News
Big and bold! P
EL Services Ltd. has completed the design, supply and commissioning of a Public
Address (PA) and Voice Alarm (VA) system at the striking new £188 million, 31,000 sqm Library of Birmingham, Europe’s largest public library. The Library of Birmingham provides a showcase for the city’s internationally important collections of archives, photography and rare books; other facilities include performance spaces and a recording studio. More than three million visitors are expected to the Library each year. A flexible PA/VA system was required, able to relay both information and safety messages and to also play music when and where required, reliably and with clarity, across the entire Library. To accommodate this, PEL Services specified Bosch’s Praesideo digital system. Unlike traditional PA systems, Praesideo uses a network configuration rather than having all system elements connected to a central controller; this architecture gives real freedom in system design. The ‘daisy-chain’ network topology means system elements can be connected to virtually any point and any type of equipment to be located wherever most suitable in the building
PEL Services designs sound system for Library of Birmingham
(e.g. power amplifiers closer to loudspeakers). What’s more, by connecting the network ends together, a ‘redundant’ loop is created so any break in the cable doesn’t affect operation – an important consideration in an emergency system.
The Praesideo system was specified by PEL to drive the top of the range Electro-Voice ZX1i full range cabinet speakers in the foyer, with ceiling and wall speakers throughout the rest of Library, along with horn and projection speakers where required. As part of the specification, the VA system was extended by PEL to work in the adjacent Birmingham Repertory Theatre, to which it connects and with which it shares some facilities including a spacious entrance and foyer as well as a flexible studio theatre seating 300 people. In total, over 1200 speakers have been used in this project.
The design of the Library, including an atrium which extends through a number of the Library’s ten levels, presented some acoustic challenges. PEL Services employed acoustic modelling to ensure the most effective system design for these areas. As a result, Bosch XLA (Extended Listening Area) beam speakers where specified by PEL for the atrium wall. These speakers were considered
ideal for this environment due to their ability to create a clear, fuller sound which is distributed more evenly over a wider area; their chic, slim design also made them an attractive addition. For over 35 years PEL Services Limited has been a leading UK systems company designing, supplying, installing and commissioning sound, fire, security & audio visual solutions. In addition PEL provides a range of service agreements including routine maintenance and fully comprehensive cover, on third party equipment as well as PEL systems, throughout the UK and Eire. Tel: 020 8839 2100
www.pel.co.uk www.pelav.co.uk
its planned works contract with Barnet Homes, which manages and maintains around 15,000 homes in the north London borough of Barnet. The company is offering the opportunity to train for an NVQ Level 2 qualification in multi-skilled maintenance operations which means
Lovell apprenticeship opportunities M
aintenance specialist Lovell is looking for two apprentices to work on
Apprentice Jack Simmonds is training to become an NVQ Level 3 qualified electrician with Lovell
apprentices will have the chance to learn a number of construction trades. Lovell will pay all training costs with the apprentices working on site in Barnet and studying at the Building Lives Academy in Camden or Hackney. “Barnet Homes’ apprenticeship scheme is in its third year with about 77 per cent of our apprentices having gone on to find work within the organisation,” says Derek Rust, director of operations, Barnet Homes. “So we wholeheartedly support our contractors Lovell in extending any opportunities for apprenticeships. It’s an excellent example of how by working with our partners, we can deliver wider benefits to the local community.” Lovell is looking for applicants with good references from an employer and school / college and a real desire to work in the construction industry. Lovell currently has two apprentices
10 news
working in Barnet. Jack Simmonds, 18, from Finchley, is training to become an NVQ Level 3 qualified electrician. He says: “Since joining the team at Lovell I have really enjoyed getting stuck in and I am picking up lots of new skills and abilities. The people I have worked with so far have been very welcoming. I look forward to my future with Lovell and hope to gain as much experience as I can here.” Both Jack and fellow apprentice Aaron Brown recently took part in an information event at Middlesex University organised by the London Borough of Barnet Children’s Service to enable young people aged 16-19 to find out more about apprenticeships and other post-16 options. To find our more, or to apply for an apprenticeship with Lovell in Barnet, please email
recruitment.southeast@
lovell.co.uk Building & Facilities Management – December 2013
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40