Client Brief
Burlington House, Mayfair, has been the residence of the Royal Society of Chemistry since 1857, and is famed for its historic library that not only houses a world-class collection of scientific journals but also a leading event venue with a unique location in central London.
Key to the Library’s attraction as a venue – prized by users for seminars, conferences, lectures, award ceremonies and private functions – is its integrated audio-visual facilities and, taking an opportunity to benefit from the latest technological advancements, the RSC decided this year to upgrade its systems in order to provide better coverage and improved intelligibility to meet the growing requirements of its many clients.
Our Solution
In consultation with Torpedo Factory Group (TFG), the RSC facilities team, headed by Grant Verrell, discussed options for global connectivity – since amongst the many in-person activities hosted in the library such as Q&A sessions and product launches, live streaming has become a popular component that clients are requesting.
The new AV system replaces one previously installed by TFG, which had served them well. “We’ve had a long and excellent relationship with TFG,” said Verrell. “Since they were intimately familiar with our existing equipment they were the natural choice for this upgrade, and we trusted from experience that a new project would be completed quickly and efficiently.
“Essentially we were looking for better sound quality because audio technology seems to push forwards year to year, and to go with that an enhanced visual experience for our guests,” he explained. “Ease of use was also a key factor, and to aid that we were looking to control most functions from a mobile device such as a tablet.”
The Benefits
Project manager Mark Solomons led the TFG installation team, renewing a variety of key components, adding new connectivity and programming the new systems to precisely meet client requirements along with four new HD screens. The building’s Grade II listed status precluded wall mounting the K-array speakers, and so custom floor stands were fabricated to house two Rumble-KU26 subwoofers and the one-metre high Viper-KV52 line arrays. A new cutting edge ceiling mounted projector provides a large bright image with high resolution clarity, the cutting edge laser light projector specified by TFG producing 12,000 lumens which gives excellent contrast even in daylight conditions.
“TFG gave us exceptional service throughout the project. We’re very satisfied with what they’ve achieved, and we’re especially pleased with the convenience of being able to operate the system remotely with an iPad – before we would be back and forth to the control room to check and rectify any issues and adjustments. It’s a real step forward.”
Grant Verrrell, RSC Facilities Manager
