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
University Buildings | Jun 14, 2023
Calif. State University’s new ‘library-plus’ building bridges upper and lower campuses
A three-story “library-plus” building at California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) that ties together the upper and lower campuses was recently completed. The 100,977-sf facility, known as the Collaborative Opportunities for Research & Engagement (“CORE”) Building, is one of the busiest libraries in the CSU system. The previous library served 1.2 million visitors annually.
Higher Education | Jun 14, 2023
Designing higher education facilities without knowing the end users
A team of architects with Page offers five important factors to consider when designing spaces for multiple—and potentially changing—stakeholders.
University Buildings | Jun 9, 2023
Cornell’s new information science building will foster dynamic exchange of ideas and quiet, focused research
Construction recently began on Cornell University’s new 135,000-sf building for the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science (Cornell Bowers CIS). The structure will bring together the departments of Computer Science, Information Science, and Statistics and Data Science for the first time in one complex.
Student Housing | Jun 5, 2023
The power of student engagement: How on-campus student housing can increase enrollment
Studies have confirmed that students are more likely to graduate when they live on campus, particularly when the on-campus experience encourages student learning and engagement, writes Design Collaborative's Nathan Woods, AIA.
Urban Planning | Jun 2, 2023
Designing a pedestrian-focused city in downtown Phoenix
What makes a city walkable? Shepley Bulfinch's Omar Bailey, AIA, LEED AP, NOMA, believes pedestrian focused cities benefit most when they're not only easy to navigate, but also create spaces where people can live, work, and play.
Higher Education | May 24, 2023
Designing spaces that promote enrollment
Alyson Mandeville, Higher Education Practice Leader, argues that colleges and universities need to shift their business model—with the help of designers.
University Buildings | May 17, 2023
New UC Irvine health sciences building supports aim to become national model for integrative health
The new College of Health Sciences Building and Nursing & Health Sciences Hall at the University of California Irvine supports the institution’s goal of becoming a national model for integrative health. The new 211,660-sf facility houses nursing, medical doctorate, pharmacy, philosophy, and public health programs in a single building.
University Buildings | May 11, 2023
New ‘bold and twisting’ building consolidates School of Continuing Studies at York University
The design of a new building that consolidates York University’s School of Continuing Studies into one location is a new architectural landmark at the Toronto school’s Keele Campus. “The design is emblematic of the school’s identity and culture, which is centered around accelerated professional growth in the face of a continuously evolving labor market,” according to a news release from Perkins&Will.
Sustainability | May 11, 2023
Let's build toward a circular economy
Eric Corey Freed, Director of Sustainability, CannonDesign, discusses the values of well-designed, regenerative buildings.
Digital Twin | May 8, 2023
What AEC professionals should know about digital twins
A growing number of AEC firms and building owners are finding value in implementing digital twins to unify design, construction, and operational data.
