 Welcome To 91¸£ÀûÉç Scotland at Pacific Quay.
91¸£ÀûÉç Scotland’s new headquarters at Pacific Quay (PQ) in Glasgow is now open. This vibrant complex, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, marks the beginning of a new era for the 91¸£ÀûÉç and broadcasting in Scotland. The 34,000sq mÌýdigitalÌýcentre will set a new standard in terms of state of the art technology, production methods and public access and will play a central role in the regeneration of the wider urban area.Ìý But...it is not just a building; the spaces within will inspire the public and draw audiences to its heart, and it is the only site to join up all of 91¸£ÀûÉç’s media – TV, radio and online - linking the national hub with all other 91¸£ÀûÉç centres around Scotland.
The new building will help us to attract the finest talent. It will allow our staff the opportunity to become fully trained and skilled in the technologies that will increasingly define broadcasting – on television, radio, on the web and more.ÌýIt will be the only 91¸£ÀûÉç building fully equipped to take maximum advantage ofÌýdigital switchover,Ìýas it starts inÌýScotland in 2008.ÌýAnd, as one of the most sophisticated digital production centres, we believe our new building will benefit the entire creative industry in Scotland. Above all, it will ensure that audiences will be able to reap substantial benefits, with 91¸£ÀûÉç Scotland able to offer richer, more diverse programmes on a range of broadcast platforms.
David Chipperfield’s scheme incorporates three key elements: digital broadcasting studios, offices and substantial public areas. To provide a welcoming environment for 91¸£ÀûÉç visitors and staff, the main entrance foyer is open and spacious with a coffee kiosk, information displays and interactive facilities for members of the public.
Red sandstone was selected as the principal material for the most dramatic feature in the building - the central staircase or ‘street’. It sits alongside steel, glass and concrete finishes giving a reflective nod to Glasgow tenements and the shipbuilding heritage of the Prince’s Dock site on which the building stands.
The new centre also featuresÌýthe UK'sÌýmost advancedÌýbroadcast studios and production facilities. The main studio, ‘Studio A’, is the biggest TV recording space ever built in ScotlandÌýand the second largest TV studio in Britain. It encloses a staggering 790m2 (8500ft2) and will have hi-tech ‘hover pad’ audience seating system which can be towed in and out of the studio when required. Also capable of hosting 320 people seated, it will be the first High Definition facility of its kind in Europe.
PQ is unique because it features integrated production systems for TV, radio and online and forms the heart of a Scotland-wide technical make-over whichÌý joins up all of the 91¸£ÀûÉç Scotland’s centres and connects with the 91¸£ÀûÉç’s international newsgathering systems.
We have a great opportunity to engage with the local community and those across Scotland via state of the art technology within 650 square metres of public space. The main entrance foyer contains information displays and interactive facilities for members of the public to learn about the exciting opportunities which digital technology has to offer and to find out more about the 91¸£ÀûÉç.
Plus, innovation and audience labs will encourage experimentation and development. AÌýdedicated learningÌýspaceÌýwill alsoÌýallow visitors the chance to create content and learn about digitalÌýmedia literacy using cutting edgeÌýfacilities.ÌýFrom January 2008, workshops focusing on producingÌýand publishing digital video, audio, and online content will be on offer to schools and community groups.
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