National Science Learning Centre (NSLC)

The National Network of Science Learning Centres, comprising one National and nine Regional Centres, have been established to provide courses to enable science teachers and technicians to enhance their professional skills and knowledge across the traditional areas of science education whilst also addressing contemporary scientific ideas, techniques and teaching approaches. In addition, online technology will enable the Network Centres and their partner schools, colleges and other organisations to share resources and participate in collaborative events.

The Brief

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.

The Solution

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

• 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.