in brief

The show starts here. The Fundación Autor’s most ambitious project will use MP’s technology and services for its vertical transport – which will be comprised of 4 escalators, 13 lifts and three lift platforms.

The building is not only intended to be the flagship  of SGAE in Spain, but also an  artistic centre which will both stage performances and facilitate the  training and development of music and the audio-visual and theatre arts.
Two large pavilions, each eleven storeys high, will be built on the 9,085 m2 site. One will be used for performances and the other for ongoing research.

The CITE (Centre for Entertainment Research) and SGAE offices in La Cartuja will consist of:

• A large-format stage suitable for use as a TV studio. This is planned to be the home of gala events which attract large audiences, such as the annual MAX awards.
• Opera Theatre.
• A large performance area with the most cutting-edge equipment, which will include an innovative system for altering the configuration of the theatre, depending on the nature of the performance: without seats, as an auditorium for concerts for large audiences, or as a theatre with seating for spectators.

This allows it to combine the function of an auditorium for major international events – such as large pop concerts
with that of a theatre for ballet or plays.

• Haute cuisine restaurants to complete the evening's entertainment.
• A wonderful location from which to view Seville's Left Bank.
• A research, development and training site for artistic innovation.

the participants

In 1997, the SGAE Group (Performing Arts Society) created the Fundación Autor to promote and disseminate artistic creation and protect our musical, theatrical, choreographic, cinematic, audio-visual and multimedia legacy.

The site management team is led by Santiago Fajardo, who has previously supervised restoration work on Consuegra Castle, Oropesa Castle and the Madrid Music Academy Headquarters, and also the extension of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées.

The Gerens Management Group (Gerens Hill International), a leading company in managing special projects, will be in charge of the project management. The Groups other projects in Spain include the 2008 Expo Saragossa Aquarium and Water Tower and the Plaza Castilla (Madrid) underground bus terminal.

MP

As would be expected from a company of GERENS high professionalism, the standards required to tender for the CITE were rigorous.

In the case of vertical transportation devices, in addition to the design of special lifts, (for example the first lift in Spain for a full-sized grand piano), tenders had to include the following information: vibro-acoustic analysis and sound studies of installations and components, studies of vertical traffic and consultancy for sizing the vertical transport, MTBF, a list of possible breakdowns and the associated probabilities of failure, with their implications, installation engineering, technical data sheets for the equipment, construction requirements for the works, calculations of reactions and loads, vertical and horizontal plans, details of the pit and overhead clearance, arrangement of hooks, wiring diagram, calculations and diagram of reactions and loads in the pit and on the beams.

We should particularly mention the work involved in preparing the proposal for “tailor-made” maintenance services, which included a complex analysis of the requirements of a building used for live television broadcasts, leisure activities, and where the task is further complicated by the fact that some areas are in permanent use.

Through excellent coordination of the hard work of different departments, MP was able to offer a high level of service which made it stand out and gave it a clear advantage in tendering for this very special project.

vertical transport

The proposal included several special lifts, most notable of which was a tailor-made lift capable of transporting a full sized grand piano.

This project includes high capacity lifts, from the 5000 Kg platform lifts to the 3150 Kg cargo lift for technicians and artist’s equipment, as well as luxury lifts and others that are eminently functional.

With respect to finishes, the Site Manager has aimed for an industrial style, especially in the requirements for escalator finishes.  

To summarise, the CITE constitutes an extraordinary opportunity for MP to demonstrate its capacity for handling special projects, its exceptional product flexibility and - above all - its totally integrated service. As a result, we have an unbeatable reference installation just a few metres from our Headquarters. Curtain up!

Manuel Ventura Sala
Special Projects Manager