Designed by Philadelphia's KSS Architects, the venue adds 8,000sq.ft to WHYY's existing 60,000sq.ft headquarters. The centrepiece of the project is the Lincoln Financial Digital Education Studio. This flexible studio space can host up to 300 participants, and has been designed to allow reconfiguration and relocation of major components within the various systems.
The studio's audio and technology systems were designed by RJC Designs of Glen Burnie, Maryland, who recently won the ProAV 2011 Spotlight Award for the project. Project supply and system integration were performed by Vistacom Inc. of Allentown, PA.
The design includes a speech reinforcement system comprising a dozen Community iBOX i2W8T loudspeakers and two M12-BP floor monitors. The system utilizes a Biamp AudiaFLEX processor and multi-zoned Crown CTs-Series amplifiers to allow for flexible configuration to accommodate various scenarios.
Also part of the design is a second system to provide surround sound for cinema, employing a pair of iBOX iHP3594 three-way mains left and right of the screen, two i2W8 two-way surround speakers in the rear, and a two-way iBOX iHP1226 loudspeaker to cover the centrechannel. The 120-degree-by-60-degree loudspeaker was created as a custom design for the WHYY venue, but has since become a standard offering in Community's iBOX series. An iBOX i215LVS subwoofer completes the system.
The dual sound systems are both tied into an AMX MVP-8400 control system and accessible via the operators' AMX console and a wireless AMX NXT-1500VG touch panel. "Inter-operability and flexibility were key in all aspects of the system design," says Rich Coluzzi, President of RJC Designs.
The control room sports a range of editing and post production equipment, including a Broadcast Pix Granite Series HD production console, Strand Lighting Pallete VL64 lighting console and a Soundcraft Si-3 digital audio desk.
"The project's success was based on a convergence of broadcast, education and media production techniques and technology tools," says WHYY's VP and chief technology officer Bill Weber. "These tools and resources, coupled with expanding content distribution platforms, gave birth to a unique and powerful public resource that continues to demonstrate the value of public media organisations."
(Jim Evans)
