Rendering of the broadcast studio
PBS Appalachia’s innovative studio design combines the creativity and knowledge of Lucia Schneider, an architectural designer with BurWil Construction, and Julie Newman, vice president and general manager for PBS Appalachia Virginia. Newman’s vision was to create a space combining cutting edge broadcasting technology with natural materials and the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains—in Newman’s words: “Appalachian chic.”
PBS Appalachia sourced the companies to supply the equipment for the state-of-the -art 4,000 square foot television studio. FX Design group of Orlando, Florida, designed the studio, and DVG Digital Video Group of Orlando supplied the broadcast and production systems. BurWil brought on board several local companies that contributed to the project. Among them are Air Space Acoustics & Lighting Trends of Knoxville, Tennessee, Inspire Business Interiors and Essyx Design of Johnson City, Tennessee, Black Copper Woodworking of Bristol, Virginia, and Ben Walls Photography of Bristol, Virginia. Nationwide specialty consultants like Ketchum-Walton of Nashville, Tennessee, contributed as well.
Casino-goers can stop at the 46-foot-long acoustical glass wall to catch a glimpse of the broadcasting live. The outside wall is equipped with cone-shaped speakers that enable the spectators to hear what’s happening inside, but a mere three feet away the sound is not discernible. At the press of a button the transparent glass wall can become opaque. The studio inside is totally soundproof.
Upon entering the foyer, a visitor will see a display case filled with 30 plus awards, including 12 Emmys, already awarded for programming. The pièce de résistance in the studio itself is an impressive 42-foot curved wall with a 28 foot LED wall that allows for flexibility in lighting and sets. The angled walls throughout the space provide for a variety of backdrops.
Schneider has been an architectural designer for Burwil since 2006. She is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Urban Design of Ecuador. Some of her designs around the area include Just Jump Trampoline Park, Starbucks, TMobile, Chicken Salad Chick and Buddy’s BBQ, all at the Pinnacle of Bristol. Her design for Guthrie Dentistry on Bluff City Highway received the Association of General Contractors of America, East Tennessee Chapter Project of the Year as well as Architect of the Year awards.
As for PBS Appalachia, Schneider says, “I have been fortunate to design a variety of unique and exciting projects with BurWil, but I never thought I would have the tremendous opportunity of designing a television studio, especially one that is going to pioneer digital broadcasting in our area. The collaboration and relationship built with Julie Newman and Will Anderson, president and CEO of PBS Appalachia Virginia, has been symbiotic. I feel very proud of the space we have created together.”
