London-based AV integrators, Tateside recently installed high-tech AV equipment including a 77in Panasonic OLED display, Samsung displays, Bose audio and an Epson projector, for Urbanest Battersea, new student accommodation in the shadow of London’s iconic Battersea Power Station.
A PassivHaus construction, this sustainable, self-sufficient student living concept required a smart AV solution to enhance communal spaces across the property. Having previously worked with Urbanest on other sites across the capital, including Kings Cross and Westminster Bridge, London-based AV integrators, Tateside, were called upon to lead the technology integration across the Battersea project.
Students staying at Urbanest Battersea have access to a communal cinema room. To provide a big-screen experience a 77in Panasonic OLED display with integrated soundbar was installed.
For the onsite gym and yoga studio, Tateside deployed three pairs of Bose DM3SE surface-mount loudspeakers in the training area and two pairs in the studio, with input through Audac Bluetooth plates.
The Urbanest student experience includes a purpose-built lecture hall, where residents can hold group discussions and share presentations. Here, a high-lumen Epson projector with a wide throw lens allows for large-scale visuals, with content switching for user inputs via a Blustream HDMI wallplate and Blustream HDBaseT receiver. The 20,000-lumen projector overcomes the challenges of ambient lighting in the space.
A total of three meeting rooms provide videoconferencing facilities for both students and staff at Urbanest. In the two student-facing rooms, all-in-one Cisco Webex Room Bars were installed to support the much-demanded BYOD capability.
Throughout Urbanest Battersea, digital signage was installed in the various communal areas, including lift lobbies and reception spaces to display community announcements and eco-statistics on sustainability achievements related to the PassivHaus standards. The signage content is managed internally by Urbanest using a Tripleplay system, whilst Tateside specified and installed the screens and managed the network infrastructure, choosing Samsung QM displays to ensure 24/7 signage without screen burn.
Upon entering the building, residents and visitors are greeted by background audio via three pairs of Bose DM5P pendant loudspeakers, selected for both their sound quality and aesthetic appeal.
Ben Landi, project manager at Tateside, said: “The project represented an interesting opportunity to design and implement a lot of different AV technology, from digital signage to meeting room solutions. The project encompasses a cinema room, gym and yoga studio, three meeting rooms, a lecture space, plus digital signage and background audio throughout.”
He continued: “We wanted it to be simple. Students can bring their own devices, be it a PlayStation or a laptop, and just plug them into the HDMI plate.” This brings flexibility to the space, allowing students to enjoy a communal entertainment experience on their own terms. Using the BYOD cable, users can start a meeting on their laptop and use the built-in peripherals in the RoomBar. Alternatively, if they have an existing meeting set-up, they can use the technology in the room and join on their preferred meeting platform using the on-desk Cisco Touch Panel.”
