Clarity with Reverence: Lourdes Forane Church, Kerala
Ansata and d&b audiotechnik deliver intelligible and even sound for a sacred space
Setting the Scene
Lourdes Forane Church in Kerala is a place of prayer, reflection, and community gathering. Like many traditional churches, its architecture is designed to inspire awe and contemplation, with expansive interiors and reflective surfaces that enhance the visual experience of the place.
For worshippers, however, clarity of speech is essential. Sermons, readings, and liturgical music must be heard clearly by the congregation without distracting from the sanctity of the space. To achieve this balance, the church sought a professional sound system that respected both the acoustic challenges and the architectural integrity of the building.
The Challenge
The church environment presented specific acoustic and aesthetic requirements:
- High speech intelligibility in a naturally reverberant space
- Controlled sound dispersion to minimise reflections and echo buildup
- A system that remained visually discreet, blending seamlessly with the church’s interior
- Natural, unforced reinforcement for both spoken word and music
The Solution
Ansata designed a solution using d&b audiotechnik’s xC Series cardioid column loudspeakers, specifically developed for acoustically challenging spaces such as churches and heritage buildings.
The cardioid dispersion pattern of the xC Series directs sound toward the congregation while significantly reducing energy radiated toward walls and ceilings. This controlled directivity minimizes reverberant buildup, resulting in clear, articulate speech even in a highly reflective environment.
The slim column design of the loudspeakers allows them to integrate discreetly into the church architecture, maintaining visual harmony with the sanctuary. Carefully optimized tuning ensures that spoken word remains intelligible and musical elements retain their natural warmth and balance.
System Overview
- d&b xC Series Cardioid Column Loudspeakers
