(Part 2 of 2)

Click here to read Part 1 (numbers 12-7) 

6. Working From an Unrealistic Budget

Developing a realistic budget from the very beginning of a project will make or break the function of technical systems.  If a church is aware of the monetary need early, then fund raising and other planning can be tailored appropriately.  Often, cost cutting is imposed without an awareness of the functions that are cut. When this occurs in technical systems more function is usually cut than cost.  As an example, if a project is 20% over budget, cutting 20% from the audio budget will likely leave you with <50% of a working system (if it still works at all).  What would happen if you were to cut 20% from the structural steel budget?

5. Poorly Designed Sound Systems

Always have an unbiased professional design the loudspeaker system.  This system design must include an awareness of the acoustical envelope of the space in order to minimize negative interactions.  They also need to make sure that you are being provided with the correct type and quantity of loudspeakers in the proper locations.  This is especially beneficial if this person has your best interest in mind, and isn’t driven by their available product markup or brand loyalty.

 4. Un-Addressed Sight Lines

All too often, no one asked if the congregation would be able to see clearly the people on the platform of the projection screens.  A flat and deep gymnasium floor will have a very negative impact on sight lines.  In this instance, a tall platform is often necessary.  Raising the platform height will then raise the minimum height for projection screens, and ultimately, the overall ceiling height of your space.

 3. Acoustics as an Afterthought

How can you worship if you can’t understand what the pastor is saying?  A bad approach to building projects that we often see is to treat aesthetics as a number one priority, and the ability to hear as a very low priority.  It is always in everyone’s best interest to “Do it right the first time”.  With proper planning, acoustical materials can blend into the aesthetic of the space, and look as if they were meant to be there.

2. Not Getting a Professional Involved Early

Involve an acoustical engineering professional during the earliest schematic stage of the building process.  This will ultimately save design time caused from redesigns, as well as make the completed space perform better acoustically, and technically.  This professional should be able to help you with acoustical treatment in your worship space as well as infrastructure requirements for the technical systems (power, conduit…).  They should also evaluate the expected HVAC system noise and key building construction methods and materials needed to minimize noise transmission.

1. Discounting the Importance of Properly Training and Supporting Your Technicians.

Poorly trained technicians are extremely capable of reducing a multi-million dollar technology system to a useless pile of cardboard and copper.  Training and appreciating your technicians will go a long way toward making every worship service free from technical distractions.  Most of these volunteer workers view their participation as their form of ministry, and as such, take what they do very personally, and are also often prone to over working themselves.