Synthesis was contracted by the NYS Office of General Services to design the renovation of the Hearing Rooms in the NYS Legislative Office Building in Albany, New York. Three separate hearing rooms provide approximately eleven hundred (1,100) seats for the public viewing of Senate and Assembly hearings and debates.

In addition to enhanced aesthetics and improved acoustics, a focus of the renovation was modernization of the obsolete audio/visual systems and installation of new lighting and video equipment to respond to the contemporary need to broadcast Hearing Room proceedings. Synthesis’ design incorporates all criteria into a unified design of the space.

The required equipment and technology was incorporated into the room finishes. Cameras, speakers, and projectors were concealed in built-in consoles and trim so that they are virtually invisible. A new indirect house lighting system was installed creating pleasant ambient lighting and enhancing the original architecture of the space. The overall design has a “contemporary” aesthetic which coordinates with, and complements the classic modern design of the Legislative Office Building and the Empire State Plaza.

NYS Legislative Office Building Hearing Rooms - Project Page