In this digital age, A/V consultants and integrators are becoming a vital resource for designers. Architects don't look to them anymore as subcontractors; increasingly, they are becoming integral members of the design team, working with the architects to use technology in new and unique ways. ARCHITECT's sister publication PRO AV created the first annual PRO AV Spotlight Awards to promote this kind of work. Churches, hospitals, corporate headquarters, and sports bars are all using audio and video integration in new and exciting ways—and proving how helpful these consultants can be in designing complex buildings.
These 11 projects run the gamut of programs, from a large, utilitarian church to a small and ingenious airport lounge. The First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Md., is part of the new trend of mega-sized houses of worship that use broadcast solutions and high-tech innovations to engage the flock. The 205,000-square-foot building has a concert-grade sound system and a pair of 22-foot screens that give everyone a front-row view. The consultant, RLC Designs, was able to free up the program with more than 300 A/V connection panels throughout the space, creating new options for both architect and client.
Then there is the One World Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport, which aims to occupy travelers between flights. From digital art to zoned music from Prescriptive Music, Gensler looked to its A/V consultants to make the space as comfortable as possible. They also threw in nine, digitally assigned showers—something that might help you recharge before that flight to Tokyo.
PRO AV SPOTLIGHT AWARDS
BEST CORPORATE A/V PROJECT
One Haworth Center, Holland, Mich.
Integrator: AVI-SPL, Tampa, Fla.
Architect: Perkins+Will | Eva Maddox Branded Environments, Chicago
BEST HEALTHCARE A/V PROJECT
Thomas Jefferson University Dorrance
Hamilton Building, Philadelphia
Integrator: AVSG, Broomall, Pa.
Architect: Burt Hill, Philadelphia
BEST HOSPITALITY/RESTAURANT A/V PROJECT
STATS Sports Restaurant, Atlanta
Integrator: AVI-SPL, Tampa, Fla.
Architect: ASD, Atlanta
BEST RETAIL A/V PROJECT
High Desert Harley-Davidson, Meridian, Idaho
Integrator: AAtronics, Boise, Idaho
BEST ENTERTAINMENT/ARTS PROJECT
The Newseum, Washington, D.C.
Integrator: Communications Engineering, Newington, Va.
Consultant: SH Acoustics, Milford, Conn.
Architect: Polshek Partnership Architects, New York
BEST GOVERNMENT A/V PROJECT (STATE & LOCAL)
Illinois House and Senate Chambers, Springfield, Ill.
Integrator: Bennett Electronics, Pontiac, Ill.
Consultant: Lipp A/V Design, Buffalo Grove, Ill.
Architect: Vinci Hamp Architects, Chicago
BEST EDUCATION A/V PROJECT
Santa Clara University Learning Commons, Santa Clara, Calif.
Integrator: Riverview Systems Group, San Jose, Calif.
Consultant: The Sextant Group, Pittsburgh
Architect: Pfeiffer Partners Architects, Los Angeles
BEST HOUSE OF WORSHIP A/V PROJECT
First Baptist Church of Glenarden, Upper Marlboro, Md.
Integrator: Communications Engineering, Newington, Va.
Consultant: RLC Designs, Glen Burnie, Md.
Architect: HH Architects, Dallas
BEST GOVERNMENT A/V PROJECT (FEDERAL)
U.S. Marine Corps Forces (U.S.M.C.) Pacific
Headquarters Command Operations Center, Honolulu
Integrator: Audio Video Systems, Chantilly, Va.
PRO AV SPOTLIGHT JUDGES' AWARD
OneWorld Lounge, Los Angeles
Integrator: Pro Sound CA, North Hollywood, Calif.
Consultant: Veneklasen Associates, Santa Monica, Calif.
Architect: Gensler
PRO AV SPOTLIGHT JUDGES' AWARD
Adopt A Room, the University of Minnesota Fairview Hospital, Minneapolis
Integrator: Graybow Communications Group, Golden Valley, Minn.
Architect: Perkins+Will
Read more about the winning projects and see galleries for each one at PRO AV's website.
