Sound sustainability

When the International School Bangkok (ISB) renovated its ISB Theater, it made a decision that combined performance, practicality and sustainability: rather than investing in a completely new sound system, the school chose to repurpose its existing L-Acoustics setup, originally installed in 2017. The move not only reduced environmental impact and costs, but it also demonstrated the lasting value of a well-specified and well-maintained audio system.

Located in the Nonthaburi Area of Bangkok, ISB is regarded as one of Thailand’s leading international schools, offering a broad academic curriculum programme to approximately 1,800 students, from Pre-K to Grade 12, from over 61 countries. Its expansive campus includes science and design labs, technology-forward libraries and learning spaces, plus extensive sports facilities and performance venues.

The ISB Theater, which was originally built in 1991, was identified for a major upgrade in 2023 to accommodate larger events and more advanced technical capabilities. “We’ve operated the ISB Theater for many years with only minor renovations,” says Marc de Vries, the school’s chief financial officer. “We decided to expand seating, improve access with a new mezzanine entrance and upgrade the equipment to match the evolving needs of our performances. The goal was to bring the facility up to a professional level, so students could gain real-life experience in performance environments.”

Prior to the upgrade, the theatre hosted a multitude of productions with an L-Acoustics K Series sound system which had been installed in 2017. That system was selected to replace speakers that had been in use for 25 years after a shootout involving five major audio brands. “We ultimately chose L-Acoustics for its sound quality, the performance of the K Series, its visual appeal and the strong technical support from both Vision One and L-Acoustics,” explains theatre manager Sathit Kaivalvatana. “It’s been reliable and has delivered consistently since day one.”

From a sustainability standpoint, the decision to reuse and expand the existing system is a model that more AV projects could follow. “Extending the life of a system and building on what’s already there is a big part of L-Acoustics’ sustainability approach,” remarks Chua. “We’re not just about selling new gear. We want to help clients get the most out of their systems and avoid unnecessary waste. It’s better for the client and it’s better for the environment.”

The ISB Theater project demonstrates how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. With thoughtful planning and strong collaboration, the school has delivered a space that meets professional standards, supports a diverse range of activities and avoids unnecessary environmental impact. Sometimes, the best solution isn’t a brand-new one – it’s one that’s already proven its worth.

Given the system’s performance over eight years, the idea of reusing it for the newly renovated theatre quickly gained traction. “ISB were very satisfied with the original system we installed,” says Pete Akarat Thitipattakul, business development manager at L-Acoustics’ Thai distributor, Vision One. “So, when they decided to renovate the ISB Theater and start afresh, reusing the existing system just made sense – it had been working exceptionally well.”

Renovation work began in June 2023, with an investment of approximately US$2.5mn going into the theatre upgrade. Following the project’s completion this year, seating capacity has been increased from 550 to 618 fixed seats, with the option to expand to 818 loose seating for larger events. The control booth has been enlarged and relocated, a new orchestra pit has been implemented to support live music performances and the room has undergone acoustic treatment to optimise sound performance, with the installation of a custom-designed origami-style acoustic ceiling.

“ISB is located in the northern suburbs of Bangkok, where there are no professional theatre facilities nearby,” de Vries explains. “We wanted a space that could be used by the community as well, and that meant designing it as a flexible, multipurpose venue. We couldn’t build a full concert hall or a pure theatre – it had to do a bit of everything and sound quality was a major factor in making that work.”

For Kaivalvatana, maintaining consistent sound quality across a wide range of event types was a priority: “We wanted to retain the same clarity and scalability we had with the original L-Acoustics system before the renovation. The ISB Theater will host everything from musicals and concerts to student-led performances, assemblies and film screenings, so the system had to be flexible.”

Vision One worked with L-Acoustics engineers to reconfigure the existing system for the new facility, using the manufacturer’s Soundvision 3D modelling software to determine optimal speaker placements. “Once we modelled the space, it became clear that the layout would be very different from the original installation,” notes Thitipattakul. The original KIVA II loudspeakers, SB15M and SB18 subwoofers and 5XT point source cabinets were reused, and the system was expanded to suit the new room. Two additional KIVA II speakers and five extra 5XT units were added, along with a P1 processor and an L10 AVB switch for enhanced audio networking and control. “The aim was to ensure every event runs smoothly, with high-quality, reliable sound that matches the versatility of the space,” Thitipattakul adds.

L-Acoustics’ APAC sales manager, Eric Chua, who worked alongside the Vision One team throughout the project, declares the K Series to be the perfect solution for the theatre: “It hits the sweet spots in the space, it’s compact, powerful and gives an even coverage. Whether you are sitting right at the front or in the back of the theatre, you hear the same clear sound. Plus, with its sleek design, KIVA II fits perfectly into the ISB environment where aesthetics also matter.”

Reflecting on the differences between the original system installed back in 2017 and the reconfigured solution in the ISB Theater, Chua adds: “The difference is noticeable. Speech is clearer, music is fuller and there’s a greater consistency across the space. We also improved the subwoofer setup and integrated smarter control tools, giving the ISB AV team more flexibility to monitor and adjust the system as needed.”

Beyond the audio setup, the theatre upgrade includes a new stage lighting system running on the Art-Net protocol, a Panasonic video-over-IP projection system and additional rigging infrastructure. de Vries says the space plays a crucial role in student life: “Community is important at ISB, so having a space where all students can come together to celebrate achievements is key. But, just as importantly, we want our performers to have access to an inspirational, professional environment – something that encourages them to pursue theatre or the arts.”

Support and collaboration throughout the project was a continuation of the partnership that began with the install in 2017. “We’ve had a strong relationship with ISB,” notes Thitipattakul. “From the beginning, we’ve provided ongoing support and maintenance to make sure the system stays in good condition and performs over time.” Kaivalvatana agrees: “The support from both Vision One and L-Acoustics has been excellent. Their teams have a deep understanding of the system and I’ve learned a lot from working with them. They’re not just delivering equipment; they’re providing a solution that fits our space and our needs.”

From a sustainability standpoint, the decision to reuse and expand the existing system is a model that more AV projects could follow. “Extending the life of a system and building on what’s already there is a big part of L-Acoustics’ sustainability approach,” remarks Chua. “We’re not just about selling new gear. We want to help clients get the most out of their systems and avoid unnecessary waste. It’s better for the client and it’s better for the environment.”

The ISB Theater project demonstrates how sustainability and performance can go hand in hand. With thoughtful planning and strong collaboration, the school has delivered a space that meets professional standards, supports a diverse range of activities and avoids unnecessary environmental impact. Sometimes, the best solution isn’t a brand-new one – it’s one that’s already proven its worth.