We invite you to discover an interesting, audacious project that Amusement Logic has recently embarked on. It is a novelty in the world of water attractions, a variation on what is traditionally known as a “lazy river“. To fit its name to the concept, we have called it an “active river“. In fact, this innovative water attraction adds new features to the traditional lazy river, such as special effects, lighting and a vertiginous vortex that accelerates its waters. The new idea, designed and built by Amusement Logic, will be part of Aquascope, the water park that is currently being built as part of the expansion of Futuroscope, the popular French theme park.
It is precisely our VOLGA system that will be used to operate Aquascope’s active river. Amusement Logic’s R&D&I department created this device for moving large bodies of water with the aim of achieving energy savings of up to 60% compared to conventional systems. It is a system that uses high-speed turbines, whose motors and electrical components are located out of the water, which provides the added value of guaranteed safety.
In this case, according to the design and layout of Aquascope’s active river water catchment, the system includes two strategically located pumping stations. It should be noted that the design also includes the reinforcement of the formwork, which must withstand extreme expansions and contractions as a result of the daily emptying of the basins and the marked variations in temperature, in accordance with the climatic conditions of its location. The inner height of the active river channel varies between 1.30 m and 1.50 m, with a water depth of 1.1 m. Finally, it is worth noting that the Aquascope active river includes the formation of a high-energy vortex, as well as special smoke effects and the installation of 20 underwater floodlights to illuminate its waters. This will provide Futuroscope users, tourists and visitors with a unique experience.
Amusement Logic has performed the design work using BIM methodology, at a development grade of LOD 200, which includes the disciplines of architecture, structures and envelope. The model includes the architectural master plan, topographic excavation and foundation plans, equipment room locations and geometry, and structural details for the pools and active river channel. The company’s scope of work also includes hydraulic plans and details, as well as electrical installations. Amusement Logic is also providing the materials, machinery and human and technical resources to ensure the correct execution of the work.
Futuroscope theme park opened to the public on 31st May 1987 in the suburb of Poitiers, some 340 km southwest of Paris, France. Since then, it has grown steadily to some 53 hectares in size today, with more than 40 rides and shows, and multiple hotels, restaurants and shops. With it, under the impetus of the local government of the Conseil Général de la Vienne, the surrounding area has also grown. It has become a technological city with more than 200 companies, 1 to 4-star hotels with a total of 2,000 rooms, and a conference centre. The Aquascope water park, due to open in mid 2024, is only part of the €300 million investment plan called “Vision 2025”. With it, Compagnie des Alpes, Futuroscope’s main shareholder since the beginning of 2011, aims to increase the visitor numbers to the theme park and their length of stay.
For an overview of the investments planned up to 2025, please click here to see the VÍDEO.
Images: Amusement Logic and Futuroscope.
