Roofing systems
The space between the structural plate of the roof and
the background of the lighting grid, is the coordination challenge
more complex in a television studio. Here they must be
weave HVAC distribution, sound absorption and
insulation, electrical distribution, support for the
production lighting and control systems, and points
rigging of the scenic elements as well as the components
structural ceiling space of the studio. The art of design
of this area is the coordination of the many professionals of the
design and the industry people responsible for the
various systems. Knowledgeable about the needs of customers,
it is the duty of the architect to lead such coordination during the
design process, and is the overall commitment of the contractor
during the construction phase.
Some issues related to roofing will be dealt with in later articles, as this one is dedicated to the components Architectural. Topics such as lighting support systems and air distribution, which are future topics, have architectural and acoustic implications, so it's worth the It is a shame, at least, to mention them here.
Television studios need open spaces, without Columns. In structural terms, this means beams long ones that span space. Many times in my career, the customers have enthusiastically shown me spaces in warehouses existing, column-free, only to find that the roof it must be reinforced at a high cost. This is because the structure has been designed to meet specific needs. The roof of a warehouse is designed so that rain does not enter, while that of a television studio must be able to bear a much heavier load, in addition to rain. This load may vary depending on the size of the study, the lighting support strategies and acoustic insulation hanging from it.
Small studies are much less affected because the spaces are smaller. As they get bigger, such as those of telenovelas, those that include audiences, variety shows and comedies, the radio of action is increases significantly, which means more weight in larger spaces. When planning a studio as a new one construction, there must be a benefit to incorporating in a way efficient structural components. We recommend adding margins on the specifications required for the design, which include the following distributed loads:
| Sound insulation | 7 lbs. per foot2 (75 k per m2) |
| Pipelines, electricity and pipes | 35 lbs. per foot2 (377 kg per m2) |
| Lighting and supply network | 25 lbs. per foot2 (269 kg per m2) |
If you decide to use a lighting support system of catwalks, another 30 lbs. per foot2 (323 kg per m2) must be added. This puts the requirements somewhere between 67 and 97 lbs. per foot2 (721 to 1044 kg per m2). We also recommend structural provisions for concentrated loads, such as frequency need productions to hang elements very Heavy. The amount varies depending on the size of the study. Almost it is always planned to support a weight of 3000 lbs. (1360 kg) for any of these points.
In large studios, we provide a steel subframe structural under the acoustic barrier, of which all the others elements are hung. It is not practical to create a studio where the structure is buried under layers of acoustic construction. The subframe is made of steel beams that have a depth of 10 inches (254 mm) and create a lattice between 10 and 12 feet (3 to 3.65 m) hung directly from the structure primary.
Acoustic considerations
The roof is the surface that completes the studio enclosure. In
most cases, if you have another floor occupied or just the
roof, we find that it is necessary to insulate it to maintain the
acoustic criteria established in the design parameters.
The amount of mass and its acoustic qualities are subject to
the recommendations of the advisor and may vary from an acoustic ceiling
from tile to one with several layers of plaster. However, this
should always be installed above the inner wall, should never
be attached or allow independent movements.
We often provide a layer of plywood if it is necessary. Then we suspend the roof with an insulating spring of neoprene. Insulators are usually located in two directions, 48 inches (1220 mm) from the center. Over the years, plywood has proven to be a very practical material for attach small speakers and to install the plasterboard with more security. On the roof it is important to put a minimum of 6 inches (152 mm) fiberglass insulation, absorbing the sounds in the cavity. Under the ceiling, a minimum is recommended 2 inches (50 mm) of absorbent material.
The architect must work with the ventilation engineers and other specialists to coordinate the location of the insulators and ducts. We, in general, make a sketch to illustrate those places and two more to document another information related to the roof, because show everything in one single image prints a sense of clutter and does so impossible to read.
The roof area for a TV studio is very congested, poses many challenges and must be adjusted to size desired, needs and production plans. Many of the systems, in this area, will be treated in the following two articles, including the next part of it, in which electrical lighting systems, energy and integration (low voltage).
