BACKGROUND
Founded in 1891, City College Norwich is one of the most comprehensive colleges of further and higher education in the UK. With student success rates currently reaching their highest ever levels and now with six different National Skills Academies, City College Norwich can proudly boast that one third of 16 to 18 year olds in Norfolk attend the college.
Snelling Business Systems was therefore delighted to be approached by the college to deliver the audio visual requirements for their new state-of-the-art StartUp Lounge.
The StartUp Lounge, which has been created to re-think the way teaching is delivered and students learn, is an innovative 21st century learning space at the college's city centre site and has been designed to support entrepreneurship and business development.
As one of the founder colleges of Generator Enterprises, which has created Gazelle to build a cluster of entrepreneurial colleges within 5 years, City College Norwich has embraced the government's drive to develop young entrepreneurs who are looking to start their own business. Generator Enterprises is working on a blueprint for an Entrepreneurial College of which the StartUp Lounge will form a key part, using cutting edge technology to create a multifunctional open plan space which takes students through each of the key stages of the business start-up journey.
The StartUp Lounge includes a showcase 103" Plasma Display in the Intereaction presentation area, and a curved presentation space, in The Studio, complete with geometrically corrected HD projection system designed to create a 'Dragons Den' type of environment which will give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to 'Pitch' to business mentors or prospective clients (i.e. the 'dragons'). In addition, the space features interactive booths in the Collaboratorium to promote knowledge sharing, where students can use electronic sticky notes to post their questions on screen which other users may then be able to answer, and there are interactive display screens throughout.
AIMS OF THE PROJECT
The aim of the project was to create a multifunctional area, which generates a ground-breaking inventive learning space for students, as well as creating a WOW factor for visitors.
The college specified requirements for an intuitive, reliable and uniform control system, which offered flexibility of both operation and integration. The college was also keen that, as well as being high resolution and wide-screen format all display equipment should be future-proof and low maintenance, with remote LAN reporting and control.
The team at Snelling Business Systems were able to draw on their extensive experience in high-end installations both in the education and corporate markets, to deliver the project and meet the requirements outlined by the client.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
The overall project was broken down into various zones, each of which had their own technical requirements and specifications, as follows:-
Multifunctional Space
The focus of this area is a 'Showcase' Panasonic 103" Plasma Presentation System; a superb high brightness display screen with Anti Glare technology. The visual equipment was complemented by the installation of a professional audio system from QSC.
The installation was fitted with intuitive touch panel control system for AV and lighting control, and a selection of digital feeds provide a mix of dynamic content.
'My Pitch' Presentation Space
The state-of-the-art 'My Space' presentation zone is the only one of its kind for colleges in the United Kingdom.
Using multiple cameras, pitches are filmed and can then be relayed to the large 103" screen for other students to watch and learn from.
In addition, pitches can be recorded as a quad split, to give the interviewee the opportunity to review his or her pitch after the event.
Snelling Business Systems installed the 'My Pitch' space with purpose designed AMX controlled lighting, multiple broadcast quality microphones and high definition projection featuring full geometric correction allowing the person Pitching to show their content from iPad or PC device onto the curved rear wall of the space. Discrete ceiling mounted loudspeakers were installed for programme sound and the system was fitted with an intuitive touch panel control system.
Interactive Booths
Each of the interactive booths were fitted an interactive screen, enabling each screen to create electronic notes, via Windows Sticky Notes.
To deliver the solution, Snelling Business Systems installed 24" Chassis Mount Panel PC's, supported by Intel processing and Windows 7 software.
Interactive Display Screens
The StartUp Lounge was fitted with two 70" interactive display screens, providing a brainstorming space for students, with a collaborative learning space where work can be shared between screens and saved and e-mailed out to individuals.
It was necessary for the system to also offer the flexibility of use, enabling it to be used as a general purpose presentation device, if required.
To meet these requirements, Snelling Business Systems fitted wall-mounted Smart Interactive Display screens.
Digital Signage
In addition to the interactive content which is available throughout the digital space, a dedicated wall mounted 60" LED full HD signage screen has been integrated into the reception area to welcome students, lecturers and visitors alike.