Boston, MA
Boston University, Tsai Performance Center
Scope/Solutions
The Tsai Performance Center hosts concerts, theatrical and dance presentations, lectures, film programs, and conferences. Boston University wanted to upgrade an outdated sound system with new audio and network components. The upgrade involved suspending three new speaker arrays, each weighing more than 1,200 lbs, from portions of the existing building structure. SGH analyzed the existing roof and proscenium framing for the new speaker loads, designed structural improvements to the framing, and provided structural construction administration services for the new speaker installation.
SGH worked closely with the owner, acoustic consultant, contractor, and rigging vendor to provide the following services:
- Investigated and documented existing conditions of the steel-framed roof and proscenium structures
- Analyzed the existing roof and proscenium structures for new speaker loads, including dynamic effects caused by the motorized rigging equipment, and prepared a summary report
- Coordinated with the rigging vendor to select rigging and suspension hardware
- Designed structural modifications to strengthen a portion of the existing proscenium structure
- Prepared structural drawings identifying rigging attachment locations on the existing structure
- Assisted the contractor to address issues that arose during speaker and rigging installation
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Project Summary
2015
Completion Date
Solutions
Repair & Rehabilitation
Services
Structures
Markets
Culture & Entertainment | Education
Client(s)
Communications Design Associates, Inc.
Specialized Capabilities
Repair & Strengthening
Key team members
Additional Projects
Northeast
2015 Design Biennial Boston, Tectonics of Transparency: The Tower
Second in Cristina Parreño's Tectonics of Transparency series, The Tower was a temporary installation on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. SGH provided structural design services for The Tower and the first Tectonics of Transparency installation, The Wall.
Northeast
The Cooper Gallery
SGH was the structural engineer, developed and physically-tested a custom timber moment-resisting connection, and consulted on the building enclosure.