Project Profile
University of Oxford
Production lighting and audio-visual systems for the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities
Creating a world-class cultural and academic venue
Stage Electrics delivered the full production lighting and audio-visual systems and infrastructure for the University of Oxford’s new Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.
This landmark building brings together multiple departments under one roof for the first time and opens its doors to the public through a purpose-built Concert Hall, Theatre, Cinema, and more.
Appointed by main contractor Laing O’Rourke and working in close collaboration with theatre consultants Charcoalblue and Hopkins Architects, Stage Electrics was involved from the early design stages through to final commissioning. This complex, fast-paced build demanded detailed digital engineering and design, seamless coordination, and expert integration of cutting-edge technologies.
The Challenge
A first-of-its-kind venue for Oxford
Stage Electrics was approached by the construction team behind the acclaimed Soho Place project in London’s West End to contribute to the University of Oxford’s most ambitious capital development to date. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities was the first building of its kind for the University: a public-facing, multipurpose arts venue with no existing precedent within Oxford’s campus. The facility would unite several departments into a single, centralised hub, housing a concert hall, theatre, cinema, and multiple performance and teaching spaces.
From the outset, the project presented multiple complexities. The building was entirely new, with no legacy infrastructure to build upon. All construction and technical systems had to be designed from scratch and coordinated within a fast-paced construction schedule. The building was also constructed using a high level of prefabrication, including containment systems to support wiring of technical infrastructure, modelled in 3D and assembled virtually before committing to manufacture off-site, then installed with precision and efficiency on-site.
Specific technical challenges included integrating a concealed 8-metre-wide projection screen into the Concert Hall, an element weighing 250kg that descends cleanly through a narrow slot, without the option of craning it into position due to temperature sensitivity of the projection surface. The systems had to accommodate varied uses, from orchestral music to cinema screenings, and support both public audiences and academic purposes. The entire build required careful planning and digital engineering to ensure every element could be safely and seamlessly implemented.
The Solution
Early collaboration and detailed digital engineering
Stage Electrics was brought on board under a Pre-Construction Services Agreement (PCSA) in early 2022, following a successful working relationship with Laing O’Rourke and key consultants on Soho Place. The team played a vital role in the early design stages, supporting infrastructure coordination and routing of services with Hopkins Architects and Charcoalblue. Working from detailed 3D models, much of the integration was visualised digitally before on-site delivery, allowing for streamlined planning and a high degree of precision in execution.
The scope covered production lighting, audio, video, and control systems across multiple performance, teaching, and recording spaces. A standardised technical user experience was built across all venues for ease of training and future growth, with LED technology integrated throughout for energy efficiency and accessibility a priority from the outset.
Key systems delivered include:
500-Seat Concert Hall — A fully flexible production environment with colour-matched equipment integrated within architectural finishes. Features an 8-metre-wide electric projection screen concealed in the loft with a Panasonic 4K 20,000 lms projector, 44 ETC Desire D60s and 12 ETC Source Four Series 3 under ETC Paradigm and Ion XE control, and a Yamaha CL3 console with RIO stage boxes, Q-Lab playback with Dante, and Renkus-Heinz digitally steerable speakers.
250-Seat Lecture Theatre — Configurable stage and seating layout supporting both lecture and performance formats. Systems mirror the Concert Hall at a slightly reduced scale, with a 6m wide electric projection screen that can be positioned on any fly bar.
Black Box Studio — An internally wired pipe grid with wraparound technical catwalk. Audio is the RCF TT+ range with a portable Yamaha TF1 desk shared with the Rehearsal Studio, and a full Q-Lab playback rack.
Rehearsal Studio — Pipe grid, flexible AV setup, and show relay systems supporting teaching and performance. Control is shared with the Black Box.
Cinema — 4K DCI compliant digital cinema projector with a bespoke curved 5-metre screen, automatic masking, and a full QSC cinema-grade audio system featuring Dolby 7.1 surround sound behind a perforated screen. Teaching AV integration handled via Q-Sys control systems.
Music Studios — Three recording studios with immersive-ready infrastructure: Studio 1 supports Dolby Atmos mixing, Studio 2 features a hemispherical speaker layout, and Studio 3 supports stereo and 8-channel surround setups. Active equipment was supplied under a separate specialist contract.
Building-Wide Infrastructure — QSC Q-SYS paging, audio and video show relay across all public areas and BOH. Auracast Bluetooth-based assisted listening in all venues, with traditional induction loops in seated spaces. Audio description equipment provisioned throughout, and control rooms fitted with adjustable height desks with wheelchair access. A 10 Gb Cisco network with fibre backbone supports technical intercom and digital signal routing between all venues and studios.
The Result
A landmark technical installation, delivered on programme
The Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities is a landmark success for Stage Electrics, delivered on time despite a tight programme and complex requirements.
The project demonstrates the value of early-stage collaboration, digital engineering, and prefabricated construction in delivering highly technical installations efficiently and accurately.
The Centre is expected to serve as a world-class venue for academic and public engagement, blending tradition with cutting-edge performance technology.
ICC Wales
Team Feedback
It's fantastic to see the completed spaces come to life knowing they'll support Oxford's students, researchers and wider community for many years to come.
ICC Wales
Project Gallery
Our Services
How We Can Help
With more than forty years’ experience supporting the arts, broadcast, construction, education and theatre industries, we provide equipment and technical solutions for all forms of venues and entertainment.
01.
Equipment Sales
We sell the world’s most recognised lighting, audio, video and staging products, providing solutions for a wide range of sectors.
02.
Projects
Our projects team designs, manages, and delivers high-profile technical performance systems across the UK and internationally.
03.
Inspection & Testing Services
We work with venues ranging from schools and churches to theatres, broadcast studios, conference centres and more.
Request a no-obligation consultation or quote.
Contact our team for expert guidance and let’s elevate your next production.