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	<title>Andrew, Author at Drama by Design</title>
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		<title>Edinburgh Fringe Society</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/edinburgh-fringe-society/</link>
					<comments>https://dramabydesign.com/edinburgh-fringe-society/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:35:48 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[AUDIO VISUAL CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dramabydesign.com/?p=1310</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>AV and IT Consultancy for refurbishment of heritage building for Edinburgh Fringe corporate HQ. The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is set to move into a new home at 6 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, with works transforming a former Victorian school building into a year-round hub for the organisation. Fringe Central will provide support, marketing, and box [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/edinburgh-fringe-society/">Edinburgh Fringe Society</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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									<h1>AV and IT Consultancy for refurbishment of heritage building for Edinburgh Fringe corporate HQ.</h1>
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<p>The Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society is set to move into a new home at 6 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, with works transforming a former Victorian school building into a year-round hub for the organisation. Fringe Central will provide support, marketing, and box office services, and will also offer rehearsal spaces for artists and organisations throughout the year.</p>
<p data-start="579" data-end="1107">Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: <em data-start="659" data-end="1105">“Through funding from the UK Government we’re delighted that we are able to move forward with the long-held ambition of a new, accessible home for the Fringe Society which will benefit artists, community partners and the Edinburgh Fringe through a range of enhanced services throughout the year. We’re delighted to be working with Studio LBA on this project and can’t wait to open the doors to the new permanent Fringe Central later next year.”</em></p>
<p data-start="1109" data-end="1442">Drama by Design was appointed to design the IT infrastructure and AV systems for the building. Our work included AV systems for the boardroom, executive office, meeting rooms, and digital signage, ensuring that every space is connected, intuitive to use, and capable of supporting both day-to-day operations and live presentations.</p>
<p data-start="1444" data-end="1703">We were involved throughout the project, from concept design through detailed design, on-site monitoring, and witness testing. This approach ensured the AV and IT systems were fully integrated, compliant, and delivered to the highest professional standards.</p>
<p data-start="1705" data-end="2081">In line with the Fringe Society’s ambition to make the Fringe a net zero carbon event by 2030, the project also includes upgrades to insulation and the installation of air source heat pumps. The building, dating back to 1736, will be made more accessible with an entrance ramp and internal lift, creating a fully inclusive environment for staff, artists, and visitors alike.</p>
<p data-start="2083" data-end="2356">Through careful planning and close collaboration with the client and design team, Drama by Design has helped ensure that Fringe Central will be a future-ready, connected, and highly functional headquarters — supporting the Edinburgh Festival Fringe every day of the year.</p>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/edinburgh-fringe-society/">Edinburgh Fringe Society</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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		<title>George Wood Theatre</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/george-wood-theatre/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:12:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[THEATRE CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dramabydesign.com/?p=1092</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Drama by Design worked with Reading Rep to provide a coordinated design for all the theatre technical systems and to project manage the works through to completion for their new home in Reading.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/george-wood-theatre/">George Wood Theatre</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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									<h1>Theatre Consultancy for George Wood Theatre, Goldsmiths&#8217; University of London heritage theatre refurbishment project</h1><p data-start="152" data-end="645">The renovation of the George Wood Theatre transformed a Grade II-listed 19th Century chapel into a contemporary, flexible performance and creative space for the College. Originally converted to a theatre in the 1960s, the building required modernisation to meet the demands of 21st-century teaching and performance. The project created a main flexible theatre with seating for up to 200 people and two new studio spaces, providing versatile facilities for teaching, rehearsal, and performance.</p><p data-start="647" data-end="1082">Drama by Design provided theatre and AV consultancy throughout the project, designing specialist systems to enhance functionality, flexibility, and audience experience while respecting the historic character of the building. The auditorium was converted into a flexible theatre, and the former stage was reconfigured into black and white studios stacked vertically, providing two distinct creative spaces within the existing structure.</p><p data-start="1084" data-end="1629">A custom-designed tension wire grid was installed in the main theatre, carefully engineered so as not to touch the original walls, preserving views of the chapel’s historic windows. An octagonal opening at the centre of the grid mirrors the shape of the original roof turret, and one of the original stage winches was reinstalled to allow props and scenery to be lowered through the centre. The grid incorporates integrated bars to support speakers, projectors, and stage lighting, with additional perimeter bars for conventional stage lighting.</p><p data-start="1631" data-end="2155">The theatre’s lighting system combines reinstalled legacy dimmers with a new computer-controlled system featuring LED luminaires. A new LED house lighting system complements the stage lighting, and a stage manager’s desk with full AV integration supports both teaching and performance requirements. Seating is highly adaptable, consisting of a main electrically retractable block and two additional retractable blocks mounted on hydraulic trucks, allowing multiple configurations to suit different events and audience sizes.</p><p data-start="2157" data-end="2531">The Black Studio was equipped with an internally wired lighting grid, perimeter curtain track, and a full AV system controlled via a touch panel, creating a fully functional production studio. The White Studio serves as a rehearsal and creative space, featuring a basic AV setup with speakers and projector, suitable for teaching, workshops, and smaller-scale presentations.</p><p data-start="2533" data-end="2828">Through careful design and integration of theatre and AV systems, Drama by Design helped deliver a versatile, modern performance hub that retains the historic character of the Grade II-listed chapel while providing professional-standard facilities for students, staff, and visiting performers.</p><p>Goldsmi</p>								</div>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/george-wood-theatre/">George Wood Theatre</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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		<title>Wells Maltings</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/wells-maltings/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:01:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[THEATRE CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dramabydesign.com/?p=1083</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Drama by Design worked with Reading Rep to provide a coordinated design for all the theatre technical systems and to project manage the works through to completion for their new home in Reading.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/wells-maltings/">Wells Maltings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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									<h1>Theatre Consultancy for Wells Maltings heritage theatre refurbishment project</h1>
<p data-start="133" data-end="491">Wells-next-the-Sea, a small coastal town in North Norfolk, experiences a dramatic increase in population during the summer months. After years of planning, fundraising, and community engagement, a major extension and refurbishment programme began in 2016 to transform the Grade II listed building into a modern cultural hub for the town and surrounding area.</p>
<p data-start="493" data-end="875">Drama by Design was appointed as theatre consultants, working closely with the design team to create a technically sophisticated performance space while respecting the building’s historic fabric. Our role included the design of all specialist theatre systems, ensuring the venue could support a wide range of uses including live performance, cinema screenings, and community events.</p>
<p data-start="877" data-end="1320">The theatre lighting system was designed entirely with LED fixtures to provide flexibility, energy efficiency, and high-quality performance. A variety of Chauvet fixtures, including spots and fresnels, were integrated alongside ETC Cyc Floods. All lighting is flown from bars suspended from the restored wooden beams of the maltings roof, using custom-made clamps that fit around the beams without penetrating or damaging the listed structure.</p>
<p data-start="1322" data-end="1752">Two distinct audio systems were installed to meet the differing needs of cinema and live performance. A QSC speaker system was provided for cinema presentations, while an LD System Stinger system supports live theatre performances. An Allen &amp; Heath QU24 console, connected via category cabling to remote I/O boxes, allows complete operational flexibility, enabling the console to be positioned anywhere within the space as needed.</p>
<p data-start="1754" data-end="2159">The venue is equipped with a full DCI-compliant cinema system, featuring a Barco Alchemy projector fed from a Lansat satellite delivery system. The cinema system can also be used for theatre performances or presentations via HDMI inputs located throughout the theatre. An electric roller projection screen mounted on a winch allows projection height to be adjusted to suit the performance or presentation.</p>
<p data-start="2161" data-end="2468">All specialist systems — including theatre and cinema AV, houselights, and control interfaces — are managed via an Extron touch panel. This allows quick, intuitive operation and rapid reconfiguration of lighting, audio, and video systems to accommodate different performance types and audience requirements.</p>
<p data-start="2470" data-end="2784">Through careful design, close collaboration with the project team, and a focus on integrating modern technical capabilities within a historic structure, Drama by Design helped deliver a versatile, professional-standard theatre that serves as a cultural focal point for Wells-next-the-Sea and the wider community.</p>								</div>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/wells-maltings/">Wells Maltings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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		<title>Manchester College</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/manchester-college/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:48:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[THEATRE CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dramabydesign.com/?p=1073</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Drama by Design worked with Reading Rep to provide a coordinated design for all the theatre technical systems and to project manage the works through to completion for their new home in Reading.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/manchester-college/">Manchester College</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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									<h1>Theatre and Studio Consultancy for The Manchester College new build theatre and studio spaces</h1>
<p data-start="159" data-end="638">Located in the heart of Manchester city centre, City Campus Manchester opened in summer 2022 as a landmark creative and digital industries facility. Designed to provide state-of-the-art, industry-standard environments, the campus brings together performance, production and teaching spaces under one roof. It is home to the College’s Industry Excellence Academy for Creative and Digital Industries, as well as UCEN Manchester’s Arden School of Theatre and Manchester Film School.</p>
<p data-start="640" data-end="1118">Drama by Design was appointed as Theatre and Studio Consultants from feasibility stage through to project completion. Working closely with architects Bond Bryan and the wider design team, we developed the specialist technical strategies and designed all theatre, studio and performance systems throughout the building. Our role was to ensure that every space met professional industry expectations while remaining flexible, robust and appropriate for an educational environment.</p>
<p data-start="1120" data-end="1890">At the heart of the building is the main theatre, designed to support teaching, public performance, assemblies and conference use. The theatre features a full-area tension wire grid, providing safe and flexible access for lighting and technical work, alongside two fly bars at the rear of the stage for backdrops. The lighting and infrastructure strategy was developed around LED luminaires, with sequential power and DMX distribution to maximise efficiency and adaptability. The space is equipped with front, mid and rear stage curtain tracks, side masking curtains on tracks, and an electrically retractable seating system to allow rapid reconfiguration. Integrated AV systems enable straightforward operation for film screenings, presentations and large-scale events.</p>
<p data-start="1892" data-end="2351">Complementing the main theatre is a highly flexible black box studio theatre. This space incorporates a conventional internally wired barrel grid with perimeter curtain tracking, allowing multiple staging formats and experimental performance layouts. Both theatre spaces benefit from a comprehensive facility panel infrastructure, providing distributed access to audio, video and communications signals to support diverse teaching and production requirements.</p>
<p data-start="2353" data-end="2663">The campus also includes two film studios and a dedicated TV studio, designed to professional standards to support Manchester Film School. These spaces integrate lighting, power and signal distribution systems that enable high-quality production while remaining adaptable for future technological developments.</p>
<p data-start="2665" data-end="3139">Music facilities are provided for both Further Education and Higher Education programmes. Each suite comprises a series of music practice and recording rooms linked to control rooms, enabling multitrack recording and production. Integrated camera systems allow monitoring between spaces, supporting both supervision and recording workflows. The design ensures acoustic separation, technical reliability and ease of operation for students developing industry-relevant skills.</p>
<p data-start="3141" data-end="3660">On the top floor, a range of singing, dance and drama studios provide flexible rehearsal and teaching environments. Some studios are equipped with active loudspeakers for music playback, while others incorporate full performance infrastructure including lighting grids, facility panels and sound systems. The building-wide loudspeaker system is centrally controlled but allows local input and level control, with connection plates enabling wired or Bluetooth connection of mobile devices for teaching and rehearsal use.</p>
<p data-start="3662" data-end="4021">Communications systems throughout the campus were carefully coordinated to support operational efficiency and professional standards. These include front-of-house and backstage paging, show relay systems for the theatres, intercom systems serving theatre and music suites, and induction loop assisted listening systems to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.</p>
<p data-start="4023" data-end="4360">Drama by Design worked closely with the main contractor during construction, overseeing the implementation of specialist systems and providing testing and commissioning services upon completion. Our continued involvement through to handover ensured that all systems were fully integrated, correctly configured and performing as intended.</p>
<p data-start="4362" data-end="4801">City Campus Manchester now provides a cohesive, future-ready creative hub where theatre, film, music and digital production coexist within a single, technically sophisticated environment. Through early engagement, detailed system design and close collaboration with the design and construction teams, Drama by Design helped deliver a facility that reflects industry standards while supporting the next generation of creative professionals.</p>								</div>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/manchester-college/">Manchester College</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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		<title>Aldi</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/aldi/</link>
					<comments>https://dramabydesign.com/aldi/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:42:06 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[STUDIO CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ACOUSTIC CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dramabydesign.com/?p=1064</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Studio Consultancy for Aldi Tasting Kitchen TV Studio Drama by Design was appointed to provide both studio consultancy and acoustic consultancy services for the creation of a new teaching and recording studio facility. The brief was to deliver a flexible, professional-standard space capable of supporting high-quality recording for educational use, while allowing for future expansion [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/aldi/">Aldi</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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									<h1>Studio Consultancy for Aldi Tasting Kitchen TV Studio</h1>
<p data-start="170" data-end="525">Drama by Design was appointed to provide both studio consultancy and acoustic consultancy services for the creation of a new teaching and recording studio facility. The brief was to deliver a flexible, professional-standard space capable of supporting high-quality recording for educational use, while allowing for future expansion and technical upgrades.</p>
<p data-start="527" data-end="1276">Our studio consultancy focused on developing a technically robust yet intuitive system that would be straightforward for staff and students to operate. The lighting design centres around a Doughty studio rail system, with fixed rails running the length of the studio carefully coordinated with suspended ceiling panels and general lighting. Low-level outlets were provided for floor-mounted lighting positions to maximise flexibility. Kino Flo and Dedolight LED studio luminaires are suspended beneath the rails on wheeled carriages, allowing rapid reconfiguration of lighting positions. Control is wireless via an iPad running the Synthe FX lighting control app, giving users simple, flexible control without the need for a dedicated lighting desk.</p>
<p data-start="1278" data-end="1721">Wall-mounted facility panels are distributed around the studio and within the ceiling, providing connection points for microphones, cameras, and monitors. These are wired back to central patch panels, allowing adaptable signal routing and future system expansion. Two Panasonic AG-DVX200 4K fixed-lens camcorders on tripod stands form the core recording system, with provision to connect additional cameras via the facility panels as required.</p>
<p data-start="1723" data-end="2417">Audio capture is achieved through a combination of Audix M55 hanging microphones for audience pick-up and Sennheiser DW-3 radio microphones for presenter use. Rather than incorporating a separate recording system, the design routes microphone signals to a Yamaha MTX3 digital signal processor. The DSP is controlled via an Apple iPad within the studio, enabling straightforward management of audio levels and routing. The processed audio is then returned to the facility panels and fed directly to the cameras, ensuring that all cameras receive the same synchronised audio feed. Recordings are made directly onto SD cards within the cameras, providing a streamlined and cost-effective workflow.</p>
<p data-start="2419" data-end="2719">A wall-mounted large-format display screen allows live monitoring of any camera output within the studio, giving immediate visual feedback during recording. The screen can also be used to display promotional content or previously recorded material, increasing the functional versatility of the space.</p>
<p data-start="2721" data-end="3015">The system has been deliberately designed with future adaptability in mind. Infrastructure and signal pathways allow for potential upgrades to support live streaming, as well as the introduction of a separate gallery and edit suite, without fundamental reconfiguration of the core installation.</p>
<p data-start="3017" data-end="3635">Alongside the studio systems design, Drama by Design provided comprehensive acoustic consultancy to ensure the space achieved appropriate performance standards. This included review and advice on internal sound insulation between adjacent rooms and between floors, control of building services noise, management of reverberation within the studio, and consideration of external noise emissions. Particular attention was given to achieving suitable acoustic separation to protect recordings from disturbance, while also ensuring internal sound conditions were controlled and appropriate for speech and media production.</p>
<p data-start="3637" data-end="3952">Through the integration of technical studio design and detailed acoustic consultancy, Drama by Design delivered a flexible, future-ready recording environment that balances professional capability with ease of use — a space designed to support high-quality content creation both now and as operational needs evolve.</p>								</div>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/aldi/">Aldi</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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		<title>University of Hertfordshire</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/university-of-hertfordshire/</link>
					<comments>https://dramabydesign.com/university-of-hertfordshire/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:25:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[ACOUSTIC CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dramabydesign.com/?p=1052</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Acoustics Consultancy for University or Hertfordshire Film and Virtual Production Studio refurbishment project. Drama by Design was appointed by the University of Hertfordshire to provide specialist acoustic consultancy for the concept design of a new film studio within the Todd Building at the University’s Hatfield Campus. Located on the ground floor in the north-western corner [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/university-of-hertfordshire/">University of Hertfordshire</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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									<h1>Acoustics Consultancy for University or Hertfordshire Film and Virtual Production Studio refurbishment project.</h1>
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<p data-start="99" data-end="617">Drama by Design was appointed by the University of Hertfordshire to provide specialist acoustic consultancy for the concept design of a new film studio within the Todd Building at the University’s Hatfield Campus. Located on the ground floor in the north-western corner of the existing three-storey building, the project involves the creation of a professional-standard film studio alongside associated spaces including a green room, office, small plant room, and new lobby connections from existing circulation areas.</p>
<p data-start="619" data-end="1203">The appointment focused on developing a concept-stage acoustic strategy to inform the design of the studio and supporting spaces. Early briefing discussions were held with representatives of the University, including the Dean of the department, course leaders, and facilities management, to clarify the intended uses and performance aspirations for the space. The studio is to support feature film production, student teaching, and commercial hire to third parties, and therefore must meet professional standards for sound isolation, internal noise control, and room acoustic quality.</p>
<p data-start="1205" data-end="1964">The studio sits above a basement staff car park and below teaching spaces currently used by the art department, which will remain design-based, likely for computer-focused creative work. The structural form of the Todd Building is a concrete frame. The ground floor slab beneath the studio comprises a 300mm deep in-situ flat concrete slab, while the first floor above is formed from a 600mm deep in-situ “waffle” slab, with the thinner sections of the slab typically 100mm thick and forming the majority of the soffit. Original structural drawings were reviewed to inform our understanding of the construction, although certain junction details — particularly at the interfaces between the floor slabs and the external walls — required careful consideration.</p>
<p data-start="1966" data-end="2709">Externally, the building envelope consists predominantly of masonry walls, with a significant area of two-storey curtain walling forming part of the north and west façades. The site’s proximity to the A1(M), including an off-ramp running close to the site boundary, presents a notable external noise risk. Although the main carriageway sits in a cutting, the elevated slip road required assessment in relation to potential traffic noise ingress. As part of the concept study, we identified key acoustic risks associated with the façade design, slab junctions, and flanking transmission paths, proposing performance targets and indicative construction strategies to mitigate external noise intrusion and ensure robust internal sound insulation.</p>
<p data-start="2711" data-end="3440">Internally, the studio is to incorporate a solid infinity cove located in the north-west corner, extending approximately halfway along the north and west façades. The acoustic design therefore needed to support controlled room acoustics suitable for film production, with careful management of reflections, lateral sound behaviour, and reverberation characteristics. At concept stage, we established acoustic performance criteria for airborne and impact sound insulation between the studio and adjacent spaces, along with target internal noise levels appropriate for professional recording. Outline construction build-ups were proposed to achieve these targets, taking into account the existing structure and spatial constraints.</p>
<p data-start="3442" data-end="3772">As the building services design was not yet developed, services acoustics were addressed strategically. Guidance was provided on noise limits, vibration isolation, plant location, and ductwork design principles to ensure that future MEP proposals would align with the stringent acoustic requirements of a professional film studio.</p>
<p data-start="3774" data-end="4357">The concept acoustic design report summarised the key acoustic issues, identified potential sound transmission paths, and established clear performance standards to guide the next stages of design development. By engaging early and working collaboratively with the University’s academic and facilities teams, Drama by Design helped set a robust acoustic framework for the project — ensuring the proposed studio will deliver the isolation, low noise levels, and controlled acoustic environment required for high-quality film production and teaching within an existing campus building.</p>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/university-of-hertfordshire/">University of Hertfordshire</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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		<title>Cardiff University</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/cardiff-university-2/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 17:00:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[ACOUSTIC CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dramabydesign.com/?p=1038</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Acoustics Consultancy for Cardiff University refurbishment of teaching spaces Drama by Design was appointed by Stride Treglown on behalf of Cardiff University to provide specialist acoustic consultancy services in relation to the proposed remodelling of 50–51 Park Place in Cardiff. The scheme involves significant alterations to the internal layout and use of the buildings, including [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/cardiff-university-2/">Cardiff University</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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									<h1>Acoustics Consultancy for Cardiff University refurbishment of teaching spaces</h1>
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<p data-start="143" data-end="802">Drama by Design was appointed by Stride Treglown on behalf of Cardiff University to provide specialist acoustic consultancy services in relation to the proposed remodelling of 50–51 Park Place in Cardiff. The scheme involves significant alterations to the internal layout and use of the buildings, including the removal of numerous separating walls, retention of selected elements, installation of new partitions, and the retention of existing separating floors. The refurbished accommodation will provide new seminar rooms and associated teaching spaces, requiring careful consideration of acoustic performance to ensure suitability for higher education use.</p>
<p data-start="804" data-end="1869">The site comprises two distinct but connected buildings, including a further extension to 51 Park Place. No. 50 Park Place is a former Victorian terraced house that was long ago converted to office and student use. Its construction reflects its domestic origins, with timber joist floors and masonry external walls. No. 51 Park Place was originally constructed as a double-height student assembly hall. It has since been substantially altered, first by inserting a new intermediate floor to create ground and first storeys, and subsequently by adding an additional floor above the original roof level. The external walls are of heavy masonry construction, and some internal walls are also heavy masonry; however, within the main converted assembly hall building many of the internal partitions are lightweight plasterboard constructions. The floors in No. 51 therefore comprise two quite different construction types, and while full historical construction details were not available, site inspections were undertaken as far as practicable to inform our assessment.</p>
<p data-start="1871" data-end="2401">Given the extent of the remodelling and the change in room function, understanding the acoustic performance of these retained elements was essential. Drama by Design carried out a detailed programme of airborne and impact sound insulation testing to establish the existing performance of the separating floors and selected walls. This provided baseline data to determine whether the retained constructions were capable of meeting the performance expectations for seminar and teaching spaces, or whether upgrades would be required.</p>
<p data-start="2403" data-end="2851">The testing process enabled us to identify key sound transmission paths within the structure, including potential flanking transmission through junctions, lightweight partitions within the former assembly hall, and the timber joist floors within No. 50. The differing construction types between the two buildings required careful analysis, particularly where new layouts introduced sensitive adjacencies between seminar rooms and circulation areas.</p>
<p data-start="2853" data-end="3286">Alongside the testing programme, we advised on appropriate sound insulation standards for university buildings, drawing on best practice guidance for higher education environments where speech intelligibility, privacy, and control of disturbance are critical. Our recommendations were developed to balance performance requirements with the practical constraints of adapting and retaining significant elements of an existing building.</p>
<p data-start="3288" data-end="3770">By combining measured acoustic data, site investigation, and detailed analysis of transmission mechanisms, Drama by Design supported the design team in developing a clear and robust acoustic strategy for the refurbishment. Our input ensures that the remodelled 50–51 Park Place building will deliver seminar and teaching spaces with appropriate acoustic separation, supporting effective learning while respecting the structural and architectural character of the existing buildings.</p>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/cardiff-university-2/">Cardiff University</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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		<title>American University of Sharjah</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/american-university-of-sharjah/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Feb 2026 17:07:53 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Short statement summarising what you did for this client</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/american-university-of-sharjah/">American University of Sharjah</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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									<h1>Acoustics Consultancy for new Interpretation/Language lab and Multimedia/TV Studio at the American University of Sharjah, UAE</h1>
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<p data-start="98" data-end="476">Drama by Design was appointed as acoustic consultants for the design of new interpretation laboratories and a green screen TV studio in Sharjah, UAE. Working closely with the architect and wider design team, our role was to ensure both facilities delivered the levels of acoustic clarity, control, and isolation required for specialist teaching and broadcast-quality production.</p>
<p data-start="478" data-end="993">From the earliest design stages, we collaborated with the architect to shape the room layouts, construction strategies, and spatial adjacencies to support strong acoustic performance. Careful consideration was given to the positioning of noise-sensitive spaces within the building to minimise risk and reduce reliance on reactive solutions later in the project. By integrating acoustic thinking into the architectural concept, we helped ensure performance requirements were embedded within the fabric of the design.</p>
<p data-start="995" data-end="1492">For the interpretation laboratories, achieving excellent speech intelligibility and acoustic separation was essential. We developed sound insulation strategies to prevent transmission between booths, teaching areas, and adjacent spaces, providing detailed advice on partition constructions, glazing, doors, and junction detailing. We also established target reverberation times and recommended internal finishes to control reflections and create clear, distraction-free communication environments.</p>
<p data-start="1494" data-end="2032">Within the green screen TV studio, the focus was on delivering a controlled acoustic environment suitable for recording and broadcast. We designed enhanced sound isolation measures to limit external noise ingress and vibration transfer, and we provided guidance on controlling building services noise to meet stringent background noise criteria. Internal acoustic treatments were carefully considered to balance absorption and control reflections, ensuring flexibility for different production setups while maintaining high sound quality.</p>
<p data-start="2034" data-end="2364">Advanced 3D acoustic modelling and predictive analysis were used to test design proposals and refine material selections before construction. This allowed the team to visualise how sound would behave within each space, optimise reverberation performance, and address potential issues early, reducing risk and safeguarding quality.</p>
<p data-start="2366" data-end="2925" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Throughout the project, we worked as an integrated member of the design team, coordinating closely with the architect, MEP engineers, and AV specialists. Regular collaboration ensured that acoustic requirements aligned with architectural intent, technical systems, and operational needs. The result is a suite of interpretation labs that provide clear, focused communication environments and a green screen studio that delivers reliable, broadcast-ready acoustic performance — spaces where architectural design and acoustic precision work seamlessly together.</p>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/american-university-of-sharjah/">American University of Sharjah</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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		<title>Manchester Metropolitan University</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/manchester-metropolitan-university/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:44:38 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[STUDIO CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dramabydesign.com/?p=889</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Studio Consultancy for Manchester Metropolitan University new-build School of Digital Arts (SODA) &#8211; Green Screen, Motion Capture, Film/VP and Music Recording Studios The School of Digital Arts (SODA) is a £35m investment into work space, networks, teaching and research that will support the urgent and growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s creative and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/manchester-metropolitan-university/">Manchester Metropolitan University</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[		<div data-elementor-type="wp-post" data-elementor-id="889" class="elementor elementor-889" data-elementor-post-type="post">
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									<h1>Studio Consultancy for Manchester Metropolitan University new-build School of Digital Arts (SODA) &#8211; Green Screen, Motion Capture, Film/VP and Music Recording Studios</h1>
<p>The School of Digital Arts (SODA) is a £35m investment into work space, networks, teaching and research that will support the urgent and growing demand for skilled workers in the region’s creative and digital industries. It offers courses that span film, animation, user experience, photography, sound design, gaming, AI, VR and more.</p>
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<p>Alongside spaces to collaborate and teach, the specialist facilities include a UX studio, Film Studio, two Green Screen Studios, Multipurpose TV Studio, two Motion Capture Studios, Stop Motion Studio, VR Studio, Digital Innovation Lab, Edit Suites, two Sound/Music Production Suites one with Dolby Atmos, Screening Cinema with Dolby Atmos and a Digital Gallery.</p>
<p>Drama by Design were involved with the project from feasibility study through to completion and handover. We worked with the architect on the design of the building and designed not only all the specialist technical systems, but also the general AV systems for the teaching spaces and digital signage.</p>
<p>All systems in the building are distributed over IP, which enables complete flexibility for distributing audio, video, lighting and communication signals both now and in the future. Any gallery/control room can be used to control any studio or group of studios and the output from any studio can be viewed in any of the teaching spaces or on the digital signage.</p>
<p>The TV and film studios are all equipped with the latest wireless LED luminaires with control distribution over the network and computerised lighting control systems. To provide the optimum in flexibility and a range of teaching environments lighting suspension systems include fixed internally wired barrel grids, moving rail systems with pantographs and motorised hoists.</p>
<p>A range of cameras has been provided up to 12K resolution all routed via a central video router enabling any source to be sent to any destination in the building. Galleries are equipped with router control panels and a range of video switchers.</p>
<p>Audio is distributed around the building using Dante, including the communications/talkback system. Thus any space can be utilised for audio mixing, so even if a shoot is taking placce in the Film Studio, the audio can be separately mixed in the music suite two floors above.</p>
<p>Motion capture systems from Mo-sys and Vicon are provided, which include not only people tracking but full camera tracking for creation of AR and VR content. This system offers unlimited freedom of movement and gives accruate position, rotation and lens data in real-time. The cameras can rotate 360 degrees and be oved to any position in the studio, even right to the edge.</p>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/manchester-metropolitan-university/">Manchester Metropolitan University</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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		<title>Cardinal Newman College</title>
		<link>https://dramabydesign.com/cardinal-newman-college/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:34:14 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[STUDIO CONSULTANCY]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://dramabydesign.com/?p=880</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Studio Consultancy for new-build Green Screen TV and Podcast Studio for Cardinal Newman College. The new 1,200 sq m St Catherine Building at Cardinal Newman College in Preston, includes a cutting-edge TV studio and other media and art&#160;facilities. The new building integrates the college’s existing media andart departments. In addition to the TV studio, it [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/cardinal-newman-college/">Cardinal Newman College</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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									<h1>Studio Consultancy for new-build Green Screen TV and Podcast Studio for Cardinal Newman College.</h1>
<p>The new 1,200 sq m St Catherine Building at Cardinal Newman College in Preston, includes a cutting-edge TV studio and other media and art&nbsp;facilities.</p>
<p>The new building integrates the college’s existing media and<br>art departments. In addition to the TV studio, it features a fully equipped photo studio, dedicated graphics, art, and media rooms, as well as classrooms, open learning areas, staff rooms, and offices. The building is designed to meet the Department for Education’s Net Zero in Operation requirements, with a focus<br>on energy efficiency.</p>
<p>Drama by Design worked with the architect on the design of<br>the building, designed all the specialist technical systems, coordinated them with the design team and project managed the specialist installation through to witness testing, snagging and training on completion.</p>
<p>The studio was equipped for teaching a range of courses,<br>including ‘T’ levels and BTEC in Creative Media Practice, which involves developing the skills needed to plan and produce film and television, including camerawork, lighting, production design, and sound.</p>
<p>The studio lighting system consisted of a moveable rail system with four fixed rails and smaller moveable rails that span across the fixed rails. Power is provided via internally wired bars above the rails, and low-level power outlets for floor lighting, all fed from a dedicated power distribution system with sequential power on, which automatically energises when the control system is turned on. A range of LED luminaires mounted on spring pantographs enable the luminaires to be&nbsp;rigged and focussed from the floor.</p>
<p>Three Blackmagic Design 4.6K cameras were provided for the<br>studio floor, complete with a range of lenses, viewfinders, and pedestals with fluid heads. A PTZ camera was provided at high level primarily to enable teachers in the control room to monitor the studio, but also available for recording.</p>
<p>Wireless and wired microphones and cameras connect via wall boxes, and high-level facility panels via patch panels in the control room to a&nbsp;vision switcher and digital audio mixer in the control room/gallery.</p>
<p>A perimeter curtain track provides both black wool serge<br>curtains and a white cyclorama cloth, the end wall was painted Chromakey green.</p>
<p>The gallery was equipped with a professional quality control<br>desk, large wall mounted multiview display, studio clock, plus a audio and video monitoring equipment and Apple Mac computers. It was also equipped for podcasting, with a dedicated microphone and computer audio interface.</p>
<p>A selection of outside broadcast equipment was also provided,<br>enabling students to go out on location, shoot material, and then bring it back to the College for editing.</p>								</div>
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		<p>The post <a href="https://dramabydesign.com/cardinal-newman-college/">Cardinal Newman College</a> appeared first on <a href="https://dramabydesign.com">Drama by Design</a>.</p>
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