This Center for Innovation and Creative Technology—a project by the municipal government of Querétaro, in Mexico—was conceived as a high-impact, multifunctional space capable of hosting everything from corporate events and conferences to audiovisual productions, interactive classrooms, and immersive experiences. 

BLOQUE’s ambitious mission came with significant challenges. Rodrigo Ruiz Ballesteros, BLOQUE’s director, explains: “From the very beginning, we needed to create an innovation ecosystem in the city of Querétaro centered around entrepreneurship, entertainment, and education. We had to offer flexible and adaptable spaces for both the present and the future. This included specialized areas such as an eSports arena, AI and VR development spaces, an auditorium, multipurpose rooms for conferences and training, and a large reception area with giant videowalls. BLOQUE needed spaces versatile enough to host all these activities.” 

To meet such diverse needs, a robust, flexible, and high-quality audiovisual system was required. The firm tasked with this ambitious integration was smart.corp, led by Gerardo Morelos. 

“The project began as an initiative to integrate cutting-edge technology into a versatile and innovative space. The main challenge was that we didn’t know who the end users would be, so we designed everything for multiple scenarios,” Gerardo explains. 

Total Flexibility as a Strategy 

That initial uncertainty forced smart.corp to design a resilient audiovisual installation, capable of adapting to any need without compromising performance. Modular solutions were implemented with a focus on scalability and compatibility. 

“We worked with a redundancy strategy at all levels, from connectivity to audio and video processing,” says Gerardo. “The idea was that no matter the type of event or activity, the system would respond seamlessly.” 

At the heart of the system is the Q-SYS platform, which enables smooth integration of audio, video, and control. This technology choice facilitated centralized and remote operation of all spaces in the building. 

A Customized Installation, Floor by Floor 

BLOQUE has seven levels, each designed with a specific function: 

• Common areas: Uniform and discreet ambient audio to create immersive atmospheres. 

• Auditorium: Capacity for 300 people, with advanced microphones, a curved videowall, real-time collaboration tools, and premium audio quality. 

• Conference center: A transformable space that can be divided into up to four rooms using acoustic curtains. Each room operates autonomously, allowing for simultaneous events without interference. 

• Meeting rooms and interactive classrooms: Equipped with collaboration technologies, wireless connectivity, touchscreens, and smart cameras. 

• Production studios: Acoustically treated spaces for podcast recording and content creation. 

“Each floor has a different personality, which is why we used different equipment configurations. We selected them for their quality, yes, but also for their ability to integrate into a coherent operational ecosystem,” says Gerardo. 

Impressive Videowalls 

The videowalls are a hallmark of the project, both for their size and the creativity behind their installations: 

• Exterior façade (316 m²): A striking corner-mounted LED screen with 3D projections that create optical illusions from a specific angle. 

• “Tree” videowall (127 m²): A circular structure offering a 360° immersive experience, using special projectors for curved surfaces. 

• Curved lobby videowall (63 m²): Enhances the entrance with an immediate visual impact. 

• Auditorium (21 m²): A curved screen that complements the audio system for a fully immersive experience. 

“It’s not just technology; it’s visual storytelling. These screens are designed to tell stories and evoke emotions,” Gerardo emphasizes. 

A Façade That Projects the Future 

Aligned with its mission to be a beacon of technological innovation, the large-format LED screen on BLOQUE’s façade redefines visual communication in urban spaces. This fixed outdoor installation uses Hikvision P3.9 panels, covering an area of 316 m² with a 3.9 mm pixel pitch, enabling a resolution of nearly 23 megapixels. 

Measuring 10 meters high and 10 and 21 meters wide in two sections, respectively, this screen is one of the largest Naked Eye 3D installations in Latin America—ideal for displaying 3D content without the need for glasses. Its aluminum chassis allows heat dissipation, and it is equipped with IP67 front and IP66 rear ratings, ensuring resistance to dust, water, and temperatures up to 60°C—essential conditions for outdoor installations in climates like Querétaro’s. 

“The implementation of LED screens has successfully fulfilled our vision of a tech-savvy innovation hub and positioned BLOQUE at the forefront of digital innovation,” says Rodrigo Ruiz Ballesteros. “It creates a vibrant environment that fosters creativity and technological advancement.” 

In addition to its aesthetic and technological impact, this LED solution allows the BLOQUE team to display engaging visual content promoting educational activities, workshops, conferences, and key events—reinforcing its focus on the 4E model: Entrepreneurship, Education, Employment, and Entertainment. 

Sustainability and Automation 

One of BLOQUE’s most innovative aspects is its comprehensive focus on energy efficiency. The façade is fully covered with solar panels that not only generate electricity but also allow natural light to enter, reducing energy consumption. 

In addition, a Building Management System (BMS) was implemented to control climate, lighting, and audiovisual systems, optimizing building performance and enabling smart management. 

“Everything is interconnected. AV is not an isolated system; it’s part of the building’s nervous system,” explains Gerardo. 

Flawless Operation 

The success of such an installation depends not only on the equipment but also on continuous operation. That’s why smart.corp has three full-time technicians dedicated to operating and monitoring BLOQUE’s system. 

“We have preventive protocols and real-time monitoring. Our goal is for the end user to never have to worry about anything. Everything should work naturally and without interruptions,” says Morelos. 

Beyond Technology: A Complete Experience 

For Gerardo, the greatest achievement of BLOQUE’s AV system isn’t the number of devices or the technical specs, but the impact it has on visitors. 

“Technology shouldn’t be noticeable—it should be felt. People walk into the building and are impressed by the sound quality, the image clarity, and how smoothly everything works. That’s the best validation of the work we did.” 

The feedback has been positive since the grand opening. BLOQUE has hosted events, exhibitions, courses, and social programs—all taking full advantage of the installed audiovisual capabilities. 

A Long-Term Project 

The entire process—from initial design to launch—took about three years. Coordination with other disciplines such as automation, renewable energy, and architecture was constant. Today, operations are solid, and results are measured both in technical performance and user satisfaction. 

“We designed post-sale support based on manufacturers’ recommendations, and we complemented that with our operational experience. The system is built to last and evolve,” Gerardo concludes. 

A super interesting project full of technical details that can be useful for all kinds of installations! Do you have a case worth sharing too? Our Call for Presenters is now open! You can apply to bring your experiences to our conferences and help spread more knowledge to the industry. Find all the info at this link. 

If you want to talk more about BLOQUE and other topics, the Hikvision team will be in booth #115 at InfoComm América Latina, showcasing all their solutions and some new products. Register now and don’t miss out!