Portland State University wanted to create a high-tech collaboration space for its students, researchers, and community stakeholders to come together. The space would be used to work on a variety of projects that link data sets, visualization, and decisions.
In order for the room to achieve its main purpose, it needed to have large visuals, powerful computing, robust video conferencing and a modular environment. The new space, dubbed the Decision Theater, originally was going to have a multi-panel video wall installed, but the concern was that the video wall would be great for large groups, but wouldn’t be conducive to individuals or small groups working separately in the room.
Eventually, PSU decided to use InFocus Mondopads to create the video wall because they can be used together to display one large image, but can also be used separately for smaller groups without losing any of their desired functions.
InFocus Mondopads, which are essentially large tablets, include features such as a touchscreen interface, camera, speaker bar, extensive connectivity, and the ability to be integrated into existing AV systems.
Photo courtesy Portland State University.
In total, PSU used seven Mondopads in the Decision Theater. Three 1080p 80-inch Mondopads are tiled across the front of the room with the ability to display multiple smaller images or one giant image. Another four 1080p 70-inch Mondopads were placed on the remaining three walls to create group huddle spaces. The three 80-inch Mondopads at the front of the classroom can also be broken apart to create seven separate all-in-one displays.
Each Mondopad has a multi-touch high definition display and comes with a built-in Windows PC and a full version of Microsoft Office. The large screen can also become a digital interactive whiteboard, has document annotation, and allows users to share, view, and control the screen from a tablet or smartphone.
Business-class video conferencing allows PSU students and researchers to connect with individuals across the country. While on a video call, the work being presented, such as design plans, can be drawn on top of and annotated.
The full Mondopad product line stretches from 57-inch screens up to 85-inch screens.
Photo courtesy Portland State University.
Related Stories
Laboratories | Jan 25, 2024
Tactical issues for renovating university research buildings
Matthew Plecity, AIA, ASLA, Principal, GBBN, highlights the connection between the built environment and laboratory research, and weighs the benefits of renovation vs. new construction.
University Buildings | Jan 18, 2024
Houston’s Rice University opens the largest research facility on its core campus
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the 251,400-sf building provides students and researchers with state-of-the-art laboratories, classrooms, offices, and a cafe, in addition to multiple gathering spaces.
Sponsored | BD+C University Course | Jan 17, 2024
Waterproofing deep foundations for new construction
This continuing education course, by Walter P Moore's Amos Chan, P.E., BECxP, CxA+BE, covers design considerations for below-grade waterproofing for new construction, the types of below-grade systems available, and specific concerns associated with waterproofing deep foundations.
University Buildings | Jan 15, 2024
The death of single-use university buildings
As institutions aim to improve the lives of their students and the spaces they inhabit, flexible university buildings may provide an all-in-one solution.
University Buildings | Dec 8, 2023
Yale University breaks ground on nation's largest Living Building student housing complex
A groundbreaking on Oct. 11 kicked off a project aiming to construct the largest Living Building Challenge-certified residence on a university campus. The Living Village, a 45,000 sf home for Yale University Divinity School graduate students, “will make an ecological statement about the need to build in harmony with the natural world while training students to become ‘apostles of the environment’,” according to Bruner/Cott, which is leading the design team that includes Höweler + Yoon Architecture and Andropogon Associates.
University Buildings | Dec 5, 2023
The University of Cincinnati builds its largest classroom building to serve its largest college
The University of Cincinnati’s recently completed Clifton Court Hall unifies the school’s social science programs into a multidisciplinary research and education facility. The 185,400-sf structure is the university’s largest classroom building, serving its largest college, the College of Arts and Sciences.
Products and Materials | Nov 30, 2023
Top building products for November 2023
BD+C Editors break down 15 of the top building products this month, from horizontal sliding windows to discreet indoor air infusers.
Higher Education | Nov 21, 2023
UPitt at Bradford opens new Engineering & Information Technologies Building
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford recently opened a new engineering and information technology building that adds urgently needed lab and instructional space to the campus.
Esports Arenas | Oct 10, 2023
Modular esports arena attracts more than gamers
As the esports market continues to grow to unprecedented numbers, more facilities are being developed by universities and real estate firms each year.
Higher Education | Oct 10, 2023
Tracking the carbon footprint of higher education campuses in the era of online learning
With more effective use of their facilities, streamlining of administration, and thoughtful adoption of high-quality online learning, colleges and universities can raise enrollment by at least 30%, reducing their carbon footprint per student by 11% and lowering their cost per student by 15% with the same level of instruction and better student support.