Y UEN LONG THE A TR E A PA C
HONG KONG
P er for mi n g a r t s m a r ve l r eope ns with uniq ue a utom o t i ve t e c h n o l o g y , c e me nting itse lf as a p ione e r w i t h i t s u s e o f H arle q uin F loors’ innov a t i ve L i b e r t y S w i t c h solution.
Yuen Long Theatre in Hong Kong is now perhaps one of the most dynamic performance spaces in the world, thanks to an upgrade with proud, strong collaboration at its core. In partnership to improve the theatre, originally opened in 1999, Harlequin Floors and TAIT joined forces with the clients, Hong Kong’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), creating a passionate group dedicated to delivering a state-of-the-art automation system. With a switchable sprung ballet floor and a revolving stage, overlooked by 41 motorised flybars, the resulting performance area is a genuine showstopper. Steven Snow, VP of Operations, TAIT Asia, explained: “The theatre was built around 25 years ago, meaning Yuen Long needed to undergo a massive refurbishment, bringing its equipment up to technical standards required by today’s industry.” Being the only bidder who could devise a way to install a densely packed flybar winch array and still enable maintenance and regular rope inspections for the space, TAIT was picked to lead the integration of high-quality technology into Yuen Long. On TAIT’s brief, Sam Woodward, Global Senior Technical Communications Manager, TAIT, explained: “The venue needed a new and improved flying system that enabled a broader range of performances to be presented, alongside quicker changeovers between shows. We stepped in to provide above-and-below-stage machinery with upgraded controls to enable a wonderfully diverse variety of performances at this Hong Kong theatre.” Arguably the most notable aspect of the installation was its pioneering upgrades; this theatre is the world’s first arts space to have a stage wagon and a revolve with a Harlequin Liberty Switch. Harlequin Liberty Switch is a revolutionary, multi-use flooring system designed for venues that regularly put on both vibrant dance and theatrical performances. The switchable floor is achieved by using moving carriages which engage with stop blocks on the underside of Harlequin Liberty panels to create a rigid floor and disengage to create a sprung floor. Easily interchangeable flooring is a game-changing feature for spaces that provide a range of entertainment styles. Craig Thomson, Contracts Director at Harlequin Floors, revealed: “The initial concept for the Liberty Switch was born during the COVID-19
Above, right : T h e v i ews from i ns i de a n d out s ide of th e eleg a nt th ea tre.
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