The Centenary Building has redefined the focus of the Southampton University campus, marking its 100 year history with a building that is technologically advanced and offers a variety of flexible spaces of varying sizes for both staff and students as well as excellent study areas for students to focus and revise. 

Both the large 250-seat lecture theatre and the 100-seat Harvard style utilise Epson 12000 lumen projectors to display content onto DNP Supernova Infinity projection screens chosen because of their high contrast standards. Two 4.5 x 2.813m screens in the large theatre and one 3m x 1.875m were installed to match the bespoke requirements of the space. Based on two globally recognised standards to create the system and performance metrics it was decided at system design stage that DNP screens would provide the best result for the space. The DISCAS standard covers image size, resolution, viewing positions and angles and when used together with the PISCR /ISCR standard from AVIXA, which concerns image quality and contrast, the specification results in the best possible outcome.

In addition to the projection solution in the Harvard Lecture Theatre, Sony displays are used as repeater screens to support the alternative layout. 

Audio balance in these lecture theatres is managed through a Biamp Tesira AI DSP which provides extensive audio processing, including signal routing and mixing, equalization, filtering, dynamics, and delay, as well as control, monitoring, and diagnostic tools with an alternative Biamp model chosen to suit the smaller Harvard space. These work alongside Inter-M amplifiers, Kef ceiling speakers, Crestron wall speakers, Revolabs wireless mics and Audio Technica gooseneck mics (Harvard space only) to enhance the audio experience, minimising sound loss and delivering stable sound for presenters and students. Custom Top-Tec adjustable lecterns feature Wolfvision document cameras for content sharing, 10” Crestron touch panels for AV control, and house the in-room AV equipment required to manage the space. Lighting control is managed via Crestron wall mounted keypads.

The two flat floor spaces have been designed to provide active learning in small groups of up to 120 students at a time. Multiple displays (8 x 85” Sony displays) around the outside walls enable students to view content from a variety of angles and a Crestron DM Matrix enables any source to any display and also allows students to work in separate huddle groups and present locally to their 85” display. Local group control is managed via 5” Crestron touch panels located by each display whilst the large 15” Touch panel control at the variable height lectern ensures the lecturer can maintain overall control and also share content from a particular group to all other displays to create an interactive learning experience. Audio is enhanced using flat panel ceiling speakers and wall mounted control speakers throughout the space.

The Seminar rooms provide additional lecture space for smaller groups of 20-30 students at a time with Sony displays throughout and Crestron control of sources and distribution housed within the lectern rack. Axix PTZ cameras are setup for lecture capture and HD video streaming or playback of recorded events and seminars. Wireless microphones ensuring lectures can present and move about the space freely.

The computer-based training room has been designed to host 60 students at a time at six-person pods with multiple displays around the perimeter for content sharing and presentations. A single lectern position provides in-room control via a Crestron touch panel.

The MBA Leaning space is a group-style teaching environment with centralised lectern control and dual display facilities. The additional common area is a more relaxed space for breakout activities, both areas have displays for digital signage and IPTV.

Individual meeting rooms are pared back and simply feature Sony displays, in-table AV modules and basic Crestron room control.

Crestron DigitalMedia solutions provide the backbone distribution, switching, control and presentation requirements across the entire building providing flexibility, reliability and security. All of this is monitored and managed by a Crestron Fusion management system which can feedback data on room usage and any hardware issues. 

Digital signage throughout the lobby areas around the main lecture theatre at both levels consist of 60” LED Samsung displays and a Samsung 3x3 LED video wall all run by Onelan digital signage players, Crestron control and JBL wall speakers for improved audio output.

An Ampetronic induction loop system runs throughout to support any students and staff with hearing difficulties.