AV Design for Architects and Designers, Part II
In this second installment of our guide for architects and designers, we dive deeper into the practical considerations of integrating AV systems into architectural projects — from early design phase collaboration to commissioning and beyond.
AV infrastructure requirements should be addressed in the schematic design phase, not as an afterthought during construction documents. Key considerations include conduit routing, power requirements, network infrastructure, acoustic treatment, and equipment cooling — all of which directly impact architectural decisions.
The most successful AV integrations happen when the AV designer is at the table from day one. This allows for genuine integration rather than retrofit. Equipment locations, sight lines, acoustic requirements, and cable pathways can all be optimized when considered alongside architectural design.
Non-proprietary systems like QuickSilver® ensure that technology can evolve without requiring architectural modifications. When infrastructure is designed for standard IT-grade equipment rather than proprietary black boxes, venues can upgrade individual components without forklift replacements.