The Science Museum has a full time staff engaged in the realisation of interactive exhibits, and has enormous experience of the realities of using AV techniques in the public domain. With the Dana Centre, it was quite clear about its objectives, but it did not have the in-house resources to complete the detailed design. Electrosonic was chosen from among the proposed solutions, not only because its proposal appeared cost-effective, but also because it was clear that it had relevant experience - both in the technical aspects of the use of networks in AV, and in the special requirements of museums.
At the Dana Centre, the public spaces are on three floors, and are very open. This results in the need for a flexible system and close attention to the realities of ambient light and audibility. The basis of the system is an AV network that allows any video, audio or data signal to be routed from any one space to any other space. There are a total of 36 'network nodes' within four principal spaces, with Cat 5 cable plant used for the majority of signal distribution.
The selection of equipment was a collaborative exercise between Electrosonic and the client; with thorough practical demonstrations being carried out before any final decision. This applied particularly to the selection of high gain front projection screens and projectors, and to a major part of the audio system. In this case Electrosonic worked with Bose and the client to specify the system using Bose's Modeler and Auditioner simulation products to prove the design prior to installation.
Electrosonic's scope of work at the Dana Centre covered the overall system design, including site cabling and infrastructure; project and system engineering, installation, programming and commissioning of the AV Network; Audio, AV control and display systems for the lower ground floor, forum and seminar rooms; video-conferencing systems; AV playback equipment for the display systems; and computer hardware systems for the d.lounge and balcony. The main lower ground floor space is used as a multi-function area with a bar and restaurant. To support the functional requirements of the space, there is a portable stage system that can be located in two positions, video projection from a suspended gantry, and a large plasma display.
The forum is a large flexible space on the first floor, which is intended to host both formal and informal events for audiences of up to 100. The space has its own display, audio, source and control equipment, but is also connected to the AV network, enabling its source material to be displayed anywhere else in the Centre; and in turn any signal from elsewhere in the Centre can be displayed in the forum. The d.study is a smaller space which works in much the same way as the forum, with its own independent system, but connected to the AV network.
(Lee Baldock)
