Clearwing Systems Integration

Owner:

The Phoenix Zoo

Architect:

None

General Contractor:

None

Client:

The Phoenix Zoo

Scope Of Work

Clearwing Productions designed and executed a new event finale encompassing the lagoon. The 
centerpiece of the lagoon is a custom 25’ tall sphere, surrounded by twelve 12’ pylons, covered in Color 
Kinetics iColor Flex MX LED strings. Each of the 4,350 LEDs on the display is individually controlled, 
allowing for a wide variety of lighting looks, speedy transitions and mesmerizing reflections on the lake 
surface. Trees wrapped in colored LED strings and custom armatures surround the lagoon, immersing the 
guests with the effect of moving, chasing and dynamically dancing trees.
A thirty-universe ETC Mosaic Show Controller system and City Theatrical SHoW DMX Vero Net wireless 
allowed so much more control that additional architectural lighting can be dimmed when the three-minute 
main show begins. The Mosaic system also controls a Pharos AudioVisual Controller (AVC) to sync the 
lighting and music programs. Clearwing installed the components in an air-conditioned, outdoor rated 
rack enclosure that encompasses a custom built touchscreen allowing for different control features. 
Lighting Designer, Ryan Mueller, said “The Phoenix Zoo challenged us to come up with a design for the 
next 20 years that encircled the lagoon, increased the amount of viewing locations, and modernized the 
show – all while retaining the traditions of the past.”
In addition to dramatically increasing the production value of the lighting show, the previous audio system 
was overhauled. Clearwing designed custom lakeside speaker poles complete with two Technomad 
full range speakers, subwoofer and outdoor rated amplifiers, which were constructed by United Scenic 
Productions. Twelve poles are distributed to cover over nine hundred feet of viewing area around the 
lagoon. Nick Pitman chose Technomad, “because we needed a turnkey solution from one vendor 
including speakers, amplifiers and mounting hardware. Technomad products offer an extended product 
life in a harsh outdoor environment with a long warranty period.” 
Audio system control is handled by a Harman BSS System to route, zone, and delay the signals according 
to their location around animal encounters and nearby displays. Clearwing Productions began designing 
the new concept with the Phoenix Zoo staff over nine months ago in order to engineer lighting and audio 
systems, control networks, submersible cabling, outdoor equipment enclosures, and float and weighting 
systems. This was Clearwing’s third year of being involved with the Phoenix ZooLights annual holiday 
display, an institution that has captivated audiences for over 20 years.