The Granary Theatre University College Cork Feasibility Study Steven Roberts _Charcoal Blue Rodney Graham_Design Engine Architects Limited November 2019 Marcin Lewandowski / soundofphotography.com
Marcin Lewandowski / soundofphotography.com
The Granary Theatre is in a period of transition. The Theatre is currently managed by the Office of Introduction and Contents Student Experience, UCC, supported by the Department of Theatre, CACSSS, while the University considers its future. Contents Section 1 _ Your Vision Our mutual ambition is to renew the Granary, and to prepare it for the next decade of work. At one time, the Granary played a landmark role in the cultural development of UCC, of its students, The project and suggested accommodation needs and of Cork. It should be a key space for the creativity of students – both inside and outside the Department of Theatre – to flourish and grow. To return to this kind of role, the Granary is in need Section 2 _ The Theatre of profound renewal. The space is no longer fit for purpose. This report suggests a range of possibilities for this renewal. Context, condition and shortcomings of the existing Granary Theatre Theatres are now interdisciplinary spaces. Live performance of all kinds, beginning from theatre, music and dance, but also digital media (AR/VR), digital visual design and fine art, immersive Section 3 _ Architectural Proposals technology, maker space practices, and the social, biological and physical sciences now collide and bear fruit inside theatres. UCC needs to be at the forefront of this reality. Proposed floor plans and indicative views of the building following refurbishment and upgrade. The Granary’s facilities need to be inclusive. Dressing rooms, toilets and the control room and technical spaces need to accommodate multiple genders and accommodate disAbilities. The Section 4 _ Theatre Technology Proposals performance space needs to be configurable in new ways; to accommodate the new digital world and welcome work from many departments. The extremely dated theatre technology needs to Proposals for the upgrade of the Theatre’s technical equipment. return to industry standard, be future-proofed, and be made safer. Theatres are ‘going digital’ and the wiring system, controls, and lighting, need a complete re-think. Critically, theatres are Section 5 _ Appendix moving to LED lighting to reduce energy consumption dramatically. The Granary’s current lighting stock is so old that it often cannot be replaced when broken. We can use this reality to dramatically Existing drawings of the Granary Theatre. improve the Granary’s ecological footprint. Charcoal Blue - Profile Design Engine - Profile In line with the goals and mission underpinning UCC’s Academic Strategy, we want this space to be reborn, grow, and flourish to support the Creative Connections that theatre can enable within teaching, learning and research. There is no specialist theatre consultancy of international repute in the ROI, so we have looked outside to find the best. Charcoalblue is one of the world’s premiere theatre design consultancies. Design Engine have won award after award for educational buildings and have recently refit a major arts centre. We value their contribution to the dialogue about the Granary’s future. Yvon Bonenfant, PhD, Head of Department, Theatre
The Head of Department Yvon Bonenfant has commissioned this short feasibility study to demonstrate the potential that the Granary Theatre holds to become a ‘Centre of Excellence’ in the delivery of education about theatre across its many spectrums. Currently the building has a number of shortcomings preventing it from being the very best learning environment for theatre and a place where theatre can be fully enjoyed by the wider community. These shortcomings are the result of the design of the existing building, its age and a lack of investment in theatre technology generally which has accelerated over years. This feasibility study report describes the buildings context, shortcomings and potential and provides a series of architectural and theatre technology interventions which can transform this building into the ‘Centre of Excellence’ that University College Cork seeks to deliver. Marcin Lewandowski / soundofphotography.com
Your Vision “ Creating a progressive facility which represents the very best theatre/ laboratory/ classroom of the future, for a modern, sophisticated, comprehensive university. ”
Marcin Lewandowski / soundofphotography.com
The Project Suggested accommodation needs Your Brief A number of basic accommodation requirements have been A feasibility study undertaken by theatre consultants Charcoal identified by the Department of Theatre thus: 7 Blue and architectural practice Design Engine to investigate the Internally: potential options to improve the existing Granary Theatre, • Split gender and inter/non- gender dressing rooms. University College Cork, with a view to making improvements in • Accessible studio, control room and tech store. the following areas: • More storage space. • Larger foyer space. • Future-proof the Granary as a learning space it for the next ten External: years, in a context of dramatically changed theatre technologies • Better accessibility across the sector. • Improved visual presence in the street. • Configure the Granary as a classroom of the future, focused on theatre but ready to collaborate inside the arts and outside them: with other humanities and the sciences • Create a more versatile, highly configurable black-box space with an overriding ‘laboratory’ feel. The space should be future- orientated and capable of integrating immersive, networked and capable of hosting the latest VR and AR technologies. • Upgrade of the Theatre auditorium space to improve the student learning experience by reducing Health, Safety and Welfare implications through reconfiguration and the application of modern Theatre technology developments. • Improve front and back of house facilities generally including the provision of a broad range of changing facilities to better reflect emerging social evolution of gender and disability equality and neutrality. • Wider and improved security and accessibility for staff, students, performers and audiences with disability. • Improvements to the environmental sustainability credentials of the Theatre to reflect the movement towards lower-energy use within EU legislation.
Marcin Lewandowski / soundofphotography.com
The Theatre
Location GRANARY THEATRE L EE R I VER
DYKE PARADE Site context - existing GRANARY Vehicular access to back of house. THEATRE Vehicular access to courtyard (not necessarily Theatre related). Entrance to The front door lacks presence, side building identity signage and lighting so arrival is not a memorable WESTERN ROAD experience. Security/flood gates obstruct natural line of access to front door from south courtyard. The south door is more for day-to- day use and lacks a certain presence being located in the corner of the space. Rear stage yard space could have intensified use. The courtyard is currently a car- dominated space (parking spaces) but could make an attractive approach to the Theatre if given a more shared space treatment. Location where Theatre can be first viewed when approaching from the south. The courtyard is dominated by cars and a navigable route to the south entrance door is not clearly defined. 11
Existing Floor Plans Backstage fire / Access Corridor backstage fire / Technical access staircase access staircase Store Front of house Green Laundry Auditorium Gallery Control Front of house fire /access Room Room fire /access staircase staircase Scene Lobby Auditorium Gallery Dock Office Auditorium Gallery Backstage Auditorium Auditorium Grid Foyer Dressing Room Auditorium Gallery Studio Access Studio Stair FOH wcs Bar Store Ground Floor First Floor Architectural Qualitative Analysis - Pre-works Architectural Qualitative Analysis - Pre-works Space Size for Function Functionality Location Condition Accessibility Comments Space Size for Function Functionality Location Condition Accessibility Comments Lobby Door automation? F.O.H. Staircase Difficult to adapt/ replace due to F.O.H. Staircase Difficult to adapt/ replace due to Studio space constraints Foyer space constraints Control Room Accessibly non-compliant. No Office Incoherent way-finding Technical Store sprung floor F.O.H. wcs Auditorium Gallery Accessibly non-compliant. Bar Store Accessibly non-compliant Auditorium Grid Auditorium Laundry Accessibly non-compliant. Access Corridor Accessible WC non-compliant Green Room Difficult to access auditorium. Backstage Dressing Room Scene Dock Accessibly non-compliant Backstage Staircase Accessibly non-compliant. Backstage Staircase Main doors not lobbied. Studio Staircase Accessibly non-compliant Significant Health and Safety Accessibility compromised constraints Accessibility compromised Accessibly non-compliant and Risers non-compliant for ambulant impractical arrangement. disabled access. Unheated space Accessibly non-compliant and lacking basic provision. Accessibly and gender non- compliant. Risers non-compliant for ambulant disabled access. Unheated space Risers non-compliant for ambulant disabled access. Unheated space
Observations External setting • Weak identity of building as theatre - lacks presence. • ‘Front door’ is not prominent. • Opportunity to enhance appearance through use of colour. • Signage and lighting is low key Dyke Parade - from west Dyke Parade - from east 13
Observations External setting • Weak identity of building as theatre - lacks presence. • Space blighted by parked cars • Entrance door has poor presence. • No identifying signage or lighting. Car park courtyard entrance area - south Back stage area - south
Observations Foyer • Incoherent space - too many doors and no visual clues in terms of auditorium entrance points etc. • Poor internal finishes and lack of mood lighting. • Bar / reception point feels temporary and insecure. • Decor is tired and needs upgrade. • Outdated technology. 1. Foyer from main entrance end. 2. Foyer from south entrance end (courtyard). WCs are outdated and lack quality associated with Theatre experience. 1. 2. 15
Observations Auditorium • Intimate space with great educational potential. • Corner structures impact on seating arrangement making awkward geometry and inefficient space use. • Seating banks are not as flexible as they could be. • Back Stage area has little storage room. • Single door access from foyer - no lobbies so potential for significant noise nuisance. View from gallery Retractable seating - ends compromise by angled corner walls View towards scene dock and back stage
Observations Auditorium Gallery • Gallery not suitable to wheelchair users. • High and low-level lighting rails. • Heating is from high-level to low and not particularly effective. • Grid is set at 6.9 metres - very high for rigging from ladders etc. Assisted by Genie lift. View from gallery to backstage / scene dock Low-level Gallery lighting rail. Roof structure, heating ductwork and grid. 17
Observations Scene dock and backstage • Lack of equipment storage space • Built in extraction fan and exposed services features. The scene dock accommodates a genie lift used for rigging. Storage for scenery and lifts is limited. View to backstage area Scene dock doors.
Observations Other spaces - Ground Floor • Staircases generally outdated and in need of refurbishment. • Accessible wc offers basic provision only and in need of upgrade. 1. Shared stair to adjacent building. 2. Accessible wc. 2. 1. 19
Observations Dressing room • There is only one large scale dressing room (no split gender, inter-gender or non-gender dressing rooms). • Outdated decor and condition. • Limited natural light and ventilation. • Not accessible to wheelchair users (there is not a wheelchair user dedicated dressing room). The Theatre’s only dressing room. WCs and showers
Observations Control Room • Good line of sight towards auditorium • No means for a wheelchair user to access. The Control Room externally. 21 The Control Room internally
Observations Technical Store • No direct access to auditorium • Space is cramped and shares access with plant room • Technicians desk is in this room so working conditions are compromised. • Access to Control Room is direct but is via staircase so not accessible by wheelchair user. • No natural light or ventilation. The Technical Store / plant room access / Technician’s workspace The Technical Store / plant room access / Technician’s workspace
Observations Studio • Good space for practice and making. • Good natural light and high structure so lifting is possible. 23 • LED lights installed already. • Some water ingress issues but generally well decorated and pleasant learning environment. The Studio has high structure-free space and good natural lighting. Side windows provide good light and ventilation.
Observations Other spaces - Ground floor • Access to back stage is hampered by the necessity to use the space for additional storage. • Lobby is uninspiring. • Main office is difficult plan form and does not facilitate efficient use of furniture and is cramped. Access corridor to back stage is also a vital store facility. Entrance lobby. Main office.
Observations Other spaces - First floor • Laundry is essentially a cupboard with washing machine and drier and is difficult to use and has no ventilation. • The Green Room is too small to host more than six people comfortably. The laundry facility Green Room kitchenette Green Room seating 25
The Granary should be an educational, artistic and interdisciplinary beacon in Cork. It should be a creative and connected classroom. It should integrate learner-friendly, inclusive, diversity-friendly, and research friendly design. Contemporary technologies need to be present. It should be configurable for interdisciplinary teaching where theatre merges with other fields, like the digital arts and humanities through to media production through to game design, computer science and robotics. Theatre classrooms also involve the welcoming of external communities. The Granary should be a place - a place of learning, a place of community, and a place of encounter between the University and the wider city. These designs help us achieve these urgent goals. - Yvon Bonenfant , PhD, Head of Department, Theatre. Marcin Lewandowski / soundofphotography.com
Architectural proposals
DYKE PARADE Site context -Proposed GRANARY Continuos canopy to link ‘front’ THEATRE main doors and courtyard entrance doors. WESTERN ROAD Enhanced kerb-free approach to building with automatically opening doors New shared surface car park with dedicated wheelchair and electric charging car parking use only (UCC wide strategy?). Resin bound gravel finish over tarmac. View across improved courtyard environment to new foyer entrance space.
Ground Floor Backstage fire / Access Corridor access staircase Auditorium lobby Existing wcs Front of house refurbished fire /access staircase lobby lift Lobby Scene Backstage Dock wc Foyer Access. wc wc Box Office access. Office lobby Bar Access. dressing room store Entrance foyer Architectural Qualitative Analysis - Post-works Space Size for Function Functionality Location Condition Accessibility Comments Lobby Door automation F.O.H. Staircase Studio stair and lift installation can Foyer reduce reliance. Office Broad improvements. F.O.H. wcs Bar /store Accessibly non-compliant Auditorium Accessible WC non-compliant Access Corridor Backstage Dual aspect and accessible design Scene Dock Backstage Staircase Main doors not lobbied. Linking Studio stair to BOH reduces reliance on this space. New store Additional store reduces space limitations Lift reduces accessibility issues and space can be heated. 29
Proposed First Floor backstage fire / Store / Laundry Control access staircase Auditorium Gallery Room Green lift Room New circulation route Front of house Kitchenette Auditorium Gallery fire /access staircase Auditorium GalleryAuditorium Studio Grid Dressing shower/ Technical Room wcs Store Dressing Auditorium Gallery Room New link between Studio and B.o.H Studio shower/ Dressing Access wcs Room Stair Architectural Qualitative Analysis - Pre-works Space Size for Function Functionality Location Condition Accessibility Comments F.O.H. Staircase Studio stair and lift installation can Studio reduce reliance. Control Room New lift access. Sprung floor Technical Store installation. Auditorium Gallery Auditorium Grid New lift access. Laundry Green Room New lift access. Direct access to Dressing Room Gallery. Backstage Staircase Technical improvements. Studio Staircase Improved access. Opportunity for tension wire grid access. Relate to bigger better space in former Tech Store. Larger space and improved accessibility. Increased provision and gender/ access issues resolved. Lift reduces accessibility issues and space can be heated. Risers non-compliant for ambulant disabled access. Unheated space
Main work areas + estimated construction budget rates Assumed rates Key to ground floor architectural intervention. Area m2 / Est. Cost 8. 8. All costs shown are construction only rates based 1. Formation of new two-storey extension creating ground 3. on a metre square rate and are broad estimates using our experience of the UK Higher Education floor backstage storage and accessible dressing room. 53 / £ 148,400 8. 8. marketplace at present times. The assumed 3. 5. 8. contract type is Traditional Single-Stage. The 2. Formation of new single-storey extension creating ground 3. estimated costs assume works to an existing 1. building and works of small to medium scale foyer extension and link to existing was of adjacent 34 / £ 95,200 intervention. Ground Floor 8. academic building . All estimated costs presented here should not be 8. regarded as an accurate reflection of the project 3. Removal of internal corner walls to increase auditorium 12 / £25,200 cost and should be independently assessed. floor area and improve versatility. The figures need to be assessed against rates 4. 6. typical to current Eire marketplace conditions and 4. Formation of new accessible acoustic lobby. 4 / £8,400 3. in accordance with EU currency. No VAT, index linking or inflation has been allowed for. 5. New platform lift installation (item). £25,000 2. 6. Reconfiguration of existing service spaces to front of 52 / £109,200 7. house (bar/office/tickets/wcs/accessible wc. New build construction. 7. Refurbishment of existing was to improve 55 / £90,750 £2,800 sq. m. 315 / £378,000 accessibility and quality of environment Major reconfiguration of existing £2,100 sq. m. 8. General decorative upgrade including replacement of Medium refurbishment lighting to LED fittings. £1,650 sq. m. Key to first floor architectural intervention. Light refurbishment 2. 7. £1,200 sq. m. 1. Formation of new two-storey extension creating 2 no. first 50 / £140,000 8. 8. 6. floor back of house dressing rooms and link to Studio. 5. 8. 2. Elevate existing stair roof to accommodate increased landing 8 / £22,400 height (associated with item 6). 1. 3. Formation of new staircase landing walkway to connect back of 5 / £10,500 First Floor house facilities to Studio. 4. 4. Formation of new Tech Store within existing Studio 18 / £37,800 3. 8. 5. Reconfiguration of existing Green Room and Dressing Room to 53 / £111,300 create better facilities. Creation of new access route to rear of Auditorium Proscenium wall. 6. New platform lift installation (item - see above). included. 7. Installation of new raised floor to remove internal stairs in Tech 28 / £46,200 Store and back of house circulation. 8. General decorative upgrade including replacement of 286 / £343,200 lighting to LED fittings. TOTALS 977 / £1,591,550
Typical lift installation details
Foyer 33
Approach from south courtyard
Approach from north - Dyke Parade 35
Theatre technology and infrastructure have moved on dramatically since the early 1990s when the Granary was built. The Granary has not kept pace. Some of its equipment is already actively obsolete, and its facilities are becoming unsafe. Teaching theatres now integrate facilities like tension wire grids to allow ease of access to lighting. Seating should be flexible and easily retractable. Theatre lighting has gone 'low-energy' and digital. The wiring systems now required for lighting must carry data. Lighting itself has moved to ultra- low-energy LED. What's more - theatres have become multi- sensory environments. Projectors, screens, highly configurable seating, and new kinds of sound systems all flow into the audience experience, and enable collaboration with other disciplines, including the hard and social sciences. This report helps us understand our options for bringing the space up to date and ensuring its best immediate future: a future of service to learners, students and the wider community. - Yvon Bonenfant , PhD, Head of Department, Theatre. Marcin Lewandowski / soundofphotography.com
Theatre Consultant proposals
FEASIBILITY STUDY Charcoalblue LLP 180 The Strand GRANARY THEATRE – UCC, CORK 2 Arundel Street London WC2R 3DA +44 (0)20 7928 0000 [email protected] www.charcoalblue.com Charcoalblue is a Limited Liability Partnership registered in England with number OC373258 Issued for Information November 2019
CONTENTS Date: November 2019 Page 2 of 15 1 THE THEATRE SPACE...................................................... 3 © Charcoalblue LLP 1.1 THE CURRENT SPACE ............................................................... 3 1.2 THE ASPIRATION ........................................................................ 3 2 POTENTIAL AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT ...................... 4 2.1 STRUCTURE................................................................................ 4 2.2 SEATING ...................................................................................... 4 2.3 TECHNICAL ACCESS.................................................................. 9 2.4 TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT ......................................................... 12 3 TECHNICAL COSTS ........................................................ 14 3.1 SEATING .................................................................................... 14 3.2 TECHNICAL ACCESS................................................................ 14 3.3 STAGE LIGHTING...................................................................... 14 3.4 AUDIOVISUAL............................................................................ 14 3.5 STAGE ENGINEERING.............................................................. 14 3.6 EXCLUSIONS............................................................................. 14 Project: 19217 – Granary theatre, Cork Title: Feasibility Study Issue type: Information
1 THE THEATRE SPACE 1.2 THE ASPIRATION 3 - MOVING HEAD LED FIXTURE – 2019 1.1 THE CURRENT SPACE The ambition of UCC is understood to be to update the Granary to create a The facilities included within the theatre should be considered to be a kit of theatre for the future with a class leading pedagogical space at its heart. parts for the students, and other users, to use to create their work. These The Granary Theatre was opened in 1994 and only very limited updating The space shall have sufficient flexibility to allow it to adapt to the next ten facilities must always support the work but shall not dictate it, imposing as has been done since this time. years of evolution and change in theatre technology and practice few limits as is practicably possible. The space is primarily to be an educational space, however, performing in The space as it stands is intended to be able to offer a wide range of front of an audience in the space is critical to the student’s experience. A Facilities for developing technologies such as VR, AR and immersive performance configurations, the corner doorways allow access from all four space that offers a great experience for the students would also be able to projection would be key for an experimental space for artists of the future, corners. Due to the limited floorspace the first scene dock is regularly used serve as a cultural beacon to the wider community in the city. such as the Granary. As these technologies are still developing very fast we as an extension of the performance space. Wider technological progress in the 25 years since the Granary was built would not recommend a substantial investment in terms of equipment in has been astonishing. Just like the technology we use every day, this area as part of a refurbishment project. The critical area for investment The first-floor gallery offers a useful lighting & audio mix position, with the advancements in technology at the core of the theatre industry have also would be in the infrastructure required to allow these technologies, and potential for performer access, but it is not suitable for public access due to evolved significantly. whatever comes next, to be easily set up and used within the theatre. escape route restrictions. 1 – ERICSSON GH337, 1994 SAMSUNG GALAXY FOLD - 2019 In 1994 moving lights were only just starting to be seen in theatrical productions and the first high brightness blue LED had only just been demonstrated but was not yet commercially available. 2 - TYPICAL THEATRICAL LUMINAIRES - 1994 4 - COACHELLA'S SARAHA TENT AR EXPERIENCE Project: 19217 – Granary theatre, Cork Date: November 2019 Title: Feasibility Study Page 3 of 15 Issue type: Information © Charcoalblue LLP
2 POTENTIAL AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT 2.1.2 OVERHEAD ACCESS 2.2 SEATING 2.1 STRUCTURE We are proposing changes to the method of rigging equipment overhead to 2.2.1 CURRENT SEATING improve the access strategy. As detailed in section 2.3. This will require a 2.1.1 DOOR LOBBIES change to the loads, and the locations, imposed on the steelwork currently The current seating arrangement is designed to be flexible, however, this supporting the lighting grid and one option involved raising the steelwork. A flexibility in design imposes restrictions on the potential layouts in reality. The door lobbies from the foyer restrict the available width for a retractable Structural Engineer should be engaged to study the capacity of the current Replacing the retractable units with similar modern units would improve the seating unit. We are proposing that the angled doorways are removed and steelwork and the magnitude of work involved should we decide to raise the speed of reconfiguration and deployment but the underlying limitations the sound & light lobbies (SLLs) are moved into the foyer. A preliminary steelwork. would remain. Limitations that have been identified to date include the investigation suggests that these walls are light weight block infill and are following; not load bearing so removing them should not be an issue. We have not pursued the potential for creating additional accommodation over the auditorium as we believe that the costs to provide access and the - Faceted shape of units limit seat-count in many formats Whilst we are proposing that all lobbies are changed it should be noted that required acoustic separation from the auditorium would not represent good - Corner doorways restrict the available width for seating the current arrangement of doors in the fire exit on stage left do not allow value for money. - Seating units take up useful space when not in use for a simple change. At this stage we are also not intending to change the - Seats are uncomfortable location of the control room. - End on format does not offer enough seats using just the retractable unit FIGURE 5 - CORNER LOBBIES FIGURE 6 - EXISTING SEATING Project: 19217 – Granary theatre, Cork Date: November 2019 Title: Feasibility Study Page 4 of 15 Issue type: Information © Charcoalblue LLP
2.3 TECHNICAL ACCESS 2.3.2 OPTION 2 – TRUSS GRID 2.3.3 OPTION 3 – TENSION WIRE GRID Safe access for staff and students undertaking technical work in the theatre A truss grid rigged from chain hoists allows the grid to be lowered to a safe In a tension wire grid a floor created from interwoven steel wires is created is absolutely critical. Although the results of the work in a theatre, the show, working height for rigging. Focussing still has to be undertaken at height but at high level to provide safe access to overhead equipment for both rigging is a creative piece there are many times when the theatre should be this can be mitigated by having an appropriate stock of automated fixtures and focussing. considered to be an industrial workplace. where the attributes of the fixture can be set from the control desk. A tension wire grid gives no flexibility of rigging height but it is possible, The truss grid allows flexibility of rigging height. For example, if a ceiling within overall loading limits, to add bars to create additional rigging We have considered a number of options for technical access, however, it were to be created from a back-projection screen it would be desirable to positions at any point over the space. should be noted that a structural assessment of the current structure would have the truss as high as possible to achieve the optimum throw distance It should be noted that structural capacity is required in the overhead be required before making any decisions about the most appropriate from the projector. steelwork for the dead load of the tension wire grid and the live load of the solution. In this option, as with the pipe grid, focussing of lighting equipment could be personnel in addition to the lighting bars and the equipment. taught at gallery level. In this option focussing of lighting equipment could be taught on overhead 2.3.1 OPTION 1 - CURRENT ACCESS SOLUTION equipment as well as at gallery level. 11 - TRUSS GRID LOWERED FOR RIGGING Currently overhead equipment is rigged on a pipe grid 6.9m above the floor. 13 - TENSION WIRE GRID FROM BELOW The capital and maintenance costs of this type of system are low but the ongoing labour costs are higher as all rigging, as well as focussing, has to be undertaken at height using access equipment. Undertaking this level of work has associated safety issues as staff need to be trained to use the access equipment and strict procedures need to be in place to ensure that the work can be undertaken safely. A pipe grid gives no flexibility of rigging height but it is possible, within overall loading limits, to add bars to create additional rigging positions. In an educational environment it would be beneficial if it was possible for a tutor to demonstrate the focussing of a light to a student standing next to them whilst at a safe working height. Currently this is only possible at the gallery level. It should be noted that there is not currently any indication of the safe working load of the pipe grid or the maximum point load. 12 - TRUSS GRID AT OPERAITIONAL HEIGHT Project: 19217 – Granary theatre, Cork Date: November 2019 Title: Feasibility Study Page 9 of 15 Issue type: Information © Charcoalblue LLP
2.3.4 OPTION 4 – TENSION WIRE GRID WITH STRUCTURAL CHANGES Date: November 2019 Page 10 of 15 Option three offers safe access whilst rigging and focussing, however, the height to the underside of the tension wire grid structure would only be © Charcoalblue LLP 5.2m. This height restriction is caused by achieving clear headroom under the existing steelwork for those working on the grid. The tension wire grid could be raised to a more functional 6.2m is the steelwork supporting the existing pipe grid were to be raised. 14 - TENSION WIRE GRID FROM ABOVE Project: 19217 – Granary theatre, Cork Title: Feasibility Study Issue type: Information
2.4 TECHNICAL EQUIPMENT 2.4.2 AUDIO VISUAL 2.4.2.3 COMMUNICATIONS AND ASSISTED LISTENING 2.4.1 STAGE LIGHTING It the time since the Granary was built AV technology has moved on An allowance has been made for an intercom system to allow technical significantly. Areas of change include the following; staff to talk to each other during rehearsals and performances. The For the theatre to fulfil the aspirations of the UCC team it is essential that intercom will be based around a wired intercom system, but some wireless the complete stage lighting system is to be renewed. The current - Display technology systems may be included for stage management where the equipment has given good service but it uses significantly more electricity - Loudspeaker technology communications belt pack being tethered to a local panel is unsuitable. A than the modern equivalents whilst offering much lower functionality. - Digital audio mixers small system of IP based cue lights has also been allowed for in the costs. We would propose that a fully LED lighting rig is purchased with a - Computer based audio playback significant number of fully automated fixtures. The dimmers and stage - VR/AR Provision must be made for all audience members, including the hard of lighting infrastructure will also need to be updated to suit modern - Audio / video over IP hearing. Various systems are available depending on client and user requirements. It should be noted that the current 63A 3 phase supply to the preference. Costs have been allowed for an induction loop and infra-red dimmers is likely to cause limitations in the future 2.4.2.1 IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY system at this stage, further development of these system designs and The current lighting desk is newer than the majority of the equipment but costs will be carried out during further design stages. we would recommend that it is replaced with one that is better suited to the We understand there is a desire to facilitate the setup of immersive features offered by moving lights. In addition to the control desk we would technology within the space. Given the speed that technology is currently 2.4.2.4 BUILDINGWIDE propose a simple control at stage level that allows pre-programmed lighting advancing, we would recommend allowing only for a technical infrastructure states to be recalled from ground floor level. to setup and connect immersive technology. Immersive equipment, such as Audio and video show relay allows performers and technical staff to see video projection, surround sound audio and tracking systems for virtual and hear what is happening on stage with relays to back of house corridors 15 - TIPICAL LIGHTING CONTROL CONSOLE reality could either be purchased following justification of use case or hired and dressing rooms. The same system can also be used for front of house in as and when required. paging and information and video signals can be distributed to key areas for latecomer’s screens. 2.4.2.2 INFRASTRUCTURE 2.4.2.5 LOOSE EQUIPEMENT A tieline infrastructure for audiovisual facilities will be required in all areas of the building to allow signals to be routed both within the theatre and to Costs have been allocated for a selection of ‘loose’ equipment that we feel provide links around the building. The infrastructure where possible will be would be appropriate for the theatre to invest in as permanently owned based on digital and/or ethernet based protocols, over both copper and equipment. This includes loudspeakers, mixing desk and playback devices fibre, with special care being taken to minimise latency. and allowance for a performance grade projector. Allocation of this budget will be developed further at the next stage. It should be possible to operate digital or analogue audio mixing consoles from an audio mix position within the space and ideally in the audience area. This is usually required for live mixing so that the operator can hear what the audience hears. In other scenarios audio mixing can be done from the Control Room, relying on an openable window or foldback to monitor the sound. 18 - PERFORMANCE GRADE PROJECTOR 16 - MOVING HEAD LED FIXTURE 17 - TYPICAL AV FACILITIES PANEL Project: 19217 – Granary theatre, Cork Date: November 2019 Title: Feasibility Study Page 12 of 15 Issue type: Information © Charcoalblue LLP
2.4.3 STAGE ENGINEERING In addition to the potential upgrades to technical access and high level rigging. Improvements to the provision of stage engineering equipment would be light touch. Initially we would recommend including the following; - Perimeter drape tracks for drapes / screens - Drapes package - Package of rigging accessories to suit access solution. - Projection screen to use in the opening to the scene dock 19 - PERIMETER DRAPES 20 - TYPICAL ROLLER PROJECTION SCREEN Project: 19217 – Granary theatre, Cork Date: November 2019 Title: Feasibility Study Page 13 of 15 Issue type: Information © Charcoalblue LLP
3 TECHNICAL COSTS 3.6 EXCLUSIONS The following costs are rough order of magnitude costs for technical Project costs (including an allowance for contractor design portion costs, equipment only, more detailed costs would be developed during the next labour, project management and other sundry costs) are provided below. stages of the design process. These are intended to create budgetary figures from which the systems can be further developed Costs are based on our database of UK costs converted to Euros at the current exchange rate, during the next stage of the project we would These budget allowances do not include for the supply, installation and undertake a market testing exercise in the Republic of Ireland. termination of any power supplies, distribution boards, containment or power wiring for the technical systems - these items will form part of the 3.1 SEATING electrical contractor’s works and costing advice would need to be gained from an electrical consultant or cost consultant. Retractable unit €60k Allowance for loose seating / rostra €30k These budget allowances do not include for any structural surveys, design or works identified in, or implied by, this report. A structural Engineer with 3.2 TECHNICAL ACCESS experience of performance buildings should be engaged at the next stage of this project. Option 1 (No additional equipment costs) Option 2 €90k - €120k Option 3 €75k - €110k Option 4 – excluding structural works €75k - €110k 3.3 STAGE LIGHTING Replacement at current stock levels €110k Recommend stock level €190k Infrastructure costs TBC 3.4 AUDIOVISUAL Theatre audiovisual systems €190k Building wide audiovisual systems €25k 3.5 STAGE ENGINEERING €100k Recommended stock level Project: 19217 – Granary theatre, Cork Date: November 2019 Title: Feasibility Study Page 14 of 15 Issue type: Information © Charcoalblue LLP
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