In the heart of Johannesburg’s cultural landscape stands the magnificent Tzu Chi Temple, a beacon of spiritual enlightenment and tranquillity. However, behind its serene faced lies a world of intricate design and technological innovation. It is all thanks to the collaborative efforts of Prosound and acclaimed designer, Dennis Hutchinson. Together, they have crafted an audiovisual masterpiece that seamlessly integrates with the temple’s sacred ambiance.
Designing for a temple presents a unique set of challenges. As Hutchinson explains; “There’s a lot more constraints and restraints when designing for a temple, especially when the client is sitting in Taiwan.” The team had to think innovatively to meet the temple’s requirements.
Charles, a key member of the Prosound team, contributed invaluable insights and technical expertise to the project. “Tzu Chi was an interesting project, mainly because of the different elements involved; sound, lighting, video, and the ability to livestream,” he shared. “The main problem was to design a system that was flexible, but still easy enough for volunteers to use. We used a combination of hardware from different manufacturers to achieve this goal.”
One of the primary considerations was creating a lighting design that complemented the temple’s aesthetic while meeting practical needs. “We needed decent colour rendering in a compact form,” says Hutchinson. The solution came in the form of ETC Irideon architectural fixtures controlled by an ETC Echo Touch panel. This provided versatile presets for seamless transitions and subtle enhancements without overpowering the sacred space.
However, the design had to go beyond mere functionality; it had to embody the temple’s ethos of simplicity and harmony. “Everything needed to support in a theatrical way without it being theatrical.,” Hutchinson emphasises. This delicate balance between practicality and reverence informed every aspect of the design, from speaker placements to concealed technology.
Moreover, with livestreaming becoming increasingly integral to the temple’s outreach, the audio-visual setup had to cater to both in-person and remote audiences. Dennis explained that, “Everything is live-streamed, not only to outside of the temple, but also to various overflow rooms with in”. Prosound’s expertise ensured effortless integration of audio and visual elements, enriching the experience for all participants.
Charles highlighted the utilisation of the Symetrix system as the heart of the audio system. Additionally, we implemented the Symetrix W3 control panels in each of the 5 classrooms. These panels enabled seamless control over audio, video sources, and projector functions from a single interface, enhancing user experience and operational efficiency.
In the realm of sound, Hutchinson faced the challenge of concealing technology while delivering pristine audio. “It all had to virtually be concealed,” he explains. Drawing from his theatrical background, Hutchinson applied the principle that “if you notice lights, you designed it wrong.” Therefore seamlessly integrating sound solutions, Prosound elevated the temple’s atmosphere without intruding on its serenity. The main sound system featured Meyer X20 speakers, chosen for their exceptional clarity and smooth response.
The project culminates in a harmonious symphony of light, sound, and technology. Prosound’s commitment to excellence shone through. This project needed AV, sound, and lighting solutions – all supplied by Prosound. Together, Dennis, Charles, and Prosound have illuminated Tzu Chi Temple. A timeless blend of tradition and innovation, enriching the spiritual journey for visitors and worshippers alike.
