Client:
Glasgow University Download

Location:
Sir Charles Wilson Building, University Avenue, Glasgow

Project:
Design and install a new audio-visual system for a contemporary conference and lecture facility as part of a major listed building refurbishment

Background:
Originally built as the Hillhead Congregational Church in 1889, the Sir Charles Wilson Building was the subject of a major refurbishment, starting in 2004. In a very poor state of repair, after years of neglect, the plan was to bring the building back to its former glory, while reinventing it as an exciting contemporary conference facility.

Scotia Solution:
The major consideration for Scotia UK was the sheer size of the building. With ceiling heights of around 30 metres and a depth of around 20 metres from the front to the back of the auditorium, acoustics were clearly going to be a major issue. Working very closely with the client, the team at Scotia designed a sound system that would overcome these problems, expertly transferring theoretical technical ideas to practical, high quality solutions.

Another significant problem for the team was the need to keep to the University's standard of only two projectors side-by-side, while maintaining an acceptable image size. Scotia UK solved this by specifying hi-end Sanyo projectors with longthrow lenses. Several plasma screens were installed as part of the overall system, ensuring that all delegates not only have a clear view of the lecturer, they also get an excellent view of any audio-visual presentation.

Wiring is key to the success of the whole system. Scotia UK specified CAT 5 cabling, using a smart e-matrix switcher and receivers that allow the user to switch between projectors and plasma screens quickly and simply. As well as the main auditorium, Scotia was asked to link two overflow/breakout rooms to the main lecture theatre via live video links. These rooms, located underneath the auditorium, allow delegates to follow proceedings above them.

Equipment

3M Digital WallDisplay with motorised trolleys
Sony cameras
Dedicated turnkey software application
Audio technica microphones
Custom built sound & video processing units