Building Appraisal: St. Agatha College Theatre

Building Appraisal:

St. Agatha College Theatre

CNM 1401 Introduction to Forms of Construction B.Sc. Built Environment Studies Year 1

Building Appraisal: St. Agatha College Theatre Introduction to Forms of Construction Assignment Details Theatre Name: St. Agatha College Theatre Address: St.Paul’s Missionary College, Emanuele Vitale Street, Rabat.

Type of Theatre: Proscenium Capacity: Approx 1000 persons Year of Construction: 1973 - 1978 Theatre Contact Details Main Contact: Fr. Silvio Bezzina, Rector at St. Agatha College.

Email: silvio.bezzina@spmc.edu.mt Phone: 79245046 Group Details Thomas Mifsud David Mifsud Julia Attard Adam Micallef Elena Gauci Judith Hunter

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Table of Contents: A. Planning and Policy.....................................................................................................................3 B. Theatre Technical Data...............................................................................................................4 C. Infrastructure.............................................................................................................................13 D. Architecture and Space............................................................................................................15 E. Acessibility.................................................................................................................................23 F. Structure.....................................................................................................................................24 G. Energy Efficieny and Building Physcics...................................................................................26 H. Health and Safety......................................................................................................................28 I. Social Aspects............................................................................................................................32 J. Management aspects................................................................................................................33 K. Financial Aspects......................................................................................................................34 References.....................................................................................................................................35

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A. Planning and Policy The theatre is in St Agatha’s Secondary School, Rabat. It is owned by the same owners as the school, and is therefore run by the school. The theatre can hold approximately 1000 people, and has become more well known over the years. In fact, it is used around 40 times a year, for different events including school shows, school events, ballet/dance school performances, theatre school performances, and other schools’ shows.

It is also quite common for a certain performance to run for more than one night, further increasing how frequently the theatre is used. Besides performance nights, there are also many hours spent at the theatre for rehearsals and preparation. Fr. Rector Silvio Bezzina in charge of general operation of the theatre, and organises the timetable of use, making sure that no bookings overlap.

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B. Technical Data 4

Space 1

Y/N/ Grading

Backstage / Offstage Dressing Rooms: How far are the dressing rooms from the stage?

Do they have: Toilets Showers (with hot and cold water) Hand basins An intercom to communicate between dressing room and: • Stage manager • Lighting box • Production desk Mirrors Make up consoles Hanging space Individual changing cubicles Kitchenette Kettle facilities Fridge Heaters Fans Air conditioning Is there a green room?

Is there a room for warm-ups with hand bar and mirror facility?

Is there a stage management station?

Lighting grid: How many outlets does it have – Situated where Is it movable Does it come down Lanterns: Fresnel’s Pcs Profiles Par cans Floods LEDs Moving heads Safety chains Rigging clamps G- clamps Cables Color frames

Flight of stairs (40sec) A A A

A A A A D A A D A D D A D D D A

112 Stage/Sides/Above Seating Yes Yes

20 25 E 20 8 D 5 A A A A D

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Color changers Do lanterns have safety chains? Are these in use?

Are lighting bars movable?

What is their weight load?

Is there a patching bay?

Are there stage plans?

Are the lighting positions marked?

Ladders:  Wooden  Metal Tall scopes Hydraulic platforms Other WIFI/internet

Data projection facilities Can a projector be hung or does it have to be on the floor?

Can projection be done from:  Front  Back

Are lights and sound on two different phases, or do they use the same phase?

If this is not a proscenium arch theatre, are there electrical plugs in the auditorium? How many? Where are they situated?

Musical instruments – which? How many?  Piano: upright or grand  Harp  Harpsichord  Organ  Percussion

Space 2

Stage

Length x width x height (v.imp) Measurement of wing space (if any) Is there is a fly gallery?

Is there a mezzanine?

Is there an apron?

Type of theatre: Proscenium arch

8 A Yes 500 per Pulley (2000kg per Bar) A Yes Yes

D A A D Genie (Not Public) A Both A D

Yes

N/A

Upright The Band The Band The Band The Band

Y/N/ Grading 10x12.3x6 (floor to curtain) 4.85x8.2m per side Yes No Yes

Yes

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Black box Studio theatre Other - give details

Shape: Rectangular Square Round Thrust stage Other

Type of floor: Wooden: Sprung Parquet Other Harlequin Marble Tiled Cement

Is nailing in the flooring permitted?

Is there a dance carpet?

Are there any dips on stage?

Curtains: Fire curtain on stage – does it go down to the bottom?

Front curtain Scene curtains for wings – how many wings – are there side legs to create wings? – Other types of wings

Backdrop curtains Cyclorama - Is the cyclorama semi-circular or straight?

Can projections be shown on cyclorama?

Can you use a back or front projection?

How many entrances lead to the stage and from where?

Is there access to the stage for people with disability?

Do the following exist:

Backstage Trapdoors Acoustic panels Music stands and proper seats Storage areas for large instruments Warm up areas (for singers and dancers)

/ / /

Yes / / / /

Yes / / Wooden Planks supported by steel beams / / / / No Yes No

No Yes Yes Yes Yes - Straight Yes Front 4 No

Side of stage No No Yes, but no seats Yes Not a specific space but a room which

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Other – specify what

Is there access to backstage at road level Are there Service lifts to carry large equipment/instruments

Is there Storage space Is there a garage

Is there Wardrobe space?

Does the theatre own a costume collection?

Does the theatre have an archive?

Does the theatre have a library?

Does the theatre have office space?

How many offices?

Are they part of the theatre or in a separate building?

Is there a prompt-corner

Is there a prompt box?

Is there an air vent in the stage area?

Does the stage function fully/partly/ not at all on a threephase power supply?

Outlets for dimmers – 13 -15- 16 amps (3-phase)

Space 3

could be used / No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No No Managed by the school N/a Separate Yes No Yes

Yes E

Y/N/ Grading

House Do the following exist: Plugs WIFI Electricity Individual lighting 3 phase Does the pit have a rising platform?

Access How many access points into the theatre?

Are these from the foyer or from the street?

Is there access for persons with physical impairment?

Seating What is the seating capacity?

Is there any seating with only partial vision?

Yes No Yes Yes Yes No

5 3 Foyer and 2 No Yes

960 No

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Fixed Retractable Stackable chairs Raked seating Benches Seating is frontal Seating is on three sides Seating is in the round

Along the walls is there: Drapery Sound boards

Acoustics: Natural Requires slight reinforcement Requires total reinforcement

Does the audience space function fully/partly/ not at all on a three-phase power supply?

Space 4

Yes No No Yes on a ramp No Yes No No

No No (In Control Room)

Yes / Yes

Fully

Y/N/ Grading

Front of House Is there: A foyer A ticketing office (where are tickets bought from) A bar A café A restaurant A bookshop An exhibition space Is there a bell for the foyer area?

Is there an intercom between stage manager and front of house?

Space 5

Yes Set up during events Set up during events No No No No School Bell

Yes

Y/N/ Grading

General / Surroundings Dance Ballet Modern dance Contemporary dance

Concerts Classic Modern Rock Computer music

Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes

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Plays Opera Musicals Straight plays Movement theatre

Fashion shows Other

Is there a distribution board?

Is there heating/Air conditioning on stage? In the audience space? Are the two units separate?

Are there fire systems?

Are there fire doors?

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Meetings/Talks Yes No

Yes Yes

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Ropes and Cables to Lower Equipment

Lighting above the Plateau

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C. Infrastructure

C. Infrastructure

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Transportation The theatre is easily accessed by both car and public transport. The Theatre is located in central Rabat, meaning that several public transport routes pass from the area since it is heavily frequented by tourists and residents. Bus Routes stopping within walking distance to the theatre include Routes 50, 51, 52, 53 and 56, with each route passing at least twice an hour.

For people visiting the theatre by car, parking is available in the school football ground which has a gravel surface, as well as the school yard. The school has plans to upgrade the football ground to turf rather than gravel, thus leaving the school with a need for alternative parking solutions. The solution for this problem is still to be identified.

Pedestrians may access the theatre via Emmanuele Vitale Street which is adjacent to the school complex and leads to the school’s main gate. The theatre also has its own entrance separate to the school’s entrance. The street leading to the theatre is usually quite busy during school hours and is closed off early in the morning and afternoon for students to be dropped off or picked up by transport.

Network Services The Theatre operates on 3-phase electrical mains supply and standard water services. In addition to the mains and water-table supply, the school generates an electrical supply from a series of solar panels on the roof. The school also has a large underground water reservoir capable of holding over 1 million liters of water. The school has a backup electricity supply through a generator in case of mains power cuts. Networks involving telephony and internet are cohesive with school infrastructure.

The theatre does not provide Wi-Fi access to its visitors, however a Wi-Fi network available for people operating the space.

Waste Disposal Theatre waste is divided into three types of management: General Waste is disposed of in the black trash bags which are collected every day apart from Tuesday and Sunday. Recyclable waste is separated into different materials as part of school efforts and initiatives. Bulky waste from large theatre props and materials are taken to a civic amenity site in Imriehel or Ta’ Qali.

Theatre Control Room

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D. Architecture and Space

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Landscape and Topography The theatre is located close to a densely populated area, however it is surrounded by unbuilt school grounds and gardens. The theatre itself into the ground rather than on top, meaning that the back of the theatre is adjacent to rock wall, and the entrance to the seating is located at ground level. This factor has several advantages to the way the operation of the theatre, affecting sound, temperature and ventilation.

Sketch Showing the building being built partially below ground level

Site Aerial View

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Function Aspects Thea theatre functions mainly as part of the school complex, meaning it is used throughout the scholastic year for academic activities. The theatre space itself is used for proceedings such as assemblies, prize days and public shows. The theatre stage is used for approximately 40 shows a year, some of which run for more than one show. The shows include both school plays and shows, as well as shows from entities other than the school, like ballet shows, Christmas Pantos, and sketches by theatre groups.

Adaptability and Flexibility The Theatre stage can be adjusted to different kinds of shows: The lighting positions can be adjusted and pre-positioned for different shows, the trusses supporting the lighting grid can be adjusted in height. Screens can be hung from the trusses in case they’re needed. The seating setup however is permanent, with seats bolted to the ground. The Projectors can be positioned either on the ground or from the trusses, depending on the use of space. The stage consists of a middle curtain and several scene curtains. The middle curtain is often used to reduce the stage size for shows which require smaller stage size.

Aesthetics and General Quality The Theatre was constructed in 1973, decades after the construction of the school building surrounding it. The exterior of the theatre is merged into the style of the surrounding school, which has a mixture of characteristics from Siculo-Norman and Medieval styles. This style is particularly reected in the stylized decorations around the building envelope, windows, archways and skirting.

The Interior is composed out of long wooden strip paneling which complement the perspective of the space, giving it more depth. The wood paneling creates a warm atmosphere when combined with the halogen lighting from the ceiling.

The general quality of the interior however, shows the aging effect on the materials after over 35 years of use. The ceiling paneling is partly damaged and bent, some of the foam panels behind the vertical wood strips next to the stage is rotting away. Some of the paint around the side arches is slowly peeling off and stains from water seeping into the stone also shows in the paint.

Foam Panels behind wood envelope deteriorating

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Materials The building is enveloped by a shell structure of concrete and stone masonry. However, the use of wood on the interior is more visually significant. The ceiling, proscenium arch surroundings, control room exterior and seating are all made out of timber. This has profound effects on insulation and acoustics. The stage area makes use of many materials such as timber for flooring, steel beams supporting the flooring above the basement underneath the stage and a rubber mat to cover the flooring. Steel is used extensively in the lighting system: The lighting trusses are made out of steel and the cables supporting both the trusses and other equipment are also steel cable.

Detailing The site has several features and details of interest which give it character and further aid the function of the building. There are aesthetic features on the exterior to enhance the Siculo- Norman/ Medieval Style, usually carved out of masonry. The Archway balconies are decorated with decorative tapestry which also helps with acoustics.

Water Problems One problem which was noted on site was related to the fact that the far end of the theatre is located partly below ground level. The administration of the theatre were noticing that a considerable amount of water was seeping into the room underneath the stage from the rock moisture of the surrounding rock walls. A suspected cause of this was the underground water reservoir which is level with the lower parts of the theatre. A solution to this problem is being investigated since it is causing flooding problems and damage to infrastructure and props.

Water seeping in from the ground and surrounding rock walls

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Fixed Timber Seats

Exterior Decorative features in masonry

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E. Accessibility The auditorium is accessible through a number of entrances. These are: 1. Main Entrance - Large opening at the centre back of the ground level - Wheelchairs cannot enter from this entrance as there are a few steps up to the seating area.

2. Side Entrances on ground oor - Narrower openings on the left and right of the main door, leading to the corridors on either side of the seating area - There is a narrow ramp and a few steps giving people the choice to use whichever they please - The arches in the side walls of the auditorium give access from the corridors to the seating area.

3. Entrances to balconies upstairs - Two steps from the outside corridor to enter the balconies - Balconies are too small for any wheelchairs.

The stage and backstage on the other hand, do not have any ramps. On the contrary, there are many steps in the area, including stairs to get to the stage from the front, stairs to get to the wings of the stage/side-stage (part of the back-stage), stairs from the side-stage to the second oor (continuation of back-stage). Therefore, plans have been made to add ramps leading to the stage from the front (audience area).

There is a lift very close to the side entrances of the ground oor, and to the balcony entrances upstairs, however the lift does not directly lead to any part of the theatre.

Main Visitor Entrance to theatre

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F. Structure

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General The structural design of the whole theatre is a proscenium arch style, with the stage having a rectangular frame rather than an arched one. The side walls are built of Globigerina Limestone, and the roof consists of non-load bearing concrete slabs spanning from one wall to the other.

Stage The stage is supported by a structural system consisting of steel beams. The stage flooring is made of timber resting on the steel beams, and is covered in a rubber dance mat. The stage is encased in a steel cage with a truss system. The truss system is mainly used for the top lighting grid, and is suspended from wall to wall by load bearing cables which can carry up to 500kg each. Each truss is held up by 2 to 4 pulleys. The different lighting truss beams having different weights, are supported by rope or steel cables accordingly. In addition to this, the structure includes two cantilevered catwalks surrounding the stage on two levels, supported by the walls. These structures are approximately 0.5m wide, and go round the sides and back of the stage area.

Auditorium The side walls of the auditorium include a number of entrance arches, on both the first and second floor. On the first floor there are 3 entrance arches on either side, and on the second floor there are 6 arches forming part of the 6 balconies on either side. Behind the entrances of these balconies, are two corridors spanning the length of the theatre, leading to the upper floor entrances of the backstage. At the back of the auditorium, there are also another two larger balconies, taking 38 people each. These balconies are therefore subject to quite a large live load, and are supported by the back and side walls, as well as a column beneath each balcony. These balconies are located on either side of the control room, which has a large glass view port of the stage.

Stage Supporting Structure - Steel beams and wood planks

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G. Energy EfďŹ ciency & Building Physics 26

Heating and Cooling With regards to heating and cooling, there are no air conditioners, however there are vents throughout the walls keeping the air cool, and fans along the side walls. Due to the fact that it is built partially underground, the theatre is kept cool in summer even without the use of the fans. These vents also serve in keeping a good airflow and ventilation system.

Efficiency On the other hand, efficiency can be improved. Even though the lighting system is of a high standard performance wise, since it was set up quite a few years ago, the system’s efficiency has become outdated. This resulted from the fact that the majority of the lighting system is not made up of LEDs or energy saving bulbs. On the contrary, halogen lamps are currently being used in the ceiling. There has been speculation on whether to update these lamps and when to do so, however the decision has not been made yet, since there are some important factors to be considered. One of which, is the fact that in order to change one lamp, the panel encasing it (spanning the whole length of the theatre), would need to be removed. This would be so with all the lamps, meaning that eventually almost the entire ceiling would need to be removed and reassembled.

Alternative Energy Systems Apart from the main electrical supply and photovoltaic panels (placed on the roof), the theatre can also be powered by a generator in case of a power outage. Water Management The theatre is equipped with adequate water supplies which are required for cleaning the auditorium. There is also a water supply in the changing rooms, where there are sinks and showers. Acoustics The wood-panels on the walls, paired with the wooden seats, and foam around the proscenium arch of the stage, provide a very good acoustic system, resulting in a typically dry sound. The fact that the theatre is underground also helps in blocking off sounds from the outside.

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H. Health and Safety

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Occupational Safety This refers to the health, safety and welfare in the work environment. The goals of this field is to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the crew, cast and audience members in the theatre. This includes performance and rehearsal spaces, shops and other work spaces. Here we are taking into consideration the stability of the equipment such as the lighting, the stage, the seating area as well as other facilities.

In regards to this theatre it is clear that occupational safety is taken note of but could be improved. For example, the theatre makes use of a genie (portable lifting platform). While using this, the workers were not wearing the proper safety garments, putting them at risk. When it comes to lighting, this is arranged according to each performance. The crew and technicians must ensure that everything is secured to prevent any accidents. While visiting the theatre it was noted that in the wings, a lot of loose wires were left on the floor. This can cause injuries to the crew and cast. These risks can be minimised and controlled through proper training, equipment, and use of appropriate precautions, restrictions, and established safe-work practices.

Structural Stability Despite the fact that the theatre has been standing since 1973, the theatre is in good condition. However, some work needs to done, specifically on the roof. As can be seen in the photo, the wooden panelling is coming apart. They intend to fix this at some point in time. The theatre seems to have a problem with water seeping under the tiles. This water has an unknown source and may eventually cause damage to the structure.

Hazardous Building Materials The wooden panelling posts as a hazard to people present in the theatre.

Tightness The theatre has three main exits that in case of an emergency can be used. Unfortunately, due to the location of two of them there would be a bottling effect as the exit leads to another door at the end of a hall. This in turn would slow down the flow of people exiting the theatre and may cause more chaos in the unlikelihood of an emergency. When it comes to the backstage, it is quite hard to get to and the cast has a limited amount of space so in case of an accident it may be difficult to get to.

Damaged Ceiling Pannelling

Luminous Emergency Exit Signs

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Fire The fact that the majority of the theatre consists of wood, it poses as a fire hazard. In the case of a fire, the theatre is equipped with fire exits, fire hoses and a water reservoir. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to access the water reservoir but have to wait for the fire men themselves. There is also a safety curtain, which prevents the fire from spreading from the stage to the auditorium and the rest of the theatre.

Hygiene Prior to a performance, the school janitors clean the entire theatre, however it is the responsibility for the individual entities to clean up after their show. Public toilets are in good condition, even though they are planning on renovating them. The seats of the auditorium are made of wood which makes it easy to keep clean.

Health and Disease The wooden seats are good to prevent disease as they can easily be cleaned and no bacteria will cling onto it like if they were padded with fabric or another material. Overall the theatre seems to be kept quite clean. However due to the fact that the theatre is half underground and made of wood, it is quite susceptible to animal infestation. The wood is a good breathing ground for wood lice and it being level with plumbing and sewage makes it likely for rat infestations. Saying this, nothing was mentioned about any problems regarding infestations.

Pollution The theatre makes use of a large amount of electricity due to the lights and sound system. This in turn causes pollution. Food and drink is not allowed into the theatre so there are no garbage disposal unit in the auditorium. However, backstage is equipped with bins which help reduce the amount of garbage being disposed of inappropriately.

Security Entering the school is quite easy and is not highly secured especially during the day. The theatre itself is locked when cleaning, maintenance and rehearsals are being held. However, in the theatre itself there are no security cameras.

Recently refurbished changing room bathrooms

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I. Social Aspects J. Management Aspects K. Financial Aspects

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I. Social Aspects Social Constraints The theatre is run by priests and this means there are certain limitations. The shows are some what censored as they must be appropriate.

Age Groups The school itself consists of primary and secondary students who make use of the theatre. Apart from this, the theatre is also rented out to the public and other schools.

Cultural aspects Since the theatre forms part of the school which is run by priests, it culturally follows a catholic view point.

Crime No major crime has ever occurred in the theatre. The only thing that could be considered a minor crime would be the fact the it was once broken into by students but nothing was vandalised.

Perception of users School management said that the theatre does not receive many complaints from past users and it seems to be very popular as many people have used it multiple times. The theatre provides high quality facilities at low costs.

J. Management Aspects Ownership & Maintenance St. Agatha’s School and the theatre are owned by the St Paul’s Missionary College (SPMC). This means that any maintenance requirements are carried out by the school itself. There have already been renovations of the backstage bathrooms and changing rooms. However, there are a number of interventions and upgrades yet to be carried out. For example, plans have been made to upgrade the sound, parking, roof, lighting and public toilets.

Starting off with the sound system, since it has never been updated since the opening in 1982, it could do with an upgrade considering that it is not as up to standard as it could be in terms of quality. However, solid plans have not yet been made for this renovation.

The empty gravel football pitch was used as the parking lot for a very long time, and is currently being renovated to be used as a fully artificial turfed pitch. Therefore, plans for alternative parking are being set up.

Regarding the roof, the school intends to complete redo or upgrade the ceiling, as the panels have started comping off with time.

This leads to the next necessary renovation, which is the lighting. As previously mentioned in the section about energy efficiency, although the quality of the lighting in terms of performance is very high and up to standard, the ceiling lamps could be replaced with energy saving lamps. As discussed above, the decision to carry out this upgrade has not been made final yet, due to the extensive measures which would need to be taken to change the lamps.

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Lastly, the work on remodelling the public bathrooms will begin shortly. These were mainly in need of a refurbishment because of their outdated design, and since they are used by almost everyone who visits the school or theatre, their aesthetics are quite important.

Illegal Interventions Fortunately, there have been no illegal interventions to date.

K. Financial Aspects Since the theatre is run by the school, which is run by SPMC, a speciďŹ c portion of the school budget is allocated to the running of the theatre. Since the school does not aim at making a proďŹ t, the school budget is used for the upkeep of the theatre, for funding the renovations discussed above, for the day-to-day running of the theatre, and for any large projects. The fee clients pay to use the theatre contribute to this budget, and it is known for being a very low price considering the high quality, thus making the theatre very popular to rent. In addition to this, fundraising events are held throughout the year, to raise money for both up keeping and improving the theatre, as well as the rest of the school.

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