The new O2 arena in Dublin has officially opened.
Capita Symonds’ acoustics team – led by Associate Director Daryl Prasad – provided acoustic engineering services on the project which involved the redevelopment, refurbishment and renaming of the historic Point Theatre.
The new 14,000-seat venue was completed by owners Live Nation and Irish property developer Harry Crosbie as part of a deal with Telefonica O2 Ireland, and will host shows by acts such as Coldplay, Bob Dylan and Boyzone within the first six months of opening.
The Capita Symonds team has ensured that the roof of The O2 has the most up to date acoustics design in Europe. Daryl Prasad explains: “The challenge was to transform an existing warehouse-like space into a world class venue with unparalleled acoustics. To ensure good sightlines long spans were required. As such the external shell needed to be relatively lightweight, contradicting traditional auditoria design which would have been far too heavy! What’s more, as the refurbishment took place amongst new residential developments, we had to make a significant effort to ensure that the sound insulation of the auditorium is sufficient for the neighbours.”
The new venue has a spectacular effect on the Dublin skyline with its translucent polycarbonate cladding extending two storeys upwards above the original building. It features a built-in lighting system programmed for all the colours of the rainbow to gives an effect that contrasts with the stone and brick of the original railway depot that was built on the site in 1878.
The original Point Rail Depot was eventually converted into a theatre a century later. Work then began in 2006 on redeveloping the building in its entirety, creating a concert venue which would attract premier acts to Ireland’s capital.
All but the existing kelp stone perimeter wall was demolished, doubling capacity as well as greatly enhancing both front and back of house facilities, including a 50 tonne rigging capacity and a VIP and sponsors’ lounge. The excellent sightlines have been achieved with the aid of complex geometry modelling to provide a unique, amphitheatre-style, column-free auditorium despite a roof span of over 50 metres. The auditorium will therefore be flexible, able to alternate between concert and theatre modes, with adaptable seating configurations and a complex seating bowl geometry.
About the new O2:
- One of the first acts to play live to a paying audience at the Point Depot in 1988 was The Pogues
- U2 recorded the No. 1 hit single “Desire” in the Point in 1988.
- Construction of the redevelopment of The O2 commenced on 1st Sept 2007
- At the height of the renovation of The O2 500 people were employed on the site
- The roof of The O2 has the most up to date acoustics design in Europe. Audiences will be treated to acoustics never before witnessed in an Irish venue
- Shows that were previously not possible in the venue – such as Cirque Du Soleil - can now be staged.
- A total of over 5,000 tons of steel, 13,000 meters of duct work, 7,000 meters of pipe work and 270 kilometers of cables were used to construct the new venue
- There are 3,500 light fittings in the venue
- The O2 will form the centre point of The Point Village, which currently under construction
