The Multimedia Broadcast Center (MBC) will provide the Voice of America (VOA) with an integrated studio for television, radio, and Internet media broadcasting. The center will be built out of an existing 35,000 SF office space located within the first floor of the historic Cohen Building in Washington, DC. When completed it will house an open style television (TV) studio integrated with working offices of the VOA, similar to many commercial broadcasters such as CNN and CBS. Adjacent to the TV studio will be smaller TV and radio studio spaces provided with acoustical treatments and control room editing capabilities. Internet broadcasting media will be located in close proximity to TV and radio studios for easier assimilation of news into this newer media.

Syska Hennessy Group is performing the MBC renovation under the General Services Administration’s (GSA) First Impressions Program. The intent of the program is to create public spaces where people feel welcome, safe, and professionally served by eliminating clutter, consolidating services, streamlining security, and unifying building signage. This approach was the central theme behind the design for the center. The final configuration of which will include a Public Gallery to overlook studio spaces allowing first hand access to VOA operations. A Visitor’s Center will also be provided and will include a historical perspective of VOA through audio and visual displays.