GENERAL
"Architecture used to be a monologue. Now it is a dialogue." —Craig Janssen, Managing Director, Acoustic Dimensions
"Each room has its own acoustic signature. The shape and volume of the room determine the aural experience within it. Archtiecture is acoustics." --David Kahn, Principal Consultant, Acoustic Dimensions
"If the mission of the organization drives the activities that happen within the space, then the facility needs to be designed to support the activities. It is a mistake to begin discussions about design without first talking about the mission." -- Craig Janssen, Managing Director, Acoustic Dimensions
"The frightening thought that what you draw will be built and last for generations makes for carefully placed lines." -- Nicholas Edwards, Principal Consultant, Acoustic Dimensions
"The most brilliant design counts for nothing if it is not properly executed. A significant part of Acoustic Dimensions' work is in construction administration, making sure that there is an advocate for acoustics, sound isolation and noise control throughout the project." -- Ronald Eligator, Principal Consultant, Acoustic Dimensions
“The way a system looks and feels and fits into its environment is worthy of careful attention. Awareness results in a positive contribution to those in our sphere of influence. While only a small piece of the big picture, it’s a piece nonetheless. When the pieces are put together correctly, it leads to wonderful experiences for our listeners, one that is good for the spirit – theirs and ours. “ -- Vance Breshears, Director, Acoustic Dimensions
SUSTAINABILITY
“Green performance technologies is a small part of a much larger discussion. We are consuming, using, and burning more than we produce, and the majority of energy use is by buildings,” says Craig Janssen of Acoustic Dimensions. “But what if we didn’t? Would it create new industries, new jobs, or a healthier economy?”
"We've been encouraged by the whole-systems thinking that LEED introduces to our industry. It matches our DNA." --Brian Elwell, Senior Consultant - VP, Acoustic Dimensions
"The most interesting trend in lighting is LED. And while they aren’t yet at a point where they can replace every fixture, they do work well for architectural highlighting, wall washes and backlighting. Though the costs of these fixtures can be quite high, there is tremendous savings in power (most use up to single a standard 120v@15a circuit), lamp life and HVAC (heat load is tremendously diminished) so the lifecycle costing can make them less expensive than conventional fixtures across as little as a year or two." --David Stephens, Senior Consultant - VP, Acoustic Dimensions
"If you want to affect change, get involved," --Casey Sherred, Acoustic Dimensions
WORSHIP
"There is a lot of conversation about Web 2.0. The thought is that Web 1.0 is primarily a one-way conversation. Web pages function like print media but on a screen. Web 2.0 is dynamic. People contribute. They customize. It is a two-way conversation. However, current church production technology primarily supports a one-way conversation…from the platform out to the congregation. Essentially, Church 1.0. If we were to move Church 2.0—an experience that is participatory, customizable and creates community, how would our Sunday morning programming change? And what technologies would be needed to support the change?" --Cathy Hutchison, Director of Connection, Acoustic Dimensions
“Technology now makes real-time access and development of content possible; however, for the most part, it is only our sports and entertainment clients who are taking advantage of this capability. If churches tap into this, there is unlimited opportunity for making services EPIC—Leonard Sweet’s acronym for experiential, participatory, image-rich, and connected,” says Craig Janssen, Principal, Acoustic Dimensions.
“Performance systems design is not about my technical obsessions, my design skills or my programming techniques. It’s all about connecting the worshipper in the most direct manner with the least amount of interference. When our technical wizardry facilitates some aspect of the aesthetic experience, it’s helping the music and message speak directly to the soul of the listener. That’s the goal.” -- Vance Breshears, Director, Acoustic Dimensions
"The location of the control area can have tremendous impact on the challenges staff and operators face. The difficulty of their work is magnified if their control areas are not where they can see well and hear sound similar to that of the attendees. Communication with other team members, direct access to the platform and back stage areas, and the ability to work without disrupting attendees are also very important criteria. Could all of these criteria be met with a control area in a dedicated room behind the congregation? Probably not." --Ryan Knox, Senior Consultant, Acoustic Dimensions.
"More and more churches are exploring environmental projection to create and enhance the environment during a service. And while the concept has been around for awhile, there are some affordable options that are making it easier to implement." --Ben Cating, Acoustic Dimensions.
"As facilities are going completely digital, not all are doing it well. You can’t go through video upgrades without rethinking audio. This issue is more about design and planning than gear, and with the rise of video venues becomes an issue of how you do simulcast. " --Ryan Knox, Senior Consultant, Acoustic Dimensions
PERFORMANCE & ARTS
“Without a creative vision as the foundation for a show, all the technology and design expertise is useless. The work we do as designers and installers is important, even essential to the success of the project. But no matter how advanced the technology, how cool the toys, in the end it still comes back to emotions of the artist, brilliantly expressed through the music.” -- Vance Breshears, Director, Acoustic Dimensions
"As people move from analog to digital, infrastructure is being redesigned allowing for more flexible usage in new construction projects and easier upgrade paths in existing rooms. There is a generation of products with the same feature set and price, but the next generation is looking really interesting and will probably be the tipping point for all digital infrastructure as things become standardized and it makes it easier to mix and match gear. Right now, operational decisions have to be made in advance because mix methods are being locked in with the hardware that you buy. We believe the next generation can change that." --Ryan Knox, Senior Consultant, Acoustic Dimensions
CORPORATE
"Originally corporate audio, video and lighting was fairly cookie-cutter based on the square footage of the spaces. Now building automation extends way past MEP to encompass how the building works as a whole--and that includes audio, video and lighting. For example, look at digital signage--conference rooms and exhibit halls can now be scheduled through an integrated system and display what is happening room by room. This whole systems thinking is what ignited our interest in becoming involved in corporate a/v/l design."--Robert Rose, Acoustic Dimensions