PART 11 MULTI-PURPOSE HALLS _____________________________________________________________________ 11.

1 Introduction This guidance includes the requirements of large space accommodation for use by the school for assemblies, parents meetings, examinations, exhibitions, musical and dramatic productions, choir or orchestral practices. To ensure that the space can be used flexibly, particularly as an additional teaching space for drama and dance, an acoustic, folding partition should be considered halfway along its length. In schools with enrolments less than 551, the multi-purpose hall is also to serve as a gymnasium (see Part 10 PHYSICAL EDUCATION), and should be designed and fitted primarily as a gymnasium, with equipment and mat stores. The gymnasium equipment in the multi-purpose hall should, when not in use, be on an indented wall area, to ensure that it does not protrude beyond the main wall line. A stage and chair and examination desk stores should be provided associated with the hall. MULTI-PURPOSE HALL 11.2 11.3 First-Aid Equipment Fire Fighting Appliances FUNCTION First-aid equipment, non contract, consistent with the activities planned for the space should be provided. These items should be provided to satisfy the requirements of the Building Control Authority, and should be suitably recessed to avoid obstructions in the hall. This will basically comprise: a. b. c. d. e. 11.4.1 11.4.2 11.4.3 11.4.4 11.4.5 ACCOMMODATION SIZE STAGE CHAIR STORE EXAMINATION DESK STORE Hall, 260 m2, with option to temporarily divide into two equal spaces of 130m2. 60 to 75 m2 15 m2 12 m2 Clear height for an assembly hall should be 5.1 m. Floor to ceiling height in stores need not exceed 2.5 m, but the ceiling over the stage the hall a suitable stage a chair store an examination desk store an equipment and mat stores, when the hall is used as a combined gymnasium.

11.4

should be as high as economically possible, with where appropriate, an exposed roof structure to give additional height. 11.4.6 LOCATION Convenient to the main entrance of the school. There should be toilet accommodation nearby for the use of visitors and suitable for disabled persons. Schools may wish to consider locating the gymnasium adjacent to the multi-purpose hall, thus providing the option for the creation of a larger function/examination hall. This could be achieved by the provision of a suitable folding, partition. If this option is selected the SERVICES associated with both spaces shall be designed to satisfy the environmental criteria of each. Assembly halls should have suitably located classrooms or other accommodation that can be used for changing purposes in conjunction with the stage for school productions. Ideally the drama classroom and adjoining green room should be located in close proximity to the assembly hall. This permits the green room accommodation to be used to provide changing/preparation space for both normal teaching purposes and for public performances/productions etc. 11.4.7 LAYOUT The chair store should preferably be located on one of the sidewalls. It should be accessed directly from the hall. If a separate dance/lecture/drama space is not provided, at least one wall should be capable of supporting a mirror across half of its width. A curtain on a rail or track should be fitted in association with the mirror to avoid reflection during dance/drama performances. The stage is recommended to have a minimum width of 10 m and a minimum depth of 5.5 m. The floor, 1.0m above the hall floor, should be either flat, or with a slight slope from back down to front. The minimum width of the proscenium opening should be 6 m with a minimum height of 2.8 m. A minimum wing space of 1.2 m on each side is desirable. In halls with a stage width of 12 m and a height of 5 m, the proscenium opening should be 8.5 m wide and 3.4 m high. Permanent walls should not encroach upon the stage area and projecting wall fittings should be avoided. It is desirable that performers should have access to both sides of the stage without passing through the auditorium. It should not, however, be necessary to provide, behind the stage, a corridor solely for stage access purposes. Two access points to the stage from the auditorium should also be provided. Access to the stage should be possible for wheelchair users. Steps leading to the stage should not project onto the hall floor area.

One of the rear entrances should provide sufficient access for the passage of scenery and props onto the stage. Provision should be made for the suspension of stage lighting barrels, curtains, scenery, etc. A rail of suitable section is required for the proscenium curtain. 11.5 11.5.1 PERFORMANCE FLOOR FINISH Generally the flooring material should be compatible with the various uses of the hall. A floor of close-grained hardwood with a non-slip finish is recommended, laid transversely and supported on joists. A softwood floor is recommended for the stage. A vinyl finish is suitable for the store. 11.5.2 WALL FINISH Acoustically satisfactory for an assembly hall and for dramatic and musical productions. The finish should not mark easily, and be smooth and easily cleaned. Walls should be completely free of projections from structure or fittings. Switches, radiators or other heating appliances should be recessed. 11.5.3 CEILING FINISH Acoustically satisfactory for an assembly hall and for dramatic and musical productions. The hall should have a light coloured ceiling of robust construction. 11.5.4 WINDOWS Window cills, in the interests of safety, should be not less than 1.0 m above the floor and be safety glazed. Opening lights should be provided at high and low level to provide adequate natural ventilation with fine adjustment. Windows or roof lights should not be provided for stores. 11.5.5 DOORS Adequate means of access and egress, including emergency exits, should be provided consistent with the planned maximum numbers using the facility. The door and frames should be fitted flush with the hall walls. Ironmongery should be flush fitting on the hall side of all doors. Main access doors should be double-leaf, and be provided with vision panels. Doors to stores are recommended to be strong, lockable, double-leaf hinged doors opening into the hall, and designed to meet statutory requirements. Recommended width is 1.8m. 11.5.6 DIVIDING The folding partition to divide the multi-purpose hall

PARTITION

and possibly the multi-purpose hall and gymnasium should have the following qualities; a. Be of robust construction.

b. Have satisfactory sound insulation and acoustic properties see Building Bulletins Nos 87 & 93. c. Have a clear opening height of 5.1m, and a clear opening width equal to that of the adjoining hall and gymnasium. d. In its folded position the bunched panels of the partition should be parked in a recess to form a flush finish with the adjoining walls. e. In its position across the hall and gymnasium, the partition should have a flush finish on both sides with no protrusions for ironmongery. f. Have any necessary fire resistance.

g. Be easily opened and closed without the need for specialist equipment or assistance. h. Be finished in materials that are complementary to the wall finishes in the adjoining spaces, be durable, smooth and easily cleaned. 11.6 FURNITURE AND FITTINGS (to be provided under the building contract) If not provided in a dance/lecture/drama space, a suitably safety glazed mirror, 1.5m high, along half the length of one wall, approximately 700mm above floor level, complete with curtain and rail or track along the extent of the mirror. The stage curtains and track system; the track system may be fixed to the stage lighting support grid, if provided (see STAGE LIGHTING). Built-in climbing apparatus, if the multi-purpose hall is also to serve as a gymnasium. 11.6.1 MOVABLE FURNITURE (not to be provided under the building contract) A lectern for assembly hall use, with chairs as considered necessary. A battery-operated clock should be considered for this area.

11.7 11.7.1

ENVIRONMENT TEMPERATURE 18oC, but able to be simply and locally adjusted to 15oC, or an intermediate level, depending upon the activity involved or the occupancy of the space. Good easily controlled ventilation in the hall is essential. Mechanical supply and extract ventilation will be required. Ventilation should be provided to the stores as required to comply with statutory regulations.

11.7.2

VENTILATION

11.7.3

DAYLIGHTING

Good daylighting with a dim-out facility in the hall is desirable. The direction of sunlight should be considered to avoid glare. No natural light is required for stores, and its provision would compromise security.

11.7.4

ACOUSTICS

Satisfactory acoustic levels are necessary, consistent with the many uses of the hall, including sound insulation between the hall and adjoining spaces.

11.8 11.8.1

SERVICES MECHANICAL HEATING Warm air, high-level radiant panel or underfloor heating should be used wherever possible, complete with an appropriate thermostatic control. This control should be operated through a BMS with appropriate sensors and control devices. Low-level fan assisted convection heaters and low-level radiators are not acceptable. A high-level pipe coil is recommended for the store, complete with local, tamperproof thermostatic control. VENTILATION Mechanical supply and extract ventilation should be provided to satisfy the requirements of the normal activities within the hall. It may be appropriate to heat the hall using the heated supply air. Grilles and associated ductwork shall be mounted at high level (concealed where possible) and shall not compromise the clear ceiling height of the hall. The heating and ventilation systems shall not adversely affect the acoustic environment of the hall. The costs associated with the ventilation system should be identified as a separate item in the mechanical services summary of tender.

ZONE CONTROLS The heating and ventilation systems associated with the hall should be zoned separately from all other services to facilitate use outside normal school hours. 11.8.2 ELECTRICAL LIGHTING: A maintained illuminance of 350 lux is required on the working plane. Luminaires shall be suitably protected against impact. The mounting of luminaires shall not compromise the clear ceiling height of the hall. Appropriate non-extinguishable exit signs should be installed in the hall as required. A public address and stereophonic sound system is recommended. STAGE LIGHTING: A stage lighting system, as described below, shall be provided in the designated assembly/performance hall. The installation shall comprise a number of internally wired barrels complete with 15 amp SP socket outlets at 1 metre intervals. A supporting grid of steel or aluminium should be provided if required. The following is considered to be sufficient to meet normal requirements. a. Three lighting barrels over the stage (length to suit);

b. One lighting barrel in front of the stage (front of house) or, alternatively, two wall mounted barrels with an equivalent total lantern capacity; c. Two control positions, one at the rear of the hall, and three dimmer packs with associated cord patch units. The rating of the power supply will depend on the total load of the system, but should be not be less than 30 amp SPN per dimmer pack. If two or more 30 amp circuits are required they should be derived from the same phase. The control desk, dimmer packs and cord patch units should be specified for the number of lighting barrels and the number and rating of lanterns to be used. The cost of stage lighting installations should be shown separately in tenders for general electrical installations. 11.8.3 POWER Six double socket outlets should be provided around the hall at skirting level and a minimum of four on the stage. Sockets should be flush fitting. They should be located to provide for the needs of cleaning, film projection, audio equipment etc.

See also the requirements under STAGE LIGHTING. 11.8.4 ICT Refer to the schedule associated with PART 12 ICT for the appropriate numbers of ICT outlets. If the hall is sub-divided as described above it may be desirable to provide an additional ICT outlet from the schools overall allocation. A television outlet should be provided in the hall. It may be desirable to locate the outlet at the stage. Provision shall be made for a public address/stereo sound system within the hall. This shall include flush jack sockets for connecting the audio equipment, microphones and associated speakers to the microphone/speaker cabling system that shall be installed in a dedicated, concealed conduit system. The jack sockets shall incorporate hinged covers and be adjacent to a double socket outlet as required. Refer to POWER above.

11.8.5 11.8.6

TV MULTI-PURPOSE HALL SOUND SYSTEM