BACKGROUND
In early November 2010, following their appointment to Top Ranked Supplier within the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC), Snelling Business Systems were approached by the Anglia Ruskin University to deliver a specification for their ground-breaking, state-of-the-art digital art gallery.
The new gallery, located in the heart of the Anglia Ruskin University Cambridge Campus and surrounded by artists' studios, was designed to host free exhibitions of digital and still art and be open to the public and student body alike.
Following a meeting with the university and their submission of a detailed tender document, Snelling Business Systems were delighted to be awarded the contract and they began work on this groundbreaking project in January 2011, after the Christmas break.
AIMS OF THE PROJECT
The Ruskin Digital Gallery was created to be the first of its kind in the United Kingdom, with artwork in the gallery displayed in digital format, on state-of-the-art high definition displays, as well as allowing traditional hanging, generating maximum flexibility for the area.
The audio visual specification required that all equipment should fit seamlessly into the unique exhibition space and sympathetically blend with the period character of the building, with its vaulted ceilings and traditional parquet flooring.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
In order to deliver a unique installation and fit with the pioneering vision of the gallery's creators, Snelling Business Systems drew on some of the industry's latest innovations, including the world's largest 103" 3D Full HD plasma screen.
The screen, which was specially shipped from Panasonic Japan for the project, was the first of its kind to be installed globally.
The gallery also features a triple Panasonic edge blended projection system, a number of recessed Panasonic 42" Full HD displays (all with personal audio handsets, and, via architecturally concealed panels, local digital and analogue connectivity), digital signage and an interactive kiosk. In addition, the gallery has been installed with Dataton Watchout throughout, enabling content to seamlessly flow from screen to screen via a dedicated fibre and copper based AV LAN which was commissioned by Snelling Business Systems.
To complement its outstanding visual capabilities, the gallery has been fitted with outstanding sound, created by the installation of an engineered Bose Audio System, touch screen control surfaces, and a purpose built AV Room to control the installation.
Snelling Business Systems completed the installation on time and to budget, including free software with gallery templates for Anglia Ruskin art students, to encourage creative content design which will in turn enhance the student learning experience.
The gallery was launched in April 2011, ready for its opening on 9th May 2011.