Creating a spectacle

To ensure maximum flexibility with event planning, the centre's 5000-seat Plenary Hall has been designed so that it can be divided into three self-contained, acoustically separate theatres, with seating that can easily be reconfigured to suit a variety of activities.

The Retractable Seating Control System, supplied and installed by Control IT, can configure the seats into one large flat floor venue, tier them for the entire auditorium, or subdivide them into up to three smaller theatres. At the Melbourne Convention Centre, the system is presently programmed to quickly move between eight different configurations; however, other options can easily be added if required.

Control IT's retractable seating control system is fully automated and allows for transformation from one configuration to another within a few minutes, using platforms driven by Spiralift® units. A motorised seat rotation system installed in each row deploys all pre-installed seats from storage to performance position.

The company designed, manufactured and installed the control system, a Citect computer interface, System Control Panel and hand-held operating interface station, which ensures only authorised operators can reconfigure the venue. The system includes safety components, such as travel limit switches for the platforms, rotation limit switches for the seats and top-plate switches for the Spiralifts, to ensure safe operation for lifting and rotation.

For more information, contact Control IT, Factory 2/5 Norwest Avenue, Laverton North, Vic 3026, phone (03) 9360 0097, fax (03) 9360 0015. Email: mail@controlit.com.au. Website: www.controlit.com.au.

Story by: Trendsideas