Aviva Studios, Manchester

Aviva Studios is a new multipurpose arts venue in Manchester City Centre. The performance spaces within the building have a maximum combined capacity of 7,000, split across a 1,600 seat theatre and 5,000 capacity ‘warehouse’ – an entirely flexible performance space that can be separated in to two separate venues, or combined with the theatre to create an entirely unique performance environment. Facilitating this flexibility is a complex structural design, a number of ‘world firsts’ including the worlds largest acoustic moveable walls, and incredibly complex acoustic requirements. Alongside the building is the creation of a new public realm space, including two new public squares.

Detailed review of acoustic requirements and close coordination and management of design team, including acoustic specialist. Careful coordination of design and engagement with operational team to ensure operational requirements were understood and accommodated within design. Detailed review, development, and understanding of scopes. Continuous learning and adapting throughout the project process. Careful coordination of design team-contractor interface. Photos by Marco Cappelletti, courtesy of OMA and Factory International