Stage technology in the spotlight!

For the Concert Hall renewal project, I had a variety of tasks that were both challenging and fulfilling. From supporting the Waagner-Biro Stage Systems sales department and attending meetings with the Opera House in the initial phase to managing a team of 15 office staff and 20 workers on the construction site, my time was in demand.

The challenge was to effectively coordinate both the project team and communicate with our client and subcontractors. Internal meetings and design meetings were of great importance as the project required many specific solutions.

Monitoring material deliveries, carrying out factory acceptance tests and functional tests, as well as coordination on the construction site and with various departments in Vienna were crucial. It was an exciting challenge to bring the various elements together and ensure that everything ran smoothly.

One of the biggest differences between the projects was the technical complexity of the installations. The project in the Concert Hall was significantly more demanding due to the structural conditions and the shorter lead time. In contrast to the JST project where the majority of the construction had already been completed, the construction for the Concert Hall was still taking place during the construction phase. An additional challenge with the Concert Hall was the more intensive coordination and communication, particularly due to technical complexities of the project.. The biggest difference, however, was the type of communication. As a design engineer, I was mainly in contact with the Opera House’s project manager and I was in constant dialogue with everyone involved. It required intensive coordination and open communication to ensure that all requirements were met and that the project ran smoothly.

There were a lot of video conferences! (laughs) The day started very early in the morning for me due to the time difference, but that was the best time to hold all the video conferences and meetings with the Opera House’s project team. In the morning, there was a daily exchange with our on-site design engineer Alexander Amon to discuss progress on the construction site. After that, I spent the whole day in intensive internal coordination with our logistics and construction team.

Deliveries were more difficult due to less available shipping space and longer production times. Entry regulations made project work more difficult, as exemptions were required to enter Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic and only a few people were allowed to enter each day. The personnel issue was also challenging as flexibility was limited during the pandemic.

The technical challenges were undoubtedly demanding, especially when designing the upper stage due to the limited space and static conditions. We had to develop customized solutions, including weight-optimized cable winches, automated cable drums and customized acoustic banners to meet the requirements of the Concert Hall.

A particular highlight was the installation of a large stage wagon system in the lower stage, which makes it possible to mount seats and enlarge the stage area as required or offer additional rows of seats.

In addition, innovative reflectors were developed including a floating and adjustable reflector above the stage and a wall-mounted reflector to allow for quick acoustic adjustments. These technical developments were not only a solution to the challenges of the project, but also an expression of our commitment to excellence in construction and design.

There were definitely some similarities between the projects. Australian standards meant that there were differences in the drive arrangement of winches and podium drives compared to European projects. Thanks to our experience at the JST, we were able to draw on previous design knowledge, which meant that some winch types were very similar in both venues.

Although the upper machinery in the Concert Hall is very special and has little in common with a "normal" lacing floor such as in the JST, we were still able to benefit from our previous experience with Australian safety standards, work processes and administrative challenges. It was a valuable learning experience that helped us to successfully move forward with the Concert Hall project.

From the end of September 2020 to the beginning of June 2022, to be precise... on 3 June. 2022 at 1 pm I made my way home from my flat in Sydney.

My day started at 6.45 am with an internal coordination meeting. I then chaired another meeting with the subcontractors to organize the work groups on site. During the day, I alternated between practical work on the machines and organizational or technical tasks on the computer or at the workstation.

Around 4 pm, there was a coordination meeting with the evening shift to hand over the work areas. I then instructed the evening shift in special technical tasks that had not been completed during the day. Finally, I worked on my technical and organizational tasks for which there was no time during the day.

There were several areas of responsibility, so I'll break it down a bit...

In Sydney, I worked as a coordinator for subcontractors. My main tasks included organizing the work groups on site according to their skills, coordinating the installation process and solving any problems that arose. I was also responsible for execution planning in collaboration with other trades, site management including permits and labour registration, logistics coordination and quality assurance. My role also included the technical coordination of adjustments to the machinery on site to ensure a smooth process.

This time was extremely instructive for me, as I was able to gain a wealth of experience that will be of great benefit to me for future challenges. The intensive and formative experiences of this time have contributed significantly to my personal and professional development. Overcoming the many challenges has made me the person I am today and I am grateful for the valuable lessons I have learnt along the way.

I was away from home for a long time, which was certainly one of my biggest challenges. In addition, it was difficult to take on the disciplinary and technical leadership of the regional workforce.

Never forget the basics of technology and start from the ground up with complex tasks. Work on the individual work packages step by step, then every plan will succeed. Make mistakes, be proud of them and learn from them.

Thank you very much for the congratulations! I am honoured and grateful for the opportunity to take on this new position. The experience of returning from Sydney as a design engineer and now working as a department manager in Vienna has been an incredible journey for me. It has definitely been a challenging time, but also extremely educational and fulfilling. I look forward to continuing to utilise my knowledge and experience to lead the team and contribute to the success of the department. It is an exciting phase in my career and I am ready to take on the responsibility and tackle more new challenges.