Architect Michael Lengacher reports in an interview on how productive the collaboration with Kilchenmann is.
The architectural firm Aebi & Vincent Architekten SIA AG has already realised numerous projects together with Kilchenmann as a partner. The most recent involved the conversion of the Bern market hall into a new outdoor world by Transa. In this interview, project manager Michael Lengacher talks about his experiences with the media and communication technology partner.
Mr Lengacher, how does such a project usually proceed? In which case and at what point does the media and communication technology partner come into play?
At the beginning, the client defines the basic requirements. Often, their needs are not yet clearly defined. As architects, we consult an electrical planner relatively early on. But when it comes to more complex things, such as the control of audio, video and lighting, we go directly to Kilchenmann as a media and communication technology provider. Usually this is already during the conception phase. They sit at the table right from the start because they know exactly how to deal with special requirements, what suitable solutions are and what the cost implications are. Fortunately, as an architect you are not a specialist in audio technology. We need someone who has the right components, finds simple solutions in terms of programming and operability and ensures that the components are linked.
"As architects, we are not specialists in audio technology, so fortunately Kilchenmann is at the table from the very beginning."
Was this approach also adopted for the Transa project?
Yes, whereby the initial situation was extraordinary. On the one hand, shop construction and furnishing were planned. On the other hand, the client expressed the wish that in future events, lectures and training courses could also be held in the shop outside of opening hours. This new approach was taken with a so-called pop-up space. This combined concept offered an unusual task that had to be approached first.
What did this initial situation mean in terms of media and communication technology?
For the concept, we could not fall back on reference projects, such as a school building. Screens, the microphone and audio system, a screen as well as a projector and the lighting technology had to be chosen against the background that both normal sales and various events are to take place in the shop. The aim was to work out a concept to create different scenarios and moods, especially with the help of the lighting. For this purpose, we worked with a lighting designer. Kilchenmann took care of the concept and installation of the control system.
What are Kilchenmann's strengths in a project like this?
Kilchenmann is very flexible and, I think, in smaller projects they could do a lot autonomously. They can cover the planning and conception, but also procure components and finally install them. They offer the whole range and also take over the coordination between the individual participants. They know exactly which people, for example partners, are needed and when. For us, it is a great added value in the project that Kilchenmann takes over the technical coordination between the specialists.
How were the cooperation and work processes in the Transa project?
We did not choose a specific model. During the process, interfaces were continuously defined. At the beginning we sat together, familiarised ourselves with the project and looked at who could provide which services. Here again Kilchenmann's flexibility became apparent. As an architect, you quickly notice whether a company has it under control and is well networked. Kilchenmann brings a very broad know-how and knew which levers had to be set in motion to make the project run.
"Because Kilchenmann manages such diverse and complex projects, the team is used to always finding new solutions and proactively addressing any difficulties."
What about any difficulties? How did Kilchenmann deal with them in the project process?
Because they manage such diverse and complex projects, they are used to constantly finding new solutions and proactively addressing any difficulties. On issues where the same discussions often arise, they keep their finger on the pulse early enough. In the initial phase, they often want to build the Ferrari. But you usually reach the point where you have to backtrack and look at what the client really needs. Kilchenmann is adept at reviewing a project against this background.
"With Kilchenmann, this works smoothly. As a partner, he thinks along with us right from the start, elicits technical possibilities and looks for the right high-quality products to take into account more specific ideas and scenarios."
How was it ensured in the project that aesthetic aspects and functionality of the technology go hand in hand?
In the Transa project, the good thing was that all those involved stimulated each other so that a community solution could emerge. That is the ideal case. As architects, we also have a design requirement for the technology. For us, for example, the question is how the lamp looks, is mounted and what mood it creates. Nowadays, technology has an increasingly large presence in the room. It should therefore be integrated and appear tidy. In addition, there are the client's ideas from the user's perspective. It takes willingness on all sides to find a solution together. With Kilchenmann, this works smoothly. As a partner, he thinks along with the client right from the start, investigates technical possibilities and looks for the right high-quality products to take into account even more specific ideas and scenarios.
"Kilchenmann offers the whole range and also takes care of the coordination between the individual parties involved."
Were there any special construction requirements that the Kilchenmann team had to observe?
In addition to the specific requirements of the client, there were also some structural challenges during assembly work, since it was a conversion. For existing building components such as the old ceilings, solutions had to be found that would preserve the substance. In this case, Trusse was used for this purpose. This way, the fastening in the old substance could be carried out in an orderly manner. These require fewer fixing points and at the same time one is more flexible when hanging components such as lights. The projector and loudspeakers could also be mounted on them.
"For us, it is a great added value in the project that Kilchenmann takes over the technical coordination between the specialists."
What can you say about efficiency and adherence to deadlines?
Of course, despite good planning, you can't always control everything, especially when it comes to delivery deadlines. But I would describe the Transa project as extremely efficient. A concept was created within a very short time. Audio and video components were installed while the conversion was still in progress. A certain amount of deadline pressure was omnipresent in the project, as the opening of the shop had already been publicly scheduled. The lighting had to be ready for use by then. This was also ensured, while less prioritised things were optimised afterwards.
"As an architect, you quickly notice whether a company has it under control and is well networked. Kilchenmann brings a very broad know-how and knew which levers had to be set in motion to make the project run."
And, would you recommend Kilchenmann to others?
I would definitely recommend Kilchenmann as a media and communication technology partner. They are absolutely specialised in their field. In fact, as an architect, I don't know many who can do all that as well. For me, Kilchenmann is the company on the square in Bern. People know them and their versatile skills. For further tasks, such as the Transa project, we will certainly talk again.
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