Project summary

Manchester University's latest building project incorporates University Place - a drum-shaped landmark building designed by John McAslan and Partners which houses two lecture theatres seating 600 and 400, which may be combined by the opening of an acoustic wall to create a single 1000-seat space.

Charcoalblue worked alongside the architects to develop the auditoria, producing alternative proposals for the separation of the two spaces and numerous detailed sightline studies.

We also developed audiovisual and stagelighting systems in close collaboration with the University's own technical staff, resulting in a technical provision which meets the University's day-to-day needs but which also allows the combined 1000-seat space to be hired to visiting academic conferences or other events.