Issue 44 winter 24 - Journal - Page 52
Silent Guardians of Sound:
Ensuring Optimal Performance
of Audio-Visual Systems in
Heritage Spaces
By Chloe Wheywell, Group Marketing and Communications Manager and Jack Baker, Maintenance
and Support Manager, Whitwam AV Integration.
Imagine a historic House of Worship, centuries-old
architecture that has witnessed generations of community
gatherings, important events, and shared moments of
significance such as weddings, memorials, and celebrations. In any venue, an audio-visual system sits quietly,
concealed from view, ready to amplify human connections
and preserve moments of significance. In the complex
ecosystem of heritage and conservation venues, audiovisual systems represent critical technological infrastructure. These systems support diverse communication needs
across various environments, from Houses of Worship to
hybrid meeting spaces.
Environmental Dynamics:
The Hidden Challenge of Audio-Visual Performance
Listed buildings, particularly Houses of Worship, present
unique acoustic environments that dramatically influence
audio-visual system performance. Sound in these spaces
is not a static phenomenon, but a complex interaction
between architectural characteristics and technological
infrastructure.
Acoustic Variability Factors can include:
• Architectural materials (stone, wood, plaster)
• Structural geometry and volume
• Occupancy levels
• Seasonal temperature and humidity variations
• Furnishing and interior configuration changes
The acoustic signature of a space transforms dramatically
within a single day. A morning service with 50 attendees
creates entirely different sound dynamics compared to an
evening concert with 200 participants. Each human body,
each piece of temporary furniture, each subtle environmental shift becomes an acoustic variable that challenges
the performance of the audio-visual system. Reflecting on
the complex acoustic challenges, Andrew Pymm, Project
Director and Director of Whitwam AVI notes: "Our
systems are designed to be as dynamic as the spaces they
serve – intelligent, adaptable, and always attuned to the
unique acoustic challenges of heritage environments."
