Case Study "Curve"-integrating the communications technologies with business applications

Case Study
Curve
Curve opened in Leicester in November 2008, following a five year development programme. Designed by renowned architect, Rafael Vinoly, the theatre has been funded by Leicester Council, the Arts Coun-cil and the European Commission with a remit to reinvigorate a run-down area of the City. Curve is changing centuries of theatrical tradition through its highly innovative use of technology. Designed 'inside out' with the stage in the centre and foyers around the outside, the theatre has no backstage area, meaning both actors and scenery technicians are constantly on display to the audience.Customer"The theatre was conceived to reflect Leicester's multi-cultural and . Curve, United Kingdom cosmopolitan nature," says Ruth Eastwood, Chief Executive, Curve. "It Industryis also the most technologically advanced theatre in Britain, using . Hospitality & Leisure cutting edge technology in all areas from the stage management to com-Challengesmunications.". Innovative theatre design. Desire for leading edge communications. Integration of information and Challenges communication systems required The highly innovative Curve has been designed to suit all forms of artistic Solutioncelebration from circus to carnival to parade to black box theatre to prosce-. UNIVERGE Sphericall nium arch. While this offers fantastic opportunities, it has also created . Platform architecture based on operational challenges. Eastwood confirms, "This theatre is like no other Service Oriented Communications(SOC) and challenges many of the traditional theatre ways.". Multimedia Contact centre with integration to For example, the theatre has no dedicated ushers or usherettes. Instead, it business applications relies on a single multi disciplined customer services team who can be . IP wireless communications deployed in numerous roles throughout the theatre, from the café to the Resultsticket office and other customer facing activities. "They can be deployed . Open, flexible software and redeployed in any area around the building depending on business based communications infrastructure need, but their priority is always to ensure a fantastic customer experience," . Wireless communications enables flexible, she says. effective communication A key strategy for Curve is to adopt leading edge technology. "Being first . Open source solution integrates with ticketing is one of the theatre's drivers a philosophy we carry through every area of . Ability to offer chargeable telephony and our business, particularly with the technology we utilise." says Eastwood. communication services to visiting companies, Indeed, Curve utilises technology on every level, from the 'print at home' performers and corporate users ticketing service and opening of the front doors through to the scanning of the tickets by barcode readers at the entrance and to the stage flying
http://www.nec.com/Curve
control system. Shweta Radia, Head of ICT, comments, "It was vital that ten months. The communications technology has proved valuable to any communications solution was innovative enough to meet the internal staff and corporate clients alike, scaling efficiently to accommo-unusual demands of the building, and to provide a high level of flexibility date fluctuations in requirements during peak season or major events.and mobility for staff and theatre users." Benefits of the solution include:Indeed, every aspect of the business relies upon effective communica-tions, from managing scenery before and during performance to interact- . The service oriented communications (SOC) platform pro-ing with customers whether via the telephone, online or within the theatre. vides a range of possibilities regarding integrating other The theatre needed a highly flexible communications solution that could business applications and systems. support both its current communications and customer interaction require- . As a Unified Communications solution, presence informa-ments, as well as future developments such as further integration with tion is available giving an instant view as to whether an indi-back office systems and online services. vidual is in, out or on the phone, enabling users to make informed communication decisions.
. The wireless equipment - either headsets or traditional SolutionDECT phones - is available for hire to visiting theatrical com-panies and corporate events, providing an added value In ord... [download for more]