(08) Man Prod focus & Potain E 2/11/04 11:14 AM Page 15

JOB SITE REPORT

Six cranes in an
OPERA HOUSE uilt in the 18th
Six Potain tower cranes are currently around the world will there-

B century, by
Giuseppe
Piermarini, the
La Scala Theatre is considered
one of the finest and most
helping renovate the La Scala Theatre in
Milan, Italy. Marie-Ange Paltz reports
fore have to wait until that
date to visit the Museo
Teatrale alla Scala, which
represents one of the major
parts of the renovation
famous opera houses in the ● One MC 50 B, erected at movable platforms for the project. This museum, found-
world. The theatre is deeply a height of 30 m (98 ft) and orchestra floor. ed nearly 100 years ago, is a
cherished by Italians and with a maximum capacity of This US$55.77 million world famous due to its many
opera fans, providing the 1.6 t (1.7 USt) at its jib end (€47.22 million) contract is treasures, including costumes
impetus for a large renovation of 30 m (98 ft); scheduled to be completed worn by Maria Callas and
to preserve and modernize ● One MC 68 B, with a 3 t by December. Tourists from Rudolph Nureyev. ◆
this monument. (3.3 USt) capacity.
Started in January 2002, In addition to these top Potain cranes
renovation work is led by two slewing tower cranes, an are aiding
construction work
main contractors, the Igo 32 self erector is on site.
at the Theatre Hall
Cooperativa di Lavoranti It features a height-under- and Scenic Tower.
Muratori and Cooperativa di hook of 22 m (72 ft) and a jib
costruzioni, who formed a length of 30 m (98 ft).
consortium called SCALA The cranes are helping The US$55.77 million
2004 SRL. They are following rearrange both the spaces (€47.22 million)
of the Theatre Hall and the contract is
the directions of architect
scheduled to be
Mario Botta, who has built Scenic Tower. In addition, completed by
numerous museums all over they will help to build three December.
the world.
Modernization of the
theatre mainly involves
renovating the whole monu-
mental area, including the
transformation of the old
stage into a museum exhibit,
re-construction of the scenic
tower, improved security,
electrical and fire systems.
A total of six Potain tower
cranes are participating in the
renovation work:
● Two MD 208 models,
which can handle a maximum
of 2.45 t (2.7 USt) at their jib
end of 60 m (196 ft);
● One MC 85 B tower crane,
erected at 39 m (128 ft),
which provides a maximum
capacity of 2.2 t (2.4 USt) at
its jib end of 35 m (115 ft);

15