Click photos for a larger view
Outside Rotunda
|
As guiding architect of the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson brought a vision to college life built around what he called an “Academic Village.” Centrally located on the grounds of the University in Charlottesville, the UVA Rotunda is a stately domed structure used to host speaking events and boardroom-style meetings. Sound reinforcement naturally plays a vital role in giving voice to ideas and opinions heard within the space, but given the building’s landmark status and historical significance, its implementation wasn’t as simple as getting out a drill and running cable.
With the numerous reflective surfaces and large dome of the Rotunda, the project was acoustically challenging. But, while these features presented minor difficulties, the real obstacle to completing the job was that there could be no components permanently installed in the space whatsoever. The historical setting had to be preserved at all costs, and that meant no cutting or drilling anywhere.
Therefore, all components had to be wireless and the system’s loudspeakers deployed as needed on portable stands. The University initially wanted all necessary rackmount equipment to be kept out of the room as well, but ultimately allowed a small amount of space for portable racks that could be rolled in and hidden under tables, then rolled back out when not in use.
The completed system includes twenty-four Shure wireless microphones and receivers and four Tannoy portable speakers (broken into four zones: mix – minus) that are powered by a QSC four channel audio amplifier. The system also includes Symetrix DSP mixers utilizing CobraNet technology to provide mixes to the program speakers, a Marantz solid state recorder as well as providing a dedicated audio feed to media personnel who can be seated in a separate “Press Room”. This system, designed and installed by The Whitlock Group, is not only technologically advanced, but also fits nicely into the Rotunda from an aesthetic standpoint, as all of the components are portable and can be wheeled into a closet for secure storage when not in use.
|
