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How Architects can benefit from cooperating with AV integrators?

2021 | february

How Architects can benefit from cooperating with AV integrators?

Both architects and AV integrators have one main goal in their work – client’s satisfaction. In order to achieve this goal, cooperation of all parties in the project and coordination of activities is necessary. During one of the industry conferences, an architect Danny Forster spoke about this matter. He gained his experience whilst working on projects such as Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in World Trade Center Area in New York, modular hotel Manhattan AC Hotel by Marriott in New York and Ethnography Museum in Budapest.

According to Forster, many designers do not know the AV integrator’s exact area of expertise, and the lack of understadning as to what AV companies do, leads to overseeing their true value as a technological partner. Hence in this article we aim to explain why it is worth inviting AV integrators to collaboration in the early stages of design process.

The role that the technology plays in buildings these days is very different to what it was in previous years. This shift requires a new understanding and strengthening of the relationship between architects and AV integrators, as AV system implementation is no longer about installing a few single devices and hiding cables esthetically. Technologies of today are more complicated, and integrated with various networks, such as IT and BMS. They need to fulfill many requirements to help organisations adjust to new styles of work. Organisations invest in integrated AV solutions which change the way of working, support sustainability priorities, improve communication, and help them stand out in the job market.

With such a change in technology and current client’s approach to AV systems, all space design activities must involve the AV integrator in a very early stage of the process. Architect’s conversations with the technology partner can’t be delayed to last minute. It is an important matter from the hollistic office design perspective. Forster mentioned a number of arguments confirming the necessity for architect-AV integrator cooperation. For example:

  • the type of artificial lighting and access to natural daylight will impact not only the quality of the image displayed in the room, but also on the way how presenting individuals look on the camera during the videoconference;
  • the amount of glass in the room changes the acoustics of the space, which impacts the quality of sound during the call;
  • the size of the space determines the dimensions of the screen, which also means the weight of the device – this then impacts on the required strength of the walls it will be mounted on;
  • the amount of heat generated by the equipment cannot be overseen by the ventilation and air-conditioning designer.

In such cases the AV integrator should issue a number of guidelines for architects and cooperating professionals.

Designing interior space is not only about what is visible. The design of audiovisual systems includes wiring and devices necessary for appropriate operation of the infrastructure, which are hidden in the server rooms and suspended ceilings or mounted on the floor. This is why it is important that there is coordination of the architectural, electrical and tele-technical areas, as well as air-conditioning and ventilation. Furthermore, audiovisual systems now are closely connected with IT infrastructure as well.

It is important for the executive works, as there is a risk of colision between the designed networks and existing or planned installations. Multi-disciplinary coordination helps to avoid unexpected situations and challenges during the project implementation. Multi-disciplinary coordination of the project covers:

  • guidelines for all disciplines – power and IT networks, thermal and electric power balance;
  • cabling guidelines – type, category, topology, main cable routes;
  • drawings analisys – avoiding collisions in device installation (i.e. location of certain elements in the ceiling, such as: lighting fixtures, sprinklers and fire sensors, speakers from DSO systems);
  • acoustic guidelines for conference rooms – in the area of insulation of wall partitions, reverberation time, acoustic adaptation;
  • office layout – analisys from the perspective of logistics of the delivered devices to particular spaces (i.e. some large size devices like display screens and monitors, must be taken to the 20th floor with a lift, which can be an important aspect impacting smooth installation);
  • architecture – wall enforcement for display screen mounting, esthetical and visual aspects of the planned equipment (i.e. colours, location, style & design).

The conclusion of Forster’s statement, backed by our long-standing experience in the industry, is that the design guidelines issued by the AV integrator help to avoid problems in the installation stage and implementation. They also ensure an efficient operation of the installed systems, which finally translates into client’s satisfaction. By collaborating with each other, architects and AV integrators (who do not aim at autopromotion or sales, but focus on supporting and consulting to design the most effective space) can create functional modern office spaces. Forster also invited architects to involve AV specialists and their experience in the design process.

Likewise, we are inviting architects to collaborate with us on the joint projects.