Grande Auditório at the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian reopens

Grande Auditório at the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian reopens

Feb 22, 2014  | Architecture 

Grande Auditório at the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian reopens
(Photo by: Arup)

The Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian’s (FCG) Grande Auditório in Lisbon, Portugal, reopens following an eight month refurbishment

Originally constructed in the late 1960’s, the Grande Auditório underwent a thorough refurbishment to transform the hall into one of the most modern and technologically advanced performance venues of its kind.

The restoration extended to the performance venue, the stage, the side-stage, the orchestra and choir rehearsal rooms as well as all the technical support zones that were equipped with new structures and infrastructures entirely in keeping with current European legislation on issues relating to safety, quality and operational working practices.

Arup was appointed to provide a concept mechanical services design, acoustic and theatre consulting services to review the future needs of the venue, analyse the existing systems and make recommendations for the refurbishment and replacement of the systems. Arup ensured that the renovations were unobtrusive as possible and remained sensitive to the venue’s history, surroundings and listed status.

“Despite the sheer scale of the project, the changes introduced are not easily noticeable to audiences but that is all part of the magic. We have seamlessly integrated some of the most up-date technology and complex stage design into a listed building with minimal disturbance to its surroundings. It is now more modern, comfortable, more technologically prepared and safe, yet it still maintains its unique atmosphere.”  Ian Knowles, Associate Director, Arup

The FCG also documented progress of the project and produced the ‘Grande Auditório – the Memorial of a Project’ film and an exhibition called ‘Access Forbidden’. The film will be premiered on 15 February and the exhibition will be held in Foundation’s Temporary Exhibition Room until 10 March 2013.

Via Arup
Image,video ©: Arup