English
FOH & Control Structure focuses on temporary platforms and supporting structures used for front-of-house control, audio, lighting, video and event production operations.
As part of our Ringlock Structure system, FOH structures can be configured as single-level or multi-level working platforms according to the required equipment, personnel, working height and site layout.
From our project experience, an FOH structure is more than an elevated platform. It is a functional working area within the complete event structure, and its configuration should reflect how the production team actually uses the space.
A typical FOH structure combines several functional parts:
Working Platform
The main platform provides space for mixing consoles, lighting controllers, video equipment and production personnel.
Supporting Structure
Ringlock standards and horizontal members create the modular grid below and around the working areas.
Bracing System
Diagonal members provide restraint within the structure, particularly as the FOH becomes higher or develops into multiple levels.
Access
Stairs and walkways provide access between ground level and the working platforms, or between different FOH levels.
The basic relationship is:
Control Area → Working Platform → Ringlock Supporting Structure → Base → Ground
Unlike a performance Stage & Platform Structure, an FOH platform is normally designed around technical operation and equipment positioning rather than performance space.
This difference directly affects its dimensions, height, access and internal layout.
A relatively simple production setup may require only one raised control platform.
Larger productions can require several functional levels. Audio control, lighting control, video operation, follow spots or other technical positions may need to be separated vertically or arranged in different working zones.
Ringlock is particularly useful here because the structure can develop in three dimensions using the same modular logic.
Instead of treating every level as an independent platform, we can configure the vertical standards, horizontal members, bracing, decks and access as one integrated FOH structure.
When another working level is added, the change therefore affects more than the platform surface. The supporting grid, vertical arrangement, access and bracing relationship must also be considered.
FOH does not normally stand alone from the rest of the production.
Its position is related to the main stage, audience area and technical requirements of the event. The required sightline toward the stage, cable routing, equipment positions and personnel access all influence the practical layout.
For larger concert configurations, the FOH may therefore be developed together with the stage, roof, LED and sound systems even though it remains a separate functional structure.
This is one reason we analyze FOH as a structural application rather than simply calling it a scaffolding tower.
The cases in this category may examine:
FOH dimensions and working height;
single-level and multi-level configurations;
control platform layout;
Ringlock supporting grid;
standards, horizontal members and diagonal bracing;
stairs and working access;
equipment and personnel zones;
relationship with the main stage;
component quantities and functions;
changes required for different production layouts.
The purpose of these case breakdowns is to show how technical production requirements are translated into practical modular FOH structures, and how the same Ringlock system can be adapted to different event scales and control arrangements.
