IndigO2 is a state-of-the-art music venue at The O2 (formerly the Millennium Dome), an entertainment complex located along the Thames River southeast of London. Owned by Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG), the $18 million venue was designed by Carey Jones Interiors, a London and NY-based firm. With a capacity for 2,350, indigO2 combines standing/dancing room on the ground floor and amphitheatre seating above. It serves as both a concert venue and an after-show club for the 22,000-seat arena in the center of The O2.

A short voile curtain hangs between the seating and a bar area, adding visual interest. “The fabric takes the hardness off the space and inserts a bit of femininity,” says David Matthews, a principal at Carey Jones. “It's an inexpensive way to create a visual high note, and the fabric picks up the color from the light.” Color-changing LEDs by Philips offer flexibility.

“The look could be described as plush industrial,” says Darren Newby, lead designer for Carey Jones. Brushed steel and natural materials provide reflective acoustic tempering for what Newby describes as “a lively rock sound.” A sculpted plaster proscenium arch echoes the traditional music halls of London.

The technical systems were designed for both in-house and road use, with stage lighting featuring Vari-Lite VL3000 series fixtures and Martin Atomic 3000 Strobes, run by a Flying Pig Systems Wholehog IPC console, Four Pathway Connectivity six-way opto-splitters, and two Avolites art2000t 48-channel dimmer racks with patch bay. The conventional package includes ETC Source Four PARs and ellipsoidals of various sizes, plus four Lycian 2500W M2 medium-throw followspots. Atmosphere is provided by two Reel EFX DF50 Hazers. The lighting package was provided by Q1 Production Technologies.

The sound system features JBL Vertec Series loudspeakers with flown line arrays left/right/center, with under-stage subs, as well as JBL BiAmp monitors and side fills (complete gear lists are posted at the Design Gallery on livedesignonline.com). With complete broadcasting capability built in, indigO2 might just take flight from the banks of the Thames right into your living room.