A new state-of-the-art theatre for Avanti Schools Trust
Vedanta Arts Centre
The Vedanta Arts Centre was envisioned as a new building housing a theatre with capacity to accommodate a total of 400 people, and with the assembly hall to be designed to host wedding events and other functions, providing a source of revenue to Avanti Schools Trust. Additional facilities included a restaurant, multi-use studio, classroom and presentation space.
Our approach
As Avanti School Trust Architect and Interior Designer, our role was to work with our external design team colleagues to coordinate the design concept and information to deliver a theatre suitable for both semi-professional and school usage.
We worked closely with theatre experts when developing designs, leading to a number of changes to ensure the designs provided the levels of quality and performance required from a semi-professional facility.
As Principal Designer, we needed to ensure all facilities could provide safe access to technical facilities within the theatre, e.g. lighting, rigs, etc.
Design changes made to provide the required standard of theatre included making stage wings larger and get-in doors taller, providing storage off the stage, providing light/sound lobbies, and making elevation changes.
We also coordinated closely with the specialist designer and installer of specialist theatre equipment when developing designs. Our Interior Designers had in-depth discussions with the theatre specialist around finishes and furniture, ensuring these were all appropriate.
Our designs provided safe high-level access for both trained personnel and educated pupils (with supervision) to use all technical facilities supporting the operation of the theatre.
Key info
Client
Avanti Schools Trust
Status
In progress
Design
Architecture, Interior design
Management
Health and safety services
Sector
Culture and heritage
Location
Harrow
