In a CIAT CPD event organized by ADP's Eddie Weir, Northern Ireland members of the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) were given the opportunity tour behind the scenes of one of Belfast’s most anticipated new projects, the Lyric Theater.
The CPD was highly oversubscribed and places filled up almost immediately.
The event was attended by members the CIAT along with members of ADP including; Eddie Weir, Matthew Weir, Barry Mullen and Colin Duffy.
LYRIC TRANSFORMS BELFAST SKYLINE WITH ITS THEATRE OF DREAMS
When the Lyric Theatre’s new home opens on the banks of the River Lagan in Belfast, it will be a landmark building, a source of great pride to the people of Northern Ireland, and a catalyst for real change in arts provision for artists and audiences alike.
This striking contemporary building is one of the most exciting and eagerly anticipated cultural and architectural developments in Northern Ireland for decades. The architectural design has been developed to embody the functional, cultural and social aspirations of the project.
Work began on the new £18.1m theatre in March 2009 and the Lyric will re-open on 1 May with a gala performance of Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’. To date, 160,000 bricks have been used in the re-build, 510 tonnes of steel, with approximately 310 people employed working some 118,960 hours.
Built in a stunning blend of ‘Belfast’ brick, glass, steel, concrete and iroko timber, the new theatre will be alive and dramatic at all times. Spacious lobbies and bars overlooking the river, beautiful auditoria with an exciting artistic programme will make the Lyric a thriving social hub, creative learning space and a real attraction for visitors to the city.
Almost three times the size of the old theatre, the new building is 5026 m2 or 54,164 sq ft and has three distinct areas.
The 389 seat auditorium is the main performance area, providing an extra 90 seats in a single steep rake. The intimacy of the old theatre remains as the body of the audience is not broken by balconies or barriers ensuring actors and audience share the same space.
A second performance studio accommodates between 110 and 150 people, can be adapted to suit any performance style and will explore experimental work as well as reimagining classic plays and developing the skills of local artists.
The third space is a rehearsal room the same size as the main auditorium stage.
Other facilities include an Education Suite, Green Room, Dressing Rooms, Board Room, Back Stage facilities, Box Office, Café/Bar and River Terrace.