Abu Dhabi, UAE
2011
1000
Over Stage Engineering, Under Stage Engineering, Flooring
Education, Awards & Ceremonies
J&C Joel carried out a complete fit out of Zayed University’s Abu Dhabi campus auditorium. The project included a full stage rigging system, stage dressings, stage machinery, specialist acoustic flooring and a bespoke acoustic shell, creating a highly flexible performance venue.
Above the stage, the team installed 55 suspension bars to support lighting, scenery and stage drapery. Of these, 22 are powered by motorised hoists capable of operating at a speed of 0.6 metres per second. A further 20 suspension bars were installed, which are raised and lowered using a seven-line manual counterweight system, each set with a safe working load of 750kg.
All rigging elements connect to a fully automated control system, allowing precise and efficient operation during performances and events.
Zayed University’s Front of House Curtains were manufactured from a grey Duchess Velvet (VELH041), custom dyed to match the colour of the hall’s architectural features. These were suspended from a motorised Unibeam track capable of operating at speeds of up to 1.5 metres per second.
Stage masking curtains were manufactured from black Wool Serge 420 (WS001) and hung from 12 dead-hung suspension bars above the stage floor. A white Cotton Cyclorama Canvas (CAN041) and white Sharkstooth Gauze backdrop measuring 12 metres wide was mounted on suspension bars to the rear of the stage.
J&C Joel also designed and laid the semi-sprung acoustic flooring spanning the stage, side wings and orchestra lifts. The construction incorporates rubber pads and acoustic wadding between layers, helping to reduce travelling sound.
Behind the Front of House Curtains, the stage floor features a black finish with a removable “wearing” layer to accommodate scenery and sets. In contrast, the area in front of the curtains includes a black American walnut top finish, specifically designed for prestigious events and ceremonial occasions.
The venue features a custom-engineered lift system, consisting of four stage lifts and one orchestra lift. Thanks to a bespoke control system, the lift can operate in multiple configurations.
Powered by a single motor, each lift is raised and lowered by six Serapid rigid chain LinkLift™ systems.
The shell consists of 10 customised aluminium extrusion frames to which reflective acoustic panels are attached. The panels are manufactured with an undulating surface that is designed to direct sound toward the audience. Above the shell, a series of hinged ceiling panels completes the enclosure. These panels hang from suspension bars above the stage and seal the sell for optimal acoustic performance.
