Saffron Hall
Case Study: Saffron Hall Auditorium Saffron Walden, Essex
Project: Saffron Hall Auditorium
Client: Vickery Electrical / ISG / Jerrem Design Associates
Location: Saffron Walden Essex
Project Scope:
Design and installation of a comprehensive audio induction Loop assistive listening systems throughout the auditorium installation.
The Auditorium was designed to be transformed for use as a theatre or for music performances. In the theatre mode it can be arranged in the form of a traditional proscenium theatre or as a theatre in the round; in the music mode – for choral, classical and musical concerts.
Hearing aid users were to receive direct sound reinforcement signals from the control room together with ambient noise picked up from several microphones stage left and right.
Additional AFILS facilities were requested for all 1st floor balcony seating areas
Project Overview:
Clarity UK Ltd were employed to help design the AFILS facilities within this fantastic new facility and worked closely with Jerram Design Associates to create a solution flexible enough to be adapted easily for any layout of the hall. The project included:
- Infrared Induction Loop Systems Throughout the Lower floor and tiered seating for accessibility by hearing impaired users.
- Magnetic Field Induction Loop Systems covering all circle and balcony seating for accessibility by hearing impaired users.
Challenges and Requirements
- Ground floor stall seating predominantly folding meant that the installation of copper loops were impossible
- Hearing aid users were to receive direct sound reinforcement signals from the control room together with ambient noise picked up from several microphones stage left and right.
- Simple management of systems by staff
- Easy-to-use controls for staff, event operators and users.
- Reliable connectivity to audience members.
Solution Implementation
Infrared Induction Loop Systems
Infrared emitter network Installed in auditorium to cover all ground floor and tiered spectator seating areas. Ensured compliance with accessibility regulations standards and legislation. Provided clear audio signals directly to hearing aid users.
Magnetic Field Induction Loop System
Installed in all circle and balcony seating. Ensured compliance with accessibility regulations standards and legislation providing clear audio signals directly to hearing aid users.
Results & Benefits
- Enhanced Communication: The AFILS systems provide clear highly intelligible and efficient communication across the Halls seated areas.
- Improved Event Experiences: The sound reinforcement system signals injected into the AFILS allowing users to clearly hear announcements, commentary and event audio.
- Accessibility Compliance: The induction loop systems improved inclusivity for individuals with hearing impairments.
- User-Friendly Controls: Staff and operators and spectator simple operation of the facilities.
Project Summary
Initially the client requested a Magnetic Field Loop to the theatre tiered seating area but due to the fact that this seating was portable and capable of folding away made this solution impractical susceptible to loop damage and extremely impractical. An Infrared alternative was offered which guaranteed high quality audio transmissions to any area on the ground floor.
Although lending arrangements for receivers and neck loops to the public are necessary, the ultimate requirement was for a guaranteed working solution, whatever the layout.
Upper balcony seating remained static and adjacent services and building construction suited Magnetic Induction Loop Solutions very well. Each of the 7 seating areas were installed with a conventional single turn loop tape driven by ceiling void mounted amplifiers.
Local seating area ambient pickup microphones were installed together with AFILS LED indicators. The feed from the auditorium sound reinforcement system was distributed across the site to each individual seating area amplifier for reception by the standard haring aid user.
Clarity UK designed and installed the system including 1st, 2nd fix and commissioning works, all on time, on budget with full compliance of the specification and all regulations and British standards and the Equality Act.
