J. Walter Thompson

Project
J. Walter Thompson (JWT)
Chicago, IL

As the world's oldest advertising agency - with a rich history of firsts - J. Walter Thompson (JWT) wanted their relocation to the Merchandise Mart in Chicago to represent their accomplishments via astounding technology that looked toward the future.

J. Walter Thompson had a vision. They wanted a facility design that was cutting edge - a place of firsts - since they were first to create a TV ad, first to broadcast a radio spot, first in so many ways.

Committed to excellence, JWT enlisted the help of H.O.K as the facility architect, Turner Construction as the contractor and AVI Midwest as the A/V Design-Build Integrator to design a new office space that would inspire imagination and build enduring relationships between brands and consumers.

Challenge
Much of the audio-visual technology was to be built around the lobby displays. Although the original concept called for pillars with plasma monitors, the CEO wanted something more elaborate to accommodate their vision of firsts.

AVI's design team created a concept for a large-scale media wall that would utilize a seamless 24.6' x 44" screen with rear screen projection from five projectors mounted on the ceiling. Next, they had to be sure that JWT's creative department could create media content large enough to fit the massive media wall. And then the images needed to be blended together from one projector to another without distortion or a curved image.

Solution
The solution was found at InfoComm with AV Stumpfl's multi-display software and Silicon Optix' ImageAnyplace video scaler that features two Warp levels: one for the entire screen and one for individual displays.

The result is a first-of-a-kind in its own rite - a large-scale media wall that engages and attracts clients as it digitally showcases the agency's dynamic video content.

The first impression of the agency begins as visitors ascend an escalator that takes them directly into JWT offices. The effective, interactive lobby display leads visitors around the corner to the reception desk and throughout the reception hall.

In addition to the lobby, JWT wanted state-of-the-art meeting spaces that would inspire creative thinking and collaboration on ideas. Ten rooms are designed with leading-edge media like SMARTBoards and plasma display monitors. They include an executive boardroom, café, focus group facility and multiple conference rooms.

Beyond
Advertising agencies are just one industry example of how we implement our full range of capabilities at Audiovisual, Inc. From hotels and convention centers … to colleges and universities … to broadcast and production studios … to corporate facilities around the world … virtually every industry benefits from using leading-edge technology. Our engineers and technical support team can design a seamless, integrated system for your business, too.