Reimagining a historic church for music and performance space.
Written by: Sarah McCarthy, Senior Access Consultant
Architecture & Access were engaged to provide access consulting services for the redevelopment of a heritage church, originally constructed in the 1850s. The initial request was for several Performance Solutions to assist the design team in finding functional solutions where a Deemed-to-Satisfy outcome would be difficult to deliver due to the construction restraints and heritage significance of the building.
Architecture firm LIMINAL Architecture undertook the re-design of The Church which included significant structural and compliance works as well as acoustic treatment to convert The Church – part of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre, into a dedicated space for local live music, comedy, theatre, dance and performance. The main challenges included access through the acoustic entry doors, limited space for ramp access to the main performance floor from the upper level and fitting the stairs into a constrained area.
Throughout the performance solution assessment period, it was identified that an access review of the entire design would be required to ensure that all areas of the performance space would be accessible and comply with the National Construction Code (NCC) requirements for accessibility.
Due to the excessive weight of the large acoustic doors, the force to operate was going to exceed the permitted minimum. Through consultation with project manager, AEN Advisory, and the architects, it was decided that the doors would be automated with push-to-open control buttons providing an accessible entrance to all users.
Inside the south entry, a level difference of 450mm from the entry landing to the performance space meant that a ramp for patron use, and stairs for staff and equipment movement needed to be provided.
To maximise the performance space and patron seating area, handrail extensions were reduced and a domed button provided as part of the Performance Solution. Along with contrasting nosings and Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs), a domed button, set back 150mm from the end of the handrail, can provide a cue to a person with vision impairment about the termination of a stair, without the need for full handrail extensions when space is limited.
In maintaining the dark interior suitable for a performance space, luminance contrast to assist users to identify the doors posed as a challenge. Architecture & Access undertook luminance contrast testing of several surfaces to ensure that the minimum 30% contrast was achieved. In this instance, through consultation with the architects, a compliant outcome did not impact the functionality or aesthetic of the space but instead provided a suitable outcome for people with a vision impairment.
The Church redevelopment was an interesting and rewarding project to be involved with and required a consulting team, including construction firm Plan Group, to be able to think outside the box when converting a space that was originally a place of worship into an accessible and inclusive music and performance space to suit the 21st century, whilst maintaining the charm of the heritage significance of the building.
Image Description:
Feature image 1. Heritage building projects often require Performance Solutions when Deemed to Satisfy solutions are not possible
Image 2. Automated entry door to north end of The Church
