Effective studio design starts with the infrastructure—not just the equipment, but the physical space itself. Floor plans, ceiling heights, acoustic isolation, and environmental systems all impact studio functionality. In corporate and ProAV settings, space optimization is crucial.
Ceiling clearance affects lighting and cabling; wall composition impacts sound. Even HVAC systems can affect audio quality. These factors are interconnected and influence the construction phase and beyond. Poor planning can limit production, introduce noise, or require costly retrofits. Early planning, based on clear operational goals and a production model, is essential. “One of the first decisions you need to make is whether the studio will operate through an on-site, cloud-based or hybrid production model. That choice drives all spatial and technical requirements, such as ceiling heights, acoustic treatments, HVAC, power, backup systems and IT infrastructure. Every decision from soundproofing to lighting depends on it,” said Todd Mason, CEO, Broadcast Management Group.
On-site production is traditional, with all functions happening within the facility. This requires dedicated control rooms, equipment racks, and robust HVAC and acoustic treatment. Cloud-based production shifts the technical load to virtual infrastructure, reducing local space needs but requiring high-bandwidth internet. Hybrid production combines both, offering flexibility but increasing design complexity.
“Space limitations are often underestimated, particularly when it comes to free-span areas for studios, ceiling height for lighting grids and proper acoustic isolation,” said Mason. Studios need to balance control room space, on-camera areas, lighting, and acoustic insulation. Ceiling height is vital; 12 to 14 feet is often recommended. “Redundant power, proper routing between rooms and accessibility for gear delivery should be part of the earliest conversations,” said Mason.
External noise is a major issue. Studios can mitigate this with floating floors, acoustic doors, and insulation. Ventilation systems need low-noise air handlers. Acoustic treatment manages internal sound behavior. Treatments like bass traps and acoustic panels balance the sound field.
Corporate video environments, whether contained facilities or multi-use rooms, must be designed thoughtfully. Infrastructure decisions impact technical capabilities and viewer experience.