Once finished the installation of the new QSX seating systems that SERAPID Group has recently carried out at the Philharmonic concert hall in Zaryadye Park, Moscow, Russia, we interviewed Eric Michaut to ask him about the peculiarities of the space. An auditorium that required maximum visibility and adaptation to multiple types of room configuration.
What were the customer's needs?
The customer, the City of Moscow, needed an automated multifunctional auditorium, one that could accommodate a variety of events with room configurations ranging from a completely unseated flat floor to multiple rows of raked seating. Additionally, for optimum sightlines and acoustics the seating rows would need to be curved. DOKA was chosen as integrator and brought SERAPID on board to realize the project.
How are the needs of the room studied beforehand?
Following the installation of its first QSX seating transformation system at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, SERAPID had been developing a new version that would handle both curved and straight rows of seating. SERAPID created a prototype in its workshops in France that served as a model for the development of the Zaraydye project. Working closely in collaboration, the SERAPID and DOKA engineers studied the technical challenges of the project, which ultimately resulted in the most advanced seating transformation system to date.
Are various alternatives and budgets proposed?
Yes, we were in competition with the traditional basic solution consisting of fixed rows. Acoustic studies have shown that the QSX system does not affect the sound quality of the room, so for multifunctionality, the advantage lies with the SERAPID solution.
What has been the most complex part of the installation?
It is the logistics in the context of the reality of a large construction site of this type which presents the biggest challenge.
How has it been solved?
Prior to the installation, we established manufacturing and assembly procedures and trained the teams of our Russian client. In addition, the teams of technicians from both DOKA and SERAPID worked daily to adapt both the assembly methods of the large metal parts and their precise installation to obtain the desired result.
What competitive advantages does SERAPID offer?
First, the technology itself. SERAPID’s unique Rigid Chain Technology (RCT) is behind all our products. RCT has a robust nature that exceeds the capabilities of other technologies. It also brings a superior stability to our systems. Secondly, the depth of our engineering team. We have 22 engineering technicians with in-depth experience in producing systems to move equipment, structural elements in buildings, heavy machinery, and precision devices, just to name a few. Lastly, there is our team’s commitment to solving technical challenges.
How much time has it taken to execute the work?
In the context of the general schedule it took 12 months for the entire system to the primary floor, allowing the main adjustments to be made.
What are the brightest aspects and what would you highlight?
The overall vision for the design of Zaraydye Park was for the creation of a technological marvel in every aspect; from the floating bridge to the ice cave to the creation of micro-climate regions. The mandate for matching this level of technical sophistication for the performance venue has certainly been met by this advanced system. With the flexibility of the space, we expect the venue to be in high demand, and since each configuration can be arranged by a single operator, and the entire space can be setup in less than 15 minutes, we expect that demand to be easily met.
Has your client been satisfied?
Yes. Our client expressed his satisfaction by not issuing a reservation after the installation. The positive comments by the Russian authorities confirmed their satisfaction as well.
Any more questions comments you want to add about the installation?
This first installation of the QSX Curved Row system represents a successful outcome to the challenge this project presented for both companies, Doka and Serapid. We plan to further develop the product to improve the speed of installation, but we are more than confident in the solution.
QSX Seating System Installation at Zaryadye Park in Moscow
SERAPID Group, a leading supplier of lifts, quick die change and horizontal transfer systems, is pleased to announce its latest QSX Seating System installation to be unveiled at the grand opening of the Philharmonic Concert Hall at Zaryadye Park, Moscow, Russia.
The innovative SERAPID QSX system, the first system to combine curved row raked seating with a reconfigurable, automated, multi-purpose venue system, consists of twenty curved rows ranging from 23 to 30 metres, with a total of 677 seats. The smooth-operating system is fully automated and can change from a flat floor to a raked seating setup in less than 30 minutes. The system works for straight, curved or faceted tiers regardless of the number of rows, seats or configurations.
The redevelopment of the previously vacant space near the Red Square in Moscow into the stunning Zaraydye Park is the vision of a design consortium led by Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS + R), that includes Hargreaves & Associates and Citymakers. The park includes three performance venues, with a concert hall considered to be one of the most complex elements of the park. The integrator for the concert hall, Doka, selected SERAPID to deliver the most advanced venue technology available. The Concert Hall officially opened September 8, 2018, the Anniversary of Moscow, with performances by Anna Netrebko, Yusif Eyvazov, Ildar Abdrazakov, Albina Shagimuratova, and Juan Diego Florez accompanied by the Mariinsky Theater Orchestra. The concert was also broadcasted online.
