National Science Learning Centre (NSLC): York

• Located within an iconic building equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, the AV systems needed to be consistent with this vision. The client required the systems to fulfil the following criteria: 'Facilitate, complement and enhance the required educational, training, managerial and administrative outcomes of the Centre'.

• Be designed and installed in ways which fully integrate with other important
  parameters of the building; including aesthetics, functionality, local furnishings, mechanical and electrical provision — including heating and cooling systems—safety and security.

• The emphasis should be on ‘self drive’ by both resident and visiting staff.

• Have a proven track record of reliability, robustness and durability, consistent
  with anticipated usage, and require a minimum of maintenance input from
  National Centre or visiting staff.

• Be ‘future-proofed’ both in terms of capacity and the ability to be progressively
  upgraded without the need for major system overhaul.

• Offer value for money.

Lecture Theatre Area

The area comprised a number of elements that would be able to be operated as
discrete spaces, whilst at other times, would be able to be combined to provide a
large single space accommodating up to 290 persons (or 280 + wheelchairs). The
criteria for this area included

• Control of all source and environment equipment from touch panel housed at
  bespoke lectern unit.

• Interactive panel for display of annotation onto twin large screens.

• Appropriate boundary and radio microphone systems.

• Automatic/ semi-automatic control of sound & lighting levels. Capability to transmit lectures to 15 remote locations and stream to web in ‘real time’.

• Capability to access and project data and video images onto the screens
  independently from sources including a networked PC, laptop, multi-standard
  SVHS VCR, CD/ DVD player/ writer, a document camera/ visualiser and
  electronic microscope. Display of simultaneous images from a number of
  sources.

Videoconferencing Suite

• Appropriate technology to enable up to 30 members of the Centre to join a
  virtual meeting with other colleagues at up to 15 remote location, using a twin
  screen system for people and data content.

• Facility to record, archive, playback & stream data.

Exhibition Area

• Provision of flat screen panels configured to articulate and convey the nature
  and purpose of the National Centre via matrix switching from 8 no. source
  devices.

Cafeteria

• Flat screen panels + projection system to allow for occasional use for
  conferencing, exhibition and after dinner presentations.

Meeting Room/ Offices

• Dedicated & laptop PCs with interactive touch panels to allow electronic
  whiteboard/ annotation sessions via ceiling-mounted projection systems.
  Teaching Room Seminar Room/ ICT Room/ Laboratories.

• Interactive panel/ tablet in each room + associated equipment to enable tutors
  to write notes with an electronic stylus and access and project data and video
  images from a variety of sources including video microscopes and document
  cameras.

Teaching Room Seminar Room/ ICT Room/ Laboratories

• Interactive panel/ tablet in each room + associated equipment to enable tutors
  to write notes with an electronic stylus and access and project data and video
  images from a variety of sources including video microscopes and document
  cameras.

Public Address & Hearing Enhancement Systems

• Design, supply and installation of the infrastructure and equipment for a public
  address system & Hearing Enhancement Systems to function effectively in key
  areas around the Centre.