The Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS) – an independent UK body championing medical research and policy – has completed a comprehensive upgrade of its Wolfson Conference Suite at the organisation’s London HQ.
Set in the heart of London’s Marylebone district, the location serves as both a home for the Academy and an events venue. A partner of AMS since 2010, Whitwam AVI was also responsible for this latest project.
‘We’re proud to have worked with AMS for many years, and our team understand not only their technical requirements and preferences but also the way they work and how the spaces need to feel,’ says Whitwam AVI Director, Andrew Pymm. ‘These considerations shaped our approach during the Wolfson Conference Suite project.’
Designed in collaboration with Philip Meadow Cross Architects and interior designer Eve Waldron Design, this is part of a wider building renovation, which included new lighting, upgraded interiors and digital signage throughout.
At the Wolfson Suite, the Academy wanted to host a wide range of events and meetings, from hybrid conferences with remote participants to panel discussions and lectures. The upgrade needed to respect the architectural character of the venue and the interior design elements across further renovation work throughout the building.
‘The client’s goal was versatility,’ Pymm says. ‘They didn’t just want better projection and audio, they wanted a space that could be configured and customised depending on the event,’ continues. ‘Our role was to make that possible.’
Whitwam designed and integrated a comprehensive A/V and control system, underpinned by Crestron CP4 control and Q-Sys Core 110F DSP. Dual Netgear M4250 AV switch networks provide AV-over-IP and Dante audio distribution, with Domotz remote network monitoring ensuring ongoing system support and minimal downtime in case of technical glitches.
For projection, a Fujifilm FP-Z6000 ultra-short-throw projector was a carefully considered choice. Its lens design allowed Whitwam to install the projector close to the screen without suffering distorted images, and eliminating the likelihood of shadows being cast over the display by presenters.
‘We needed a large, bright image without a projector hanging over the audience or a risk of interruptions from people moving throughout the room,’ Pymm says. ‘The Fujifilm projector’s uniquely wide-diameter aspherical lens allows for discreet integration and delivers a far superior visual experience.’
Complementing the main projection, three Samsung repeater screens mounted on each wall ensure every seat in the room is offered a clear view. The displays can also be used for digital signage and branding, via the sitewide Onelan signage system. The routing of video signals from inputs to displays is handled by an Extron DTP CrossPoint 84 4k scaling matrix switcher, while a Lightware Taurus UCX 2x1 unit allows presenters to make use of the room’s meeting peripherals via a single USB-C cable.
For intelligible speech capture, Whitwam deployed a Shure MXA920 beamforming ceiling microphone, paired with multiple Sennheiser wireless systems and gooseneck mics for events with multiple speakers.
Distributed audio is delivered via a combination of Tannoy ceiling loudspeakers and compact yet high-performance K-Array Domino KF26 loudspeakers, powered by Q-Sys Core processing and K-array Kommander KA-14 amplifiers. The Sennheiser Dante-enabled MobileConnect system provides hearing assistance and accessibility.
For video capture, keeping remote participants engaged requires camera for to suit the scenario. For standard boardroom meetings, the Q-Sys NC110 camera delivers reliable performance. When more flexibility is needed, Whitwam has provided a portable hybrid system, and for presentations requiring careful framing and speaker tracking, stand-mounted Panasonic PTZ cameras offer precise shot composition.
‘Due to the variety of people using the room, ease of use was a priority for the Wolfson Conference Suite,’ Pymm says. ‘A Crestron touchscreen by the lectern allows for simple A/V control, whilst a further touchscreen at the back of the room takes care of room lighting adjustments. Full technical control, for more sophisticated management by the in-house team, is possible through a portable Crestron touchscreen.’
‘Working with Whitwam has been a thoroughly positive experience,’ says Frank Osborne, Head of Property & Facilities at the Academy of Medical Sciences. ‘The attention to detail, technical expertise, and ability to integrate seamlessly with our wider renovation works have resulted in a space that not only meets, but exceeds our expectations.’
More: https://whitwamavi.co.uk