Webster University | SVERDRUP Complex phase ii

St. Louis, Missouri

V Three Studios is proud to have recently completed the 23,00 square foot renovation of the Sverdrup Building for the School of Communications at Webster University. This project involved the complete transformation of the existing spaces within the school, including the addition of new state-of-the-art spaces, including a soundstage, audio suite, workshop, screening room, and classrooms.

The main goal of the renovation was to create a collaborative, cutting-edge learning environment that prepares students for the constantly evolving field of communication.To achieve this, V Three Studios incorporated an innovative design concept of turning the building inside out by exposing all the systems - mechanical, data, structural, etc - for the students and instructors to see. This allowed students to understand how the building infrastructure and the new audio/video technology work together to create their innovative learning environment.

V Three Studios previously completed phase I of Webster University’s School of Communications. Read more here.

We offer our students hands-on learning in environments that reflect the cutting-edge technology being used by the top communication companies in the world. Our faculty and staff worked closely with the architects and engineers to make sure that the spaces created reflected the leading edge of industry and would give our students a significant advantage in their chosen fields after graduation.
— Dean Eric Rothenbuhler, School of Communications

AUDIO SUITE

The audio suite is a particular highlight, with its acoustically isolated design using acoustic wall, floor, and ceiling assemblies to ensure excellent sound quality. The suite provides students with high-quality studios and isolation booths to record and edit music and sound effects using a range of industry-standard equipment, including high-quality microphones, audio interfaces, digital audio workstations, and other leading audio processing tools. In addition to standard audio recording and editing, the Audio Suite also includes specialized equipment and software for specific types of audio content, such as foley and sound effects creation. The Audio Suite was designed to have the ability to simulate any sound environment and create sound effects with high precision

Soundstage

The new soundstage at the renovated Sverdrup Building has transformed the School of Communications at Webster University into a hub of cutting-edge media production. The versatile space not only boasts excellent sound quality due to its acoustic treatment, but it is also equipped with advanced lighting and sound equipment that allows students to produce high-quality video and audio content. One of the most exciting features of the soundstage is its large LED screen that creates a virtual production studio. This screen provides students with the ability to display digital environments and camera tracking in real-time, which is an essential tool for filmmakers and video game designers alike. The virtual production environment enables students to experiment with creative ideas and iterate on them quickly, resulting in a faster production cycle and more polished final products. Additionally, the virtual production environment reduces the need for expensive location scouting and set design, making it a more cost-effective and sustainable option for media production.


In addition to these spaces, there is a live performance and recording room, a game design animation classroom, a photo studio, a photo gallery, a media production classroom, an updated theater, an Atmos Studio, and a set design/workshop makerspace. The media production classroom is equipped with advanced video and audio equipment, while the photo studio is a versatile space for photography projects.

Overall, this project is a testament to the commitment of Webster University and V Three Studios to providing students with facilities that prepare them for success in their chosen fields. The renovated Sverdrup Hall provides students with a range of state-of-the-art resources, allowing them to develop their skills and work on their projects in an environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. The new spaces and features create a real-world environment that allows students to gain practical experience and build a strong foundation for their future careers in audio engineering and film, TV, and video production.


[V Three Studios] design for the Sverdrup Building is wonderful and all I could have hoped for. All the creative spaces are exciting but I love [the] attention to detail with the Audio studios. They look marvelous, sound great and offer the Audio students a state-of-the-art environment for learning their craft and expressing their creativity. Thank you!
— Barry Hufker, Department Chair for Audio in Media Arts, Webster University

FEATURED VIDEO: Webster's School of Communications Puts State-of-the-Art Technology at Students' Fingertips