Barcelona’s latest archi-tectural statement is the iconic new 180-metre equilateral triangle known as the Forum. Built for 141 days of summer concerts and cultural conventions, it was designed by the brilliant Swiss architects, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron (who were also responsible for London’s
Tate Modern).

Situated on a 30-hectare coastal site, north east of Barceloneta and Port Olympic (at the Diagonal Mar), it has been in the planning since the mid-1990’s when former Socialist Mayor, Pasqual Maragall, put forward the idea. But in May this year it became a reality.

The ‘Universal Forum of Cultures’ (to give it its full name) is co-organised by the Barcelona City Council, the Catalan Autonomous Government and the Spanish Government, with UNESCO as its main partner. Three main themes define the Forum: Cultural diversity, sustainable development and conditions for peace, covering a wide range of universal geopolitical issues.

The Forum building itself rests on 17 pillars, its walls built from coral-like blue concrete, while water flows from the giant reservoir on the roof to keep it cool in summer. Forged into the depths is a 3,200-seat auditorium (above which is a vast triangular exhibition space). Across the Forum Plaza is an international convention centre (which is also used for visitor attractions).

Both these venues are heavily equipped with Martin Audio loudspeakers, processed with XTA digital management systems — supplied by the companies’ joint Spanish distributor, AdagioPro.

The design of the auditorium is particularly impressive — its two tiers looking up to the scaly, reflective blue roof at ground level, which was to play havoc with the acoustics.
AdagioPro liaised with sound contractors AGE Control (under project manager Miguel Guindulain); the acoustic consultant was the eminent Dr. Higini Arau and the sound system design was masterminded by Martin Audio’s senior project engineer Jim Cousins, in collaboration with AdagioPro. The signals are routed via a CobraNet digital network designed by consultants, AudioScan (working on behalf of
the owners).

Cousins used the Martin Audio Line Array’s ViewPoint™ predictive software to calculate the optimum positions for the two 11-enclosure hangs to provide even coverage.
Cancellation of the acoustic reverberations proved problematic, but the 7.5° tilt between boxes three and four weakened the coverage sufficiently to avoid audible reflections from the balcony edge and rear glass walls, while continuing the line to ensure lobe-free vertical performance and minimal ceiling excitation.

Eight WTUB underbalcony speakers were recessed into the stage risers to provide nearfield coverage for the front rows, while four groundstacked Blackine S18’s, set side by side, handle the sub-frequencies.
The entire system is powered by Lab Gruppen FP3400’s with six each controlling the two W8LC hangs. System control is via three DP6i’s — XTA’s dedicated installation processors — controlling the main W8LC Line Array system, WTUBs and subwoofers.

Across the concourse at the Convention Centre three interactive ‘in the round’ exhibitions kick-started the exhibition season with civilisations as its theme.

Again absolute priority had been given to preserving the pristine quality of the soundtracks, and high in the roof are flown an inner ring of four clusters of two Blackline F15’s and an outer ring of four clusters of four W8LM’s.

Statistically, the four-and-a-half-month event (which is being operated by management company, General Location) will feature 450 concerts, 44 theatrical and dance performances, 20 circuses, 10 major exhibitions and 45 seminars – among many other events – all designed to reflect on the major challenges for the 21st century. Expecting more than five million visitors, the organisers hope this will become a recurring
international event.

But in the meantime, the realisation of The Forum remains a tribute to the hard work of all the designers and contractors responsible, and a particular source of satisfaction for Jordi Roselló and his team at AdagioPro, who had worked so hard to broker the deal.