Press Release
Grande Auditório at the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian reopens
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 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’s is now more modern, 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.
Notes to editors:
1. Stage
The existing overstage canopy design limited the lighting and scenic capabilities overstage and made the deployment of microphones difficult, so a new modular canopy inspired by the original model was introduced, enabling the stage to meet different requirements and opening up a vast field of new technical possibilities and rendering the room more versatile and adaptable to hosting not only musical performances but also cinema, conferences and theatre.
Additionally a downstage orchestra pit, forestage lift and a goods lift were specified to enhance the stage operation and improved overstage lighting and access to lighting bars were installed for ease of rigging and maintenance of luminaires. Despite the complete alteration of the stage mechanism, the geometry of the scale was maintained out of respect for the original project.
2. Lighting
The lighting was refurbished in accordance with the very highest standards and technical requirements. Contemporary luminaires were used overstage in the new canopy and on the extended lighting bar systems, to reduce heat and energy costs in the stage zone and dimming and lighting power control were re-adjusted to decrease the quantity of circuits, while improving flexibility.
3. Audio
The existing audio, video and performance communications systems were completely replaced as they made no provision for digital audio and control. From the acoustic point of view, corrections and adjustments were made taking into account the adaptation of the facility to various performance types. The design of new features is as discrete as possible, so as not to jeopardise the harmony and the reading of the inner façades.
About Arup
Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world’s most prominent projects in the built environment and across industry. From more than 90 offices worldwide some 11,000 Arup planners, designers, engineers and consultants deliver innovative projects across the globe.
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