Auditorium TU Delft

When Improve (Delft, the Netherlands) acquired the order to renovate the Auditorium of the technical University in Delft, they requested Prolyte to design part of a special installation; a truss construction to support lighting elements, thus designed to blend in with the existing ceiling.

The truss construction had to fit exactly in the ceiling, whereby the 2-sided tapered shape, designed by an architect, left little room to play with the construction measurements.

In total the complete installation amounted to 3 constructions, measuring 23 metres each, the width of each construction varying from 3,5 to 0,5 metre. All parts had to be brought into the auditorium through a door of 2 x1,8 m. which another challenge for the engineering team.

All drawings had to be approved by the architect, following strict design demands, no visible connection parts were allowed, and therefore all connections are placed perpendicular to the floor.

Making these constructions was a challenge in itself, no two parts were alike, and most of the welding had to be done without jigs or moulds, at the same time, torsion within the construction – which can occur when welds cools down- had to be avoided.
Proof building the constructions took place before transportation to the actual building site. All connections proved to be flawless! Furthermore this gave Improve the opportunity to mount the cable channels.

Installation of the special truss constructions, fitted with lighting elements, went very smooth. Within 3 days all constructions were securely put in place by the Improve team.

The Auditorium installation is an excellent showcase of interdisciplinary design, whereby architecture, trussing and lighting merge not only efficiently but also aesthetically.