Bath Spa University – Investing in Future-proof AV Technology

After securing a 5-year sole supplier agreement with Bath Spa University (BSU), Strive AV successfully completed a £1.9 million AV integration project over the summer of 2024.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

With existing audio visual technology throughout the university’s various campuses not having been replaced in its entirety for a decade, BSU required a complete analysis and update of the technology in place to keep pace with the wider technical environment.

Strive AV understood the importance of finding and providing the very best solution for BSU, which is why a customised demonstration was set up for BSU ahead of securing the contract. To make this demonstration as clear and reassuring as possible, Strive AV bought in and utilised the exact products planned to be installed within the classrooms – giving the client a 100% accurate preview of the technology and equipment in action.

BSU expressed the requirement for an assisted hearing solution within their seminar rooms and lecture theatres. While traditionally an induction loop system would have been utilised, Strive AV presented an alternative Sennheiser MobileConnect solution to the university which was not only more discreet, allowing users to use their personal smart phones to connect, but also boasts a future-proof design.

Strive AV provided and installed a large quantity of Sennheiser MobileConnect units and TeamConnect Series mic-arrays across 91 rooms and 3 lecture theatres – providing each room with robust and flexible assistive hearing solutions – giving students more personalised access to spoken content through audio streaming. This project not only enhances the overall learning experience across BSU but also promotes inclusivity and accessibility for all, improving the educational experience for every student.

BRIEF AND REQUIREMENTS

Bath Spa University identified that its existing audio visual learning and technology setup across the campuses had not been replaced in its entirety for 10 years. The hardware estate in teaching spaces and some meeting spaces across Newton Park, BSU London and Locksbrook was ageing at different rates and lacked uniformity, therefore requiring a holistic analysis and update to keep pace with the wider technical environment.

Bringing on-board a sole AV supplier would allow for a unified approach to the accessibility and sustainability of AV equipment across BSU’s campuses, providing greater support for users with different needs. It was also important to consider how these technical upgrades would impact BSU’s ongoing commitment to reduce carbon emissions. Alongside these considerations, it was also identified that there was a need for interactive technical options to support academic staff in their work, which would allow innovation in pedagogy.

BSU required a solution that could be seamlessly integrated into the university’s existing systems without major changes to the infrastructure already in place whilst also being completely scalable to classrooms or lecture theatres of any size.

Another factor which was integral to BSU was the requirement for all products and technology within the solution to be certified, adhering to their Cyber Essentials Plus guidelines. This is something Strive AV is well accustomed to as a company who work predominantly within the Education sector, as well as also adhering to cyber security guidelines, and holding both Cyber Essentials and ISO27001 certifications.

PROJECT OUTCOME

The project saw the supply and installation of 49 Sennheiser MobileConnect units and over 100 Sennheiser TeamConnect Series mic-arrays across 94 spaces, providing each room with assistive hearing solutions – giving students more personalised access to spoken content through audio streaming. This solution was identified as the best technology to meet the client’s needs due to its capability of being integrated into existing systems without major infrastructure changes, as well as being scalable to any size classroom or lecture theatre. This project enhances the overall audio experience across BSU, promoting inclusivity and improving the educational experience for all students.

It was integral to BSU that all products and technology within the solution was certified and adhered to Cyber Essentials Plus guidelines which Strive AV understood as a company who hold Cyber Essentials and ISO27001 certifications.

Strive AV were identified as the leading integrator to deliver this project based on several factors. As a smaller organisation, Strive AV can be agile in its approach and Managing Director, Toni Moss oversees all the projects being worked on – setting the highest standards of project management. Strive AV has continued to prove their capabilities to produce outstanding levels of project delivery within the education sector including clients such as Royal College of Art and Goldsmiths University of London.

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“Thanks to the work carried out by Strive AV, our seminar and lecture theatres have been drastically overhauled and updated to meet the demands of hybrid and in-person teaching. The addition of cameras and microphones into our spaces means that they are highly adaptable to suit the needs of both our academic and professional services staff; transitioning from meeting rooms to hybrid teaching spaces in seconds, rather than in a few hours. The collaborative process that Strive AV and ourselves engaged in allowed 94 spaces to be upgraded over the course of 3 months, with no changes to power or network infrastructure being required.

Ben Addy, BSU AV Team Leader

ONGOING SUPPORT

Strive AV provided training to BSU’s in-house AV team on all the technology and systems installed. This thorough and personal training method ensures that the team can competently manage service and support post-installation, alleviating the need for an additional support contract. In addition to this, Super-User training was also provided for key individuals – giving them an advanced knowledge of the equipment including troubleshooting. This method ensures the time from any future incident to response is minimised for the product users and saves on costs to the client.