Heriot Watt University

Advanced AV Solutions for Main Campus Learning and Meeting Spaces

In August 2023, the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) awarded AVI-SPL a contract to develop a state-of-the-art Data Observatory for its campus. The project’s ambition was to enhance the visibility of MBZUAI’s groundbreaking AI research on a global scale and lay the foundation of an innovative facility aimed at advancing the research capabilities of both faculty and students.

ORGANIZATION

LOCATION

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

MARKET

Higher Education

SOLUTIONS

Crestron, Epson, Middle Atlantic, Neat, Samsung, Sennheiser, Wolfvision

A STRATEGIC VISION RECOGNISED

In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, institutions are adopting innovative audio-visual solutions to stay ahead. Heriot Watt University (HWU) is one such institution aiming to create a campus that represents the future of learning. The mission was clear: deploy modern technologies across classrooms, meeting spaces, and collaborative zones for an engaging student and faculty experience.

HWU selected AVI-SPL as its trusted partner to turn this ambitious vision into reality.

MISSION

Our objective was to design and implement world-class, scalable, and future-proofed AV solutions across the university’s seven-story, 218,000-square-foot campus. The aim of the project was to:

Deliver interactive learning environments.
Enhance collaboration with integrated sound systems and video conferencing.
Simplify operations with user-friendly room scheduling systems.
Future-proof the infrastructure to accommodate growth and technological advancements.

Smarter Learning Spaces at Heriot-Watt University Main Campus

WINNING THE CONTRACT

AVI-SPL’s proposal stood out during the contractor’s competitive bidding process. Our ability to offer innovative, scalable solutions, combined with our extensive AV integration experience, earned us HWU’ trust. From the outset, our team demonstrated a commitment to understanding the client’s needs and delivering solutions that surpassed expectations.

TURNING A VISION INTO REALITY

Every space on campus – classrooms, meeting rooms, huddle areas, and even a large-scale town hall space required a tailored approach. Each solution had to integrate seamlessly with the university’s IT and security systems while maintaining ease of use for faculty, staff, and students.

The Delivery

15 Meeting Rooms: Equipped with Crestron control systems, video bars, and AirMedia for wireless collaboration, these rooms became hubs for effective communication.
10 Study Rooms: Designed to foster group collaboration, these spaces featured intuitive AV setups and seamless connectivity.
40 Classrooms: Built to operate independently or in combination with others, ensuring flexibility for diverse teaching styles.
2 Collaborative Lecture Teaching Rooms: State-of-the-art technology transformed these spaces into interactive learning hubs for 70 to 90 participants.
4 Teaching Studios: Advanced broadcasting capabilities were integrated to support innovative teaching methods.
3 Teaching Labs and 2 PC Teaching Labs: Equipped with specialized AV technology to support technical and hands-on learning.
Town Hall Venue: A large-scale meeting area equipped with high-resolution displays and advanced sound systems for impactful presentations, accommodating up to 100 people.
10 Huddle Spaces: Compact yet powerful, these spaces allowed for spontaneous collaboration with wireless connectivity and intuitive controls.
Entrance LED Wall: A 13.5m wide by 1.5m high striking feature that welcomed visitors while doubling as a platform for announcements and information sharing.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES

Coordination across multiple contractors, packages, and systems was no small feat. Some AV elements depended on external packages, requiring meticulous planning and communication.

AVI-SPL rose to the challenge by providing detailed drawings, clear requirements, and close collaboration with all stakeholders. Our proactive approach ensured that no detail was overlooked and that every system functioned seamlessly.

THE IMPACT

The team delivered on every promise, creating spaces that exceeded the client’s expectations such as:

Technology Integration: A central control system with intuitive touch panels made user operation effortless.
Scalability: Designed systems with the future in mind, allowing for easy upgrades and expansion.
User Experience: Faculty and staff embraced intuitive systems, enhancing teaching and collaboration.
Ongoing Support: An on-site managed resource who ensures smooth operations and rapid troubleshooting, further solidifying our partnership with the university.

Anas Abu-Ghoush, Head of Information Services expressed, “AVI-SPL’s expertise and professionalism were evident from day one. Their team collaborated closely with us to design and implement tailored audio-visual solutions that transformed our classrooms and meeting spaces into dynamic, interactive environments. The team delivered seamlessly and have provided invaluable ongoing support, making them our trusted partner as we plan our future campus expansion.”

A STRATEGIC VISION RECOGNISED

In today’s fast-paced educational landscape, institutions are adopting innovative audio-visual solutions to stay ahead. Heriot Watt University (HWU) is one such institution aiming to create a campus that represents the future of learning. The mission was clear: deploy modern technologies across classrooms, meeting spaces, and collaborative zones for an engaging student and faculty experience.

HWU selected AVI-SPL as its trusted partner to turn this ambitious vision into reality.

MISSION

Our objective was to design and implement world-class, scalable, and future-proofed AV solutions across the university’s seven-story, 218,000-square-foot campus. The aim of the project was to:

Deliver interactive learning environments.
Enhance collaboration with integrated sound systems and video conferencing.
Simplify operations with user-friendly room scheduling systems.
Future-proof the infrastructure to accommodate growth and technological advancements.

A PARTNERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE

The success of this project was not the end but the beginning of a lasting relationship. HWU was so impressed with AVI-SPL capabilities and support they invited our team to design the AV solutions for its 2025 campus extension. This enduring partnership is a testament to our commitment to innovation, quality, and collaboration.

Ahmed Habib, Business Development Manager commented, “This project is an example of how we transform visions into reality. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of our clients’ needs, we create environments that inspire learning, collaboration, and growth. As the university continues to expand and evolve, we are ready to support