2008
Future Television, Beirut _ Lebanon
The project’s primary objective was to deal with a standard studio based set that would later on, be completely modified and transformed into a fully equipped Newsroom capable of supporting subsidiary functional spaces capable of hosting many activities such as engineering, editingand even transmitting. This assignment had the particularity of dealing with several core requirements such as the respect of a more orless traditional surrounding, aesthetics and above all theeffectiveness of a fast paced work environment. Hence the use of what the latest of technology has tooffer regarding the overall design, sound, light and lastbut not least floor covering. The journey to excellence began when the architect, Mr. Ali Wazani, intrigued by the particularity of the commercial history of Hamra Street, decided to incorporate someof the shopping stride’s key elements into the design, by conceptualizing a double floor window overlooking themain road giving Future News Tv Station an attractive trendy “shop” look melting in the overall neighborhood. The relatively boring shed has been radically transformedwith the help of some wire mesh and unit pavers giving itan interesting contemporary envelope. The interior has been introduced by a three level atrium structure within the closed metal box structure: theground level was dedicated to studio spaces, research stations and the main news set. The other two levels accommodate ancillary functional spaces such as edit suites, archives and current affair departments which makes this whole structure look like a sophisticated and advanced technological village. And who says technology, says security! Television sets are renowned for their constant and fast technology modifications. This is precisely why raisedfloor turned out to be the ideal solution. It is a fire retardant product, not to mention an excellent sound absorber. Raised floor is also known for its outstanding feature, when technical flexibility is required. Raised floor is suitable when frequent modifications of electrical, telephonic, informatics and lighting wiring are about to occur. The accessible interspaces created by raised floor allow an obstacle free electrical alignment. Consequently it is easierto move or even create fully equipped new work stations. Thanks to its innovative technology, CBI Europe was qualified to execute such sophisticated project. The materials used were basically steel and glass in different shades and texture. This choice of contemporary materials, coupled with precise LED light technology, enhanced the slick transparent design. However, the use ofsuch hard materials forced us to break the geometry of asymmetrical design to achieve a proper acoustical treatment. The Modular Highline 630 from Ege was used asfloor covering. A High density carpet that was chosen fortwo main reasons: It is a key solution for heavy traffic inthe News room environment. The acoustical quality of the carpet has a major role inachieving acoustical standards of a studio environment space. The use of the relatively neutral black color with ahigh end special design is timeless and has the particularity of putting in evidence the classiness in this harmonious atypical setting. Finally, the potential of this unusual design resides inthe fact that, with today’s fast changes and intertwining of various space utilities, such setting, can easilybe transformed into a public arena, a museum, an operahouse, a theater, and why not, a shopping mall! Wazani Associates.
product installed: raised access floors, fully steel encapsulated panels/31 mm - tongue & groove panels/34 mm
surface: 30.000 sqm
top covering: carpet lay-loose tiles
design: Ali Wazani & associates