An integrated passive and active room acoustics + sound reinforcement system design solution for a large worship space

Abstract

The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, with more than 16,000 adult members and an average weekly worship attendance of more than 8,600, recently completed a new 3,500-seat worship space. The new sanctuary building has an ellipsoidal plan shape and a very tall ceiling to address an important programmatic goal to achieve “A Sense of Majesty”. Acoustical goals included warm speech throughout all seating areas with acoustics inspiring to create a high level of energy therefore encourage high level of participation. Furthermore, the church wants to support both traditional (orchestra and choir) and contemporary (Praise band with vocalists) styles of music in this new worship space. These programming goals, to some extent, are in conflict with one another. Particularly the architectural goal of having a soaring space is in conflict with the goals for a space that provides acoustical support of corporate worship. Since the walls and ceiling are too far away from most of the seating area to provide beneficial sound reflections to support corporate worship and to support traditional music, an electronic enhancement system was provided to electronically create the early sound reflections that could be created by a lower ceiling.