Named after Theophilus Redwood, one of the most eminent pharmacists of all time, Cardiff University’s Redwood building is home to the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Cardiff University wanted to utilise the space of seminar room 2.59 within the Redwood Building, in order to create a multi-group collaborative workspace. The University needed a collaborative system for students in order to facilitate group work and allow students to showcase their contributions and end result. The room is used for multiple types of sessions, including exams, therefore any solution that would be deployed would need to not infringe upon the flexibility of the space.
AV integrator GV Multimedia and Pete Dunsire, Senior Project Manager for AV/IT at Cardiff University approached TeamMate with views to trial mobile units that could allow group work to be conducted, without losing the flexibility the space already had.
Each new solution needed to have a screen and whiteboard whilst also facilitating audiovisual equipment within including a soundbar, wireless collaboration system, control panel and connectivity bar. The unit also needed to be mobile so it could be maneuvered around the room if and when the space was used for a different session.
A number of mobile display solutions were auditioned for this project. In the end TeamMate’s Evolve came out on top as the best solution in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Eight TeamMate Evolve mobile stands were then installed by GV Multimedia in Room 259 in order to create a multi-group flexible workspace.
Each Evolve had a 55″ Panasonic Screen recessed into the frame, with JBL soundbar to fit underneath. Beneath was a connectivity panel with a Crestron MPC3-302 and Powerbar module for users to connect, select and share content with the screen. In addition, an internal rack shelf featured a Kramer Via wireless collaboration device.
On the reverse side of the Evolve was a whiteboard with inbuilt pen tray. Each unit had grab handles and locking castors to enable it to be moved around the room. Each Evolve acted as a self-contained workstation that could be positioned depending on how academics wanted to use the space.
Cardiff University selected 8 different colours from TeamMate’s Camira Blazer Light range to establish different groups during a session. Each fabric had sound-absorbing qualities to help with the acoustics within the space. It also aides keeping the volume of group discussions to a minimum when the Evolves are positioned to break up the room into huddle zones.
Pete Dunsire, Senior Project Manager at Cardiff University said ‘The main challenge was ensuring we chose the correct mobile unit and AV services, along with a system of easily identifying each workgroup. We chose TeamMate over two competitors for the workstation and used a mix of colours from the Camira colour range to identify the individual stations. We are extremely pleased with the overall solution – particularly the attention to detail when designing and building the units. This included small details such as being able to access the Kramer VIA housed inside the unit and providing safety measures for power cables in the event of an accident. This involved forward planning with TeamMate to ensure collaborative units contained all the facilities required.’
Ross Turnbull, Account Manager at GV Multimedia commented, ‘TeamMate provided the best solution for the space in way of mobility and aesthetics. They were very approachable in accomodating changes in the design brief and we worked with the product design team in order to further customise the product to provide a recess for the soundbar, a service hole to allow power functions for the VIA button.’
TeamMate provided the best solution for the space in way of mobility and aesthetics. They were very approachable in accomodating changes in the design brief and we worked with the product design team in order to further customise the product to provide a recess for the soundbar, a service hole to allow power functions for the VIA button.
Ross Turnbull, Account Manager
GV Multimedia
