Awards of Distiction - Entry Detail

US Open NBC, NESN, ESPN Broadcast Center

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Main Category:

Modular Building Design

Company:

Triumph Modular

Affiliate:

C & B Custom Modular, Inc.

Location:

Flushing, NY

Building Use:

Television Broadcast Center

Gross Size of Project:

7200 Square Feet

Days to complete:

Award Criteria

Architectural Excellence
A two-story, ten module, 7,200 sq ft broadcast center for the US Open was installed in the shadows of the Met’s Baseball Stadium in just five days. The center was designed to house major sports television broadcasters such as NBC, NESN and ESPN. Logistics were a huge factor in this installation due to city ordinances, the Met's Baseball schedule, and the need to have the install done quickly. Custom fabricated two story exterior stairs and decking with a covered metal canopy was installed to protect people and equipment. Interior demountable partitions were designed to match the unit interior and be disassembled into storable units by general maintenance personnel. This allows the different networks to rework the office layouts to their liking. The partitions were designed to include a sliding pocket door capable of being placed at various, or multiple, locations within the mobile units.
Technical Innovation & Sustainability
As one might imagine, allowing for the considerable amount of cables for the broadcasters was a challenge. Special cable trays were installed with access panels for ease of cabling. Access doors provide full weather protection when closed and passage of audio/video/television (AVT) cabling when open. Outlets were alternately circuited, color-coded for ease of identification and labeled as to their source. The control room has USG 2x2 fissured white ceiling with recessed lighting and cross point acoustical fabric for sound control. Two large roll up storage bay doors were installed in two end units, one on the first floor, one on the second to accommodate the large pieces of broadcasting equipment needed to be brought in.
Cost Effectiveness
Occupancy sensors were installed throughout the units and special insulation was used in conjunction with heavy duty HVAC units to keep the building cool and offset the considerable heat emitted from the broadcasting equipment. High efficiency, dual electrical panels were installed with back up emergency power. Previously, the broadcast building was one level. By bringing in a two-story modular building we were able to double the area but still keep to the strict time-schedule for install. While the building is designed for quick installation and easy removal every year for the US Open, the design also allows for the building to be winterized and remain year round.