions in the manpower required for changing from a heavy-duty stage floor to a sprung dance floor , Harlequin Liberty Switch streamlines operations and eliminates the need for expensive ballet wagons or floor storage . The speed of transformation also ensures less ‘ down time ’ between performances .
“ Harlequin continues to work with industry professionals , researching and developing products that are practical and cost effective whilst putting the needs and safety of performers first .
The system can also be fully customised to specific customer requirements . For example , areas of the floor can be isolated to create rigid zones for the placement of pianos or scenery while maintaining a uniform and consistent shock-dampened sprung dance floor across the rest of the stage . Features such as traps and lifts can easily be accommodated if required .
Harlequin Liberty Switch has won awards for its innovative design across the world , including the Best Debuting Product Award at LDI Las Vegas in 2022 and the DTHG Technology Product Award at Showtech Berlin earlier this year . The triple award recognition for Harlequin Liberty Switch speaks volumes about its exceptional design , functionality , and impact on the performing arts industry .
ABTT Engineering Product of the Year Winner , Harlequin Liberty Switch - ABTT Co-Chair , David Evans ( left ), Karen Woodward ( Middle ) Jamie Stirling ( Right )
Harlequin continues to work with industry professionals , researching and developing products that are practical and cost effective whilst putting the needs and safety of performers first . The company remains committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in flooring technology and supporting artists and performers worldwide in achieving their creative vision .
For further information please contact our technical team : theatres @ harlequinfloors . com or + 44 ( 0 ) 1892 514888
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