Design considerations for your AV-enabled divisible space
From our 4-Word Thinking Series: small doses (four, to be exact) of AV tips, trends, terms, and tech.
A physical space that provides flexibility in use and layout has become a go-to for organizations' real estate strategies. If you're not familiar with multi-divisible rooms, it's time to explore that option.
AV-enabled divisible spaces can function as one large room (combined) or as two or more smaller rooms (divided) to accommodate multiple use applications. For example, combined mode in a two-way divisible room can deliver content replicated across all room displays and the audio system, intended for a single space and audience; in divided-mode, that’s distinct content on each display with independent audio for two separate spaces and audiences. Think townhall for 100+ employees in a single room on Wednesday morning and then, by dividing that same room (and system), simultaneous but independent training sessions in two rooms of 50 employees each on that Wednesday afternoon, all supported by the same AV system (plus ingenious movable walls).
Let's explore 4 design considerations for your divisible space:
#1 Connectivity. Since we need to accommodate multiple room layouts and presenters, the system design should include connectivity for presenter devices (e.g., laptops) in each divided room. Two rooms in divided mode = a series of floor boxes and wall plates in both rooms. Users can then easily connect their peripheral devices into the system regardless of operating mode.
#2. Routing. A requisite of a divisible space is the ability to route multiple audio/video sources to multiple audio/video destinations simultaneously. In this design, a digital matrix switcher accepts AV signals from input sources such as the PC and camera and routes the output to different destinations such as the displays. Bottom line: without AV signal routing, your divisible room won’t be so divisible.
#3 Control. Users need the ability to easily control system functionality in all operating modes. Dedicated touch panels with macros/presets allows for individual room control for AV components in that configured space and as a combined space with a single touch panel as the main control interface.
#4 Mobility. Use-flexibility is key to divisible room applications, which means the AV system
design needs to accommodate various uses, users, and configurations. Wireless microphones (body pack, hand held, lavalier) and beam-tracking ceiling microphones that track people as they move are additional considerations needed to create a fully flex divisible space.
Ready to explore design considerations for your divisible space? Let's connect »
Take this 4-Word Thinking issue with you: