The facts
Location: Dublin, Republic of
Ireland
Client: Populous (Formerly HOK Sport)
Start Date: September 2007
Completion Date: November 2008
Contract Type: Fixed
Procurement method: Preferred Supplier
Construction Value:
€80m
Services provided: Full Acoustic Design, Detailing
and Specification, Environmental Noise Assessment, HVAC Noise
Guidance
The project
Capita Symonds’ acoustics team
provided acoustic engineering services on the new O2 Arena in
Dublin.
The project involved the redevelopment,
refurbishment and renaming of the historic Point Theatre to create
a new €80m, 14,000-seat venue which has already hosted shows by
acts such as Coldplay, Bob Dylan and Boyzone.
The programme was completed by owners Live
Nation and Irish property developer Harry Crosbie as part of a deal
with telecommunications giant O2. All but the existing
kelp stone perimeter wall was demolished, doubling capacity as well
as greatly enhancing both front and back of house facilities
including a 50-tonne rigging capacity and a VIP and sponsors’
lounge.
In order to complete the transformation of the site into a truly
world class venue that would offer both concertgoers and bands an
unrivalled experience, exceptional acoustic design was vital.
What’s more, as the venue is in the middle of new residential
developments, acoustic insulation was also of paramount
importance.
The challenge was to transform an existing warehouse-like space into a world class venue with unparalleled acoustics.
To ensure this, our acoustics experts began by
conducting extensive acoustic research at some of Europe’s leading
venues. They also provided an environmental assessment of expected
noise levels from people entering and leaving the Dublin arena.
The team then developed a 3D model of The O2
to analyse all aspects of how the auditorium’s sound moved,
vibrated and reflected. One particular challenge was the venue’s
pillar-less amphitheatre shape. Although it ensured excellent
sightlines for concertgoers, it also meant that it was extremely
difficult to insulate the roof with the heavy materials, such as
concrete, that would provide the mass necessary for perfect
acoustics.
The team’s solution was to design a complex,
layered roof that wraps around the building. Lightweight enough for
the amphitheatre shape, it also includes thick layers of sandboard
which provide the mass necessary for superb clarity of sound as
well as noise insulation.
Capita Symonds' Daryl Prasad explains:
“The challenge was to transform an existing
warehouse-like space into a world class venue with unparalleled
acoustics. To ensure good sightlines long spans were required. As
such the external shell needed to be relatively lightweight,
contradicting traditional auditoria design which would have been
far too heavy! What’s more, as the refurbishment took place amongst
new residential developments, we had to make a significant effort
to ensure that the sound insulation of the auditorium is sufficient
for the neighbours.”
The result is a venue that not only has some
of the best acoustics in Europe but is one that doesn’t disturb the
neighbours either.
It is now larger than any other fully-equipped
indoor venue in the country, and can be described as one of
Ireland's premier music venues.
The video above was created by the
Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET), as part of its
IET Faraday programme designed to
inspire young people about science, technology, engineering and
maths.
About The O2 Dublin
- The Point hosted the Eurovision Song Contest
three times
- One of the first acts to play live to a
paying audience at the Point Depot in 1988 were The Pogues
- U2 recorded the No. 1 hit single “Desire” in
the Point in 1988
- Construction of the redevelopment of The O2
commenced on 1st September 2007
- At the height of the renovation of The O2
Dublin, 500 people were employed on the site
- The roof of The O2 has the most up to date
acoustics design in Europe.
- Shows that were previously not possible in
the venue – such as Cirque Du Soleil - can now be staged
- A total of over 5,000 tons of steel, 13,000
meters of duct work, 7,000 metres of pipe work and 270 kilometres
of cables were used to construct the new venue
- There are 3,500 light fittings in the
venue
- The O2 Dublin forms the centre point of The
Point Village
The project was Commended in the Building Conservation
category at the RICS Awards 2010.