The J&C Joel team led by Tony Griffiths, played an active role in ensuring that the 420 seat Curtis Auditorium has the flexibility to provide exactly the right acoustic environment for anything from piano recitals to full orchestral performances to vocal and choral works.
J&C Joel's biggest challenge was presented by their late appointment to the project. By the time this happened, all the AC, ventilation, heating ducting, drainage pipes, containment trays and other plant and services were already in place up in the plenum - the sound proofed concealed roof space above the auditorium.
This is where all the suspension and movement control equipment required for the seven panels had to be installed - comprising a complex network of diversion and drop pulleys, utilizing 13 J&C Joel Pilewind winches and 56 suspension cables attached to the acoustic panels.
The panels were all constructed and installed by J&C Joel. The largest and most impressive single one measures 16sq.m, is vertically raised and lowered, and sits directly over the auditorium's seating area.
The remaining Curtis Auditorium stage and floor-space is covered by the six other acoustic panels - the smallest of which is 4sq.m.
(Jim Evans)
