CASE STUDY | AVIVA STUDIOS transformative quality of light to create a variety of scenes and evoke different atmospheres for day and night. Outside the building footprint, in the public realm, an undercroft is illuminated with levels suitable for pedestrians and cyclists, ranging from 15 lux to 250 lux, appropriate for daytime and night-time use. The design of the services prioritises flexibility, responding to each individual performance and accommodating shows with diverse sets. Electrical infrastructure The electrical infrastructure divides into two systems: house services and a dedicated performance system. This segregation prevents any interference, and handles uneven load distribution. A network of busbars and tap-offs feeds into multi-outlet power panels, complemented by fixed outlets distributed throughout. The building boasts an extensive stage lighting and audio visual (SLAV) system, interconnecting outlet panels to form a robust network. A centralised control system oversees this network, employing various AV and data cabling types to match the different shows and setups. Strategically placed outlets and power panels in every part of the performance electrical system offer flexibility for main and breakout productions. This, combined with SLAV outlet panels, allows for dynamic show configurations. An advanced performance lighting Underneath the auditorium A room in the tower control system, connected to a central hub, governs performance and house lighting, offering flexible control. Ventilation and acoustics A top-down supply ventilation strategy, using swirl jet diffusers, was adopted for the theatre and warehouse to maintain flexibility without introducing physical constraints. To address potential noise challenges, careful diffuser selection was crucial. Rather than applying a uniform building service noise criterion, specific criteria were established for each event scenario, allowing for more relaxed standards where higher building service noise levels were acceptable. This flexibility matched the requirement for events that needed increased airflow rates, such as high-capacity concerts. Building physics modelling was employed to manage potential noise concerns during heating. This verified that when the hall and warehouse were pre-heated before a show (when higher service noise levels were acceptable) temperatures could be maintained during performances. Aviva Studios is an exciting new addition to Manchesters vibrant cultural scene and the innovative building services engineering and bespoke design allow the operator to create a myriad of performance spaces that put visiting artists in the best possible light. CJ STEVE MERRIDEW is a building services engineering director and NICK MEDDOWS is senior lighting designer at BDP A section view showing the interconnection between the Hall and the Warehouse 30 January 2024 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Jan 24 pp28-30 Aviva Studios.indd 30 21/12/2023 15:35