Working closely with the architects, Shen Milsom & Wilke set about creating acoustics to match the great cathedrals of Europe. The first step was to control the high level of reverberation for speech and music. The exterior skin of laminated glass, ½-inch thick, keeps outdoor urban noises at bay. A sound reinforcement system amplifies and directs sound energy on the congregational seating area. A separate amplification system supports baptistery functions at the rear of the Cathedral.