The University of South Wales was founded in 2013 following the merging of the University of Wales, Newport and the University of Glamorgan. It is now the second-largest higher education institutes in Wales by student numbers. The university is continuously looking for ways to improve their student experience and regularly undertake projects to update and renovate their teaching facilities. As part of these renovations, StriveAV was approached by the university to advise on the most suitable furniture solutions for an upcoming project to repurpose an unused space in the Brecon Building atrium.
AV Refresh
The primary objective of the renovation was to create a more productive learning environment in what was an empty and uninviting space. The university also wanted the space to be more multifunctional, and the aim was to introduce collaborative tables that could be used for both classroom teaching and as breakout spaces for the students.
As well as being used for teaching, the atrium, which is situated outside the university’s flagship lecture theatre, was also required to accommodate additional footfall for open days and large external events.
In order to achieve this, the university required a flexible furniture solution that was lightweight, compact, easily stored away when not in use and could incorporate the university’s branding. An additional lectern was also required as a control point for the AV within the space.
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Students have been embracing the new set up and it is fantastic to see; the lectern and the tables have been moved out on a couple of occasions for events and the flexible furniture has proven to be the right decision. The collaborative tables are quick to fold and move, and take up minimal space to store. The feedback from students and teachers at the Business School has been great and they are all delighted with the end result.
Edward Williamson, AV Team Lead, USW
PROJECT DETAILS
After listening to the detailed requirements of the university, StriveAV suggested the installation of Synergy Plectrum Folding collaborative tables from TOP-TEC. Following a detailed design phase, which included the creation of 2D layouts, a series of six-seat tables were chosen, accommodating up to 18 students at any one time.
The Synergy Folding tables were supplied with smooth castors for easy maneuverability, and each table is able to quickly convert into a compact mobile unit with a reduced footprint, allowing for easy storage when not in use.
Each table also featured a secure made-to-measure PC cage below the worktop, a bespoke data interface plate in the mast, including an aperture for an Extron MLC control panel, HDMI connections and a secure 55” screen mount. The metalwork of the tables was colour matched to the university’s branding.
A Rubi Mono+ lectern was also supplied as a control point for the AV within the room. The light-weight unit featured concealed castors for easy maneuverability, a bespoke control panel housing and rack space for an onboard PC. To further enforce the brand identity, it was supplied with vinyl branding of the university’s logo on the front of the lectern.
PROJECT CHALLENGES
Following the installation, the atrium has become one of the most popular areas in the Business School. The flexible furniture solutions allow for students and teachers to create learning environments fit for whatever their requirements are on the day. Students can decide to put only one table out in the space for group project work, or lecturers can deploy all three alongside the lectern for a more traditional classroom setup. The ease with which the tables can be folded away and put to one side helps reduce the transition times between sessions.
The university is extremely pleased with the new flexible learning space and has received some very positive feedback from students and teachers alike in the Business School.
Spiros Andreou at StriveAV said: “This was a great project to be involved in. To see a space that was basically unused be turned into such a vibrant and flexible learning area that is proving popular with students and tutors alike, is a great achievement. The TOP-TEC solution has met, if not, exceeded the university’s hopes for this space.”
Installed
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TOP-TEC SYNERGY PLECTRUM FOLDING COLLABORATIVE TABLES THESE TABLES ARE IDEAL FOR LECTURES, GROUP WORK AND AS INTERACTIVE ENVIRONMENTS. FEATURES INCLUDE A CHOICE OF STANDARD PAINT, WORKTOP AND EDGE BANDING FINISHES, STANDARD DATA INTERFACE PLATE AND CONNECTIVITY AND A SCREEN MOUNT.
Case Study
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