OCTAV - Architectural Acoustics & Audio-Visual Systems

Consulting and Design-Build Services

Architectural Acoustics
Audio Visual Systems

/integrated design/
"a design outcome in which many different parts are closely connected and work successfully together"

Who we are

Shaping Experiences. Removing Barriers. Building Connections.

We merge art, science, technology, architecture and engineering. We consult, design, build, commission, train, and service. We shape the experience of any building user by crafting a seamless, frictionless acoustic and technology environment.

Our Services

Interior Acoustics

Sound Isolation

Building Mechanical Noise & Vibration

Pro Audio-Visual

Broadcast Video

Theatrical Lighting

Control Systems

Design & Documentation

Project Management

Installation

Commissioning & Optimization

How we can help

We believe that great design requires a holistic approach. By integrating consulting and design-build services under one roof for both architectural acoustics and audio-visual systems, we offer superior service and quality for the project outcome. Regardless of the application, acoustics and audio-visual are intimately interconnected. As one example, an optimal conferencing and streaming environment requires:

Low background noise (building mechanical noise and vibration)
Privacy from surrounding spaces (sound isolation)
Control of reverberation and early sound reflections for speech intelligibility (interior acoustics)
Acoustic echo cancellation, audio signal processing and monitoring (audio)
Camera switching and cueing or tracking, with clean aesthetics and effective visuals (video)
Centralized controls and monitoring of all systems, with implementation of artificial intelligence (control system)

Optimal electro-acoustic quality is achieved by designing for all aspects of architectural acoustics. Acoustical sound quality is realized when the audio signal processing is managed effectively. Superior visuals are achieved when all equipment, environmental systems and acoustics are elegantly and seamlessly integrated. A control system intelligently adapts to the users, room acoustics, audio, and visuals to provide the best experience. Everything is connected.

Conference Rooms & Collaborative Workspaces

For effective communication within the modern hybrid meeting, or to create an inspiring innovative workspace, people require a “frictionless” technology system that operates within an acoustically controlled environment. If all aspects of architectural acoustics are considered and designed together with the audio-visual technology elements, the spaces will have a high degree of speech clarity on both the “near end” (in person) and “far end” (remote) sites. By developing a flexible and quality video reproduction system and creating an inspiring ambiance, the space will be conducive for learning, engaging, meeting, testing, imagining, and planning. We can even take advantage of modern artificial intelligence so that the space learns to adapt to your needs and desires. The possibilities are endless.

Multi-purpose Event Spaces & Hotels

Digital signage and wayfinding, background music, conference, meeting, and huddle rooms, ballrooms, hotel rooms, elevators, ice machines, mechanical equipment, restaurants, bars, fitness centres, reception, public address communications. The list goes on... Event spaces and hotels are highly complex environments that have a multitude of acoustical and technological demands. We will work alongside you to ensure these spaces are designed effectively and flexibly, with centralized controls.

Recording Studios

In today’s world, recording studios are highly versatile spaces. They are in commercial and residential spaces. They are tiny and large. They are used to engineer, mix, or master the greatest hits, record a podcast, or join a conference call. Sometimes they are also a master control centre for your home. They are multi purpose work spaces within purposefully designed acoustical, audio, lighting and visual environments.

Performing Arts Theatres

A multi-purpose or performing arts theatre is a collaborative effort between the architect and acoustical / technology designers. Often the space requires that the acoustics and technology adapt to the scheduled program. In the case of orchestral or choral music, it must be reverberant and enveloping. But for an event or conference, speech clarity and intelligibility is essential. Variable acoustic systems should be integrated with the help of touch screen control, which will provide the required foundation for the audio-visual technology to do its job successfully. Even by installing a brand new, well designed loudspeaker system, speech intelligibility can be very poor. We do 3D acoustical modeling in concert with 3D loudspeaker modeling to determine clarity, intelligibility, reverberation time, envelopment, loudspeaker coverage, and more. We do hybrid ray tracing and computational analysis. We model all materials. We auralize (listen before it’s built). There is a lot that goes into it, but ultimately, we help create spaces that are aurally and visually spatial, with seamlessly integrated acoustics and technology, all while maintaining an intimate and transparent feel.

House of worship

It is imperative for patrons of a worship community to be fully engaged in the musical worship and spoken word elements. A homily must sound clear so it is not fatiguing, but music should be engaging. There should be consistent sound throughout the seating area. All seats should have optimal sight lines. The projectors should not vibrate the image. You shouldn’t notice when the HVAC system kicks in. There may be a need for a quality online video broadcast, requiring good lighting and cameras. We can help, however complex or simple the situation. New construction or existing building fit up.

Sports & Fitness

Often, sports and fitness facilities have excessive reverberation that degrades speech intelligibility through any public address or music reinforcement system. There should be a balance between the desirable energy created by excitement from patrons and music, yet be well controlled for good sound quality. The visual atmosphere should accommodate the type of fitness session and desired ambiance through creative and functional lighting. In addition, there should be simple and intuitive controls of the entire technology system from wired or wireless touch screen controllers. The spaces must be flexible to accommodate a wide range of fitness activities from classes to events, performances and music videos. We will design and integrate a system that works best for you.

Lecture Halls & Classrooms

It has been shown that an inadequate acoustical environment and/or technology system has a strong negative impact on learner comprehension. To make sure students succeed, the content being delivered must be unhindered by a lack of speech intelligibility. Visuals must be delivered clearly so that they are not a strain on the eyes. Controlling all microphones, speakers, laptops and videos should be simple and intuitive. Time shouldn’t be wasted trying to get glitchy technology to work. Combining all aspects of architectural acoustics and audio visual technology is what we do, so that you can focus on what is most important.

Offices

For workers in an office to be productive, they require both acoustical comfort (not too loud, not too quiet) and acoustical privacy. Creating this environment requires all aspects of architectural acoustics (noise control from mechanical services, interior reverberation control, sound isolation of wall partitions, floors, ceilings, windows, doors, etc.), in addition to sound masking technology. Offices can’t afford to lose people, their most valuable asset, to acoustical annoyances, discomfort or lack of privacy. The small investment up front saves money, and far more.

Cultural Centres

From tranquil museums to interactive art or room experiences, we work on a wide range of environments. Acoustics and audio-visual technology systems help craft an experience, invoke a feeling, draw your attention, and guide a story. Yet, they shouldn’t be noticed. We intimately understand how to use the knowledge and tools at our disposal to make these spaces come to life.