Having met Doughty Engineering at the Broadcast Video Expo (BVE) last year, Carter realised that of all the companies he'd considered for this project, Doughty was most evidently able to meet his brief for the new multi million pound space.
The new entrance to the department is just one aspect of the University's major redevelopment to make the Harrow Campus a world-class environment for students, with state-of-the-art facilities, new and improved social and learning spaces and an enhanced sense of community for students and staff. Harrow is also working to become a more sustainable site with reduced environmental impact.
Carter said, "The project involved covering an existing outside courtyard to create a new entrance. The brief was to form an art gallery frontage with the capacity for a performance space in a designated area. Once we started to consider what this might entail, we decided that alighting grid was essential. Cost of course was a major factor and all the companies I'd previously researched were way over budget."
Dan Phillips, Doughty commented: "It became apparent from our initial discussions that this was a multipurpose space to be used in a creative manner. Our job was to specify a hoist system that would assist in the creative use of the space rather than inhibit it.
"Standard components are used for the basis of the hoists, for instance the winch unit and diverters, while bespoke facilities are incorporated into the outlet boxes. With the increased focus on sustainability and longevity in educational facilities, for both environmental and financial reasons, the Doughty Hoist Systems are increasingly relevant."
Doughty supplied a compact system comprising motorised hoists which can be operated individually to raise and lower four lighting poles with a simple up/down switch.
Carter added, "This was the perfect solution for our students who need the versatility to light a runway for fashion shows or a stage area for band performances, plus any other multi media events that take place during the academic year."
The other benefit of the system is that it's not confined to lighting. With a safe working load of 140kg at each hoist point, the University can also use the grid to hang artwork, banners etc.
(Jim Evans)
