One of the key technical requirements was to create a backbone - with various plug-in points throughout the building - that would allow information in the form of data and text, video and audio to flow from its source to any desk or display screen, the GLA website or for national broadcast. IVC, the company awarded the £2.1 million contract, were also asked to provide a high-grade portable presentation unit, that would be able to operate in both the first floor assembly chamber and way up on the ninth floor.
IVC devised a solution based around an 80" dnp Black Bead screen and Christie Roadster X4 DLP projector, also designing a self-powered mobile presentation system in the process. With so much ambient lighting spilling through the heavily glazed circular dome, IVC knew they needed to opt for a system accustomed to operating in high ambient light environments, so the company’s Jim Maynard, approached dnp’s UK distributors, Paradigm AV. The dnp screen combines high quality Fresnel optics with 3M’s advanced optical glass bead technology. The ultra fine pitch lens distributes the projected image through a thin layer of optical beads, which focuses the light and sends it through the black layer on the front of the screen which has an anti-reflective surface on its front side.
Although Paradigm produced the throw drawings, IVC still had to design and manufacture the chassis to integrate these details, along with keeping the final product within tight tolerances and yet entirely functional. This can be plugged into the 256-seat assembly chamber, which is open to the public, and in turn forms the main display section of the system, or into London’s Living room - an open space on the top floor of the building intended for exhibitions, receptions and mayoral presentations. Developed by Jim Maynard, the unit can then be driven around the building as a stand-alone solution as the need requires.
The unit is fully equipped with VCR and DVD playback options, computer input and amplification and control built permanently within an integral 12U rack along with sound reinforcement and internal temperature sensors for cooling. Maynard confirmed that having worked with the contractors for over a year they only had an eight-week period in which to install the full broadcast facilities, AV, sound, control systems and webcast facilities, along with the data and telephone backbone cabling throughout the building. But they handed over the completed installation on time and in budget, allowing Her Majesty the Queen to perform the official opening ceremony.
(Ruth Rossington)
