Thanks to a custom audiovisual system designed by Thorburn Associates Inc., the wheels of justice are turning more efficiently at the new Judicial Center in Georgetown, South Carolina, which opened its doors June 30.
The new, 79,000-square-foot facility, designed by Tych & Walker Architects LLP of Murrells Inlet, SC, brings the county’s judicial services together under one roof. Thorburn Associates, a leading technology engineering and acoustics company with significant business designing systems for courthouses, has offices in Raleigh-Durham, NC and in California.
Thorburn Associates was able to fulfill the client mandate within a pre-determined budget. “Usually we ask questions of facility managers and end users, then develop and present a system description narrative and audiovisual budget projection for approval,” explains Thorburn Associates Principal Steven J. Thorburn, PE, LEED-AP. “This project was different: Georgetown County informed us of their maximum allowance and asked us to design to that budget, which we did. It was a somewhat unusual approach, and one that is becoming more common in budget-conscious times.”
Key to the success of the project was the close collaboration between architect and system designer. Tych and Walker brought Thorburn Associates on board at an early stage of project development, which helped make the best use of the available budget. “It was extremely valuable to bring them into the discussion early,” says Michael C. Walker, AIA LEED-AP of Tych and Walker. “It helped us explore available options and provide the best solutions. There was a great comfort level working with Thorburn Associates. With their expertise, there was no doubt about the execution.”
Thorburn Associates designed audiovisual systems for three general-use courtrooms within the Judicial Center: one master in equity/probate courtroom, two family courtrooms and one jury assembly/meeting room. Every courtroom features full audio recording capability. Microphones are strategically located near the judge, witness, attorneys and court clerk. Additional microphones are provided around the room to capture the voices of attorneys as they address the witness or jury directly. Audio output connectors are provided for use by court reporters who use portable electronic recording devices.
Each system also has provisions for connection to the latest computer based recording software. Two of the larger courtrooms are equipped with full video evidence display capability. Individual 17-inch and 19-inch high-resolution monitors are installed at the jury box, attorney tables, judge’s bench, clerk’s desk and witness stand. Connectors for portable video devices such as laptops or portable video decks allow video evidence to be displayed on all the courtroom monitors. A DVD/VHS combination player is also provided at the clerk’s desk. Power, conduit and data requirements for the systems include capacity for future expansion.
“The judicial system is intrinsic to our society,” says Walker. “This building is the symbol of commitment to our community.”
About Thorburn Associates Inc.
Thorburn Associates Inc. is a professional service firm providing technology consulting, system design and acoustical engineering for the public, commercial, corporate, leisure, residential and retail sectors, and for houses of worship. Thorburn Associates works in both new construction and renovations, as an independent consulting firm offering unbiased designs to improve communication and fully realize the functionality of all projects.
Headquartered in Castro Valley, California, with regional offices in Los Angeles and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, Thorburn Associates has been recognized as one of the leading firms in the business of technology and acoustical engineering. In the course of 17 years in business, the company's projects have received multiple awards, from the International Communications Industry Association (ICIA-InfoComm), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Themed Entertainment Association (TEA). Thorburn Associates principal Steven J. Thorburn, PE, LEED-AP, Associate AIA is sitting president of TEA. Visit www.ta-inc.com.
About Tych & Walker Architects, LLP
Tych & Walker Architects, LLP is a full service architectural firm located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. It provides meaningful design to the local community and is dedicated to serving their client’s needs while maintaining budget requirements. Over 20 years of experience providing architectural services to the Carolinas has seasoned the firm’s awareness of the region and enables it to respond with sensitivity to the local environment. Visit www.tych-walkerarchitects.com.
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