Infinity Sound has received as the 2024 Commercial Integration Award Winner for Best K-12 Project for its work on Forney Opportunity Central!
Opportunity Central is a unique and innovative concept set to revolutionize the way schools and communities educate future generations. This initiative combines several elements to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for students and the Forney community. At its core, Opportunity Central functions as a career and college center, offering guidance and resources to help students plan and pursue their academic and professional futures.
Additionally, the complex includes a multi-purpose facility designed to host a wide range of events and activities, fostering a community atmosphere. One of the standout features is the student-run business hub, which provides young entrepreneurs with the opportunity to develop real-world business skills and gain valuable hands-on experience. This aspect of the project not only prepares students for future careers but also instills a sense of responsibility and leadership.
Overall, Opportunity Central is designed to create new opportunities for everyone in the Forney Family, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experiences they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. This imaginative and forward-thinking initiative is set to become a cornerstone of the community, transforming the way education is approached and delivered.
How Infinity Sound Won the Project
Infinity Sound’s connection with this project began when the integrator received a public bid invitation from Gallagher Construction Company, the construction manager for the project. The bid was for the Integrated Audio Video Systems and Equipment, a crucial component of the new facility. The Infinity Sound team carefully reviewed the project requirements and prepared a comprehensive proposal that showcased its expertise and competitive pricing.
Thorough Evaluation
Per the company, the selection committee recognized the value brought to the table — a blend of technical proficiency, innovative solutions and cost-effectiveness. They appeared particularly impressed by Infinity Sound’s approach to integrating cutting-edge audiovisual technology with the architectural vision of the new facility.
After a thorough evaluation process, which included detailed presentations and discussions about the proposed solutions, Infinity Sound was awarded the contract. This selection affirmed the company’s reputation as a leading integrator capable of handling complex, large-scale audiovisual projects in the education sector.
The Installation
Photo courtesy: Infinity Sound.
Forney Opportunity Central (OC) is a unique facility offering a wide array of programs that cater to diverse interests and career aspirations. Here, residents of Forney will have access to various spaces on the OC campus for meetings, recreation, tournaments, concerts, trade shows, banquets, college classes, theater productions, and businesses operating within the facility. Local families can also take advantage of amenities such as an early childhood center, a 600-seat blackbox theater, a coffee shop and more.
The integration of the community is what sets this facility apart. Greg Pharris, president of the Forney ISD School Board, emphasizes, “The more opportunities we can provide to involve our community in creating experiences for students to learn, the better the outcomes for everyone.”
Main Features
The OC boasts several advanced systems and facilities, including:
- A competition arena
- A live concert venue
- A broadcast studio
- A recording studio
- A podcast studio
- Digital signage
- An auditorium
- Flexible teaching spaces
These features make Opportunity Central a groundbreaking initiative, providing exceptional opportunities for students and the broader community to learn, grow, and succeed together.
Addressing Main Challenges
The installation at Forney ISD’s Opportunity Central was a complex undertaking that showcased Infinity Sound’s ability to manage multi-faceted projects. This ground-up construction project encompassed a diverse range of spaces, including an arena, theater, broadcast suite, podcast studio, audio recording studio and various classroom spaces. Each area presented unique audiovisual challenges and opportunities.
One of the primary challenges faced was the intricate coordination required with numerous other trades. Audiovisual systems are inherently interdependent with various aspects of construction, from electrical and HVAC to structural and finishing work. The Infinity Sound team took a proactive approach, establishing clear lines of communication with the construction manager, Gallagher Construction Company, and other subcontractors from the outset.
Here, they implemented a strategic milestone-based timeline, clearly outlining the requirements and dependencies at each stage of the project. This approach allowed the team to anticipate potential issues and address them before they could impact the project schedule. Regular coordination meetings and on-site consultations became a crucial part of our project management strategy.
As with many large-scale projects, the team encountered some time pressures when the deadline approached. Nevertheless, the team rose to the challenge, working extended hours to ensure that key systems remained operational for scheduled events in the new spaces. This commitment to meeting deadlines, even in the face of unforeseen obstacles, is a hallmark of Infinity Sound’s professional ethos.
True Collaboration
Throughout the installation, the team maintained a collaborative spirit, recognizing that the success of the project depended on the collective efforts of all involved parties. Infinity Sound team’s expertise in audiovisual integration, combined with the skills and dedication of the entire construction team, resulted in a seamless integration of state-of-the-art AV systems into this impressive educational facility.
Fulfilling All Project Requirements
The project duration spanned over a year, allowing the team to meticulously install and fine-tune each system to meet the specific needs of Forney ISD. The result is a cutting-edge audiovisual infrastructure that enhances the educational and performance capabilities of the institution.
“This facility is designed with flexible spaces that can be transformed to accommodate future career and college programs, various sizes of events, student-led initiatives and business partnerships to give students real-world experiences,” remarks Dr. Justin Terry, superintendent of Forney ISD.
