Following on from the announcement of the first Keynote Speaker, Dutch architect Francine Houben, Creative Director of mecanoo architecten, the ITEAC 2018 Editorial Board has revealed two further Keynote Speakers, to join her in the line-up of this year’s International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference 2018, 3-5 June, London.
With ever more news of major developments in the Middle East, Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, with responsibility for the operation and development of Dubai International (DXB) as well as Dubai World Central (DWC), will provide a unique insight to the challenges that urbanisation brings to large infrastructure projects, and how important cultural development is as part of the process.
His high-profile career in transportation has been combined with a life-long passion for music. At an early age he learned to play the organ and although he aspired to train as a Cathedral Organist, having studied both music and computer science, he has followed a career in the management of global transport hubs. Nevertheless, he has pursued his musical enthusiasm making many public appearances as a recitalist, continuo player and soloist in concerti accompanied by major orchestras. Paul is currently a Vice President of the Royal College of Organists.
Senior Partner at Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron, Ascan Mergenthaler, will enliven the stimulation and provocation session, which will spearhead the final day of the Conference.
A stalwart of this leading firm for more than twenty years, he is in charge of various projects in Europe, Asia and the Americas. He led the extraordinary team that realised the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg – a building complex that accommodates not only a philharmonic hall but also a chamber music hall, as well as restaurants, bars, a panorama terrace with views of Hamburg and the harbour, apartments, a hotel and parking facilities.
His Keynote address will be followed by his participation in the Concert Hall Design & Acoustics session, where the current trends relating to acoustics and audio-technologies will be explored, referencing recent projects in China, Hamburg, Paris and Berlin.
The three-day event will be opened by Louise Jeffreys, Director of Arts at one of the world’s largest arts centre, the Barbican, London, and those looking to secure a ticket to attend the fifth edition of this essential quadrennial gathering, are advised to book quickly.
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Presented by the Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) at the state-of-the-art Savoy Place, the Global Engineering Hub of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), latest information regarding sessions and speakers will be posted on the ITEAC website as announced.
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Following the three days of conference, ITEAC delegates may then join up with Exhibitors and Visitors to the 40th anniversary annual ABTT Theatre Show at London’s Alexandra Palace, 6-7 June: a great week of discussion and discovery for those involved in theatre design and technology.
www.iteac.co.uk
www.dubaiairports.ae
www.herzogdemeuron.com
www.barbican.org.uk
ends
pictures:
Paul Griffiths
Ascan Mergenthaler [credit: Adriano A. Biondo / Biondo Pictures]
Lousie Jeffreys [credit: Felix Clay]
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For further information, please contact Catherine Cooper via:
email: iteac2018news@catherinecooperevents.co.uk
landline telephone: +44 (0) 20 7483 1181
mobile: +44 (0) 7957 168 522
Editor’s Notes:
ABTT
Established 1961. The ABTT is a registered charity whose aim is to promote the latest knowledge and best working practices to those in the entertainment industry. Its members include: theatre technicians, designers, architects, local licensing authorities, theatre consultants, mechanical & electrical engineers, health and safety practitioners, government agencies, production & stage managers, plus many others with a manifest commitment to the technical aspects of theatre.
It is one of two UK Centres for OISTAT, the global network of theatre makers, celebrating design & technology in live performance.
OISTAT
OISTAT generates, promotes and maintains a global network of specialist practitioners, educators and researchers who shape, challenge and imagine elements, events and environments for the live performing arts.
TAIT STAGE TECHNOLOGIES
TAIT acquired Stage Technologies in 2013 with the latter becoming TAIT Stage Technologies. The acquisition was a brilliant merger of the world’s market leaders in the field of automation, staging and engineering for the live entertainment industry. The enhanced capacity of the groups provides the ability to offer unrivalled technology and expertise across the globe, from locations on the East and West coasts of America, Macau, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, China and Australia. The increased breadth and depth of the company provides clients with an extensive palette of cutting edge technologies, plus a comprehensive range of products, including winches and staging solutions for concert touring, theatre, corporate events, film, television, kinetic architecture and permanent installations.
ITEAC 2018
Places for Performance: New Directions
IET London: Savoy Place, UK
Sunday 3 June 2018, Monday 4 June 2018 & Tuesday 5 June 2018
www.iteac.co.uk
The International Theatre Engineering and Architecture Conference 2018 is presented by Theatrical Events Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of British Theatre Technicians. The Promoter reserves the right to cancel or change arrangements, venues, papers, speakers, topics, events, visits or timing, if considered necessary for any reason.
