Het Nationale Theater (location Koninklijke Schouwburg) – The Hague

Replacement theatrical fly system
The theatrical fly system of the Koninklijke Schouwburg (Het Nationale Theater) dates back to 1988, with a new control system installed in 2007. In 2015 a quickscan of the safety and reliability of the rigging system was commissioned by the Municipality of The Hague. This study showed that the existing system no longer complied with current regulations. The installation had also far exceeded its maximum lifespan.
Partly on the basis of this study, the municipality of The Hague decided to replace the entire hoisting installation, with the aim that the renewed installation would meet the current user requirements as well as the “state of the art”, as formulated in the applicable regulations or instructions. To a large extent,
the theatre function and the associated (acoustic) qualities had to be taken into account.

Our advice
– Quickscan research
– Drawing up a programme of requirements (incl. determination of intended use)
– Drawing up a Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E)
– Acoustic zero measurement (installation noise and room acoustics)
– Consultancy on improving acoustics (replacement of baffles and grid floor in stage tower)
– Drawing up a statement of work for the theatre mechanics (incl. design drawings and structural calculations)
– Drawing up tender instructions (including award criteria and addendum to general terms and conditions)
– Supervising the tendering and execution (management)
– Supervising the commissioning inspection
– Drawing up the statement of remarks (handover) and aftercare
– Control measurement of acoustics (installation noise and room acoustics)

Acoustic measurement and improvement of acoustics.
The acoustic panels in the stage tower had to be completely replaced due to the replacement of the fly system. The current acoustics after installation had to be at least equivalent to the situation before
replacement, taking into account the use and accessibility of the
loft. The existing acoustics had to be determined by an acoustic zero measurement in order to demonstrate equivalence upon completion. In addition to maintaining the room acoustics, PBTA also had to minimize the installation noise of the new hoisting installation, with the goal of a very quiet installation that can also be used noiselessly during classical (stage) performances.

Our advice
– Zero measurement of room acoustics and installation noise
– Advice on improving room acoustics and installation noise
– Drawing up work specification acoustics
– Procurement guidance acoustics
– Control measurement of room acoustics and installation noise.

Result
PBTA was able to improve the acoustics of the Royal Theatre based on measurements, calculations and advice. The application of innovative products also significantly improved the access and safety of the stage tower. Based on PBTA’s design, the suspended (steel-framed) baffles were replaced with acoustic curtains. Account was also taken of the new hoisting installation and roller loft floor to be installed.
Control measurements showed that room acoustics as well as installation noise improved significantly, an example of the benefits of good integral design.

Click here for more information about a quick scan survey

Click here for more information on preparing a PoR