Many companies’ existing spaces are still not equipped for modern, agile and hybrid collaboration. Modernising AV technology in existing buildings presents companies with unique challenges and at the same time offers immense opportunities. It requires careful planning, which is not just about technology issues, but also about spatial design and processes. We will show you what companies can expect and why it is advisable to get experts on board at an early stage.
Restrictions in existing buildings require creative solutions
When it comes to technical modernisation, there are restrictions that need to be taken into account during design and implementation.
The available space is limited by the cubature. All modernisations must be implemented within these specifications. Existing infrastructure in the room may have to be taken over and be compatible with new features. If the existing building is protected, more serious interventions in the existing infrastructure and architecture are excluded without losing the protection of the existing building. Existing buildings may also be listed buildings. When implementing technology systems, major compromises are often necessary in order to comply with monument protection guidelines. Breaking open walls or floors and laying new connections and cables is difficult under this circumstance.
This can mean, for example, that there is not enough power for the desired LED wall, or that there is not enough bandwidth available for complex IT applications without breaking up or demolishing existing structures, or that displays cannot be placed in a room in such a way as to guarantee the desired quality for the subsequent utilisation scenario. This also limits the choice of suitable solutions. Some modern systems and common best practice solutions may not be able to be used at all if the infrastructure is not available and cannot be replaced for the reasons described. In such cases, older technology may have to be used.
Creative solutions must then be found during the design stage in order to fulfil the requirements of the company as well as the legal and architectural specifications. Otherwise, the costs can quickly skyrocket. Sometimes, however, this may be necessary for safety reasons, for example.
The degree of renovation is therefore of decisive importance when designing the measure. In other words, the question of how much of the existing space needs to be retained. The more freedom and scope for change there is during realisation, the easier it is to implement new technical infrastructure and installations.
Invisible modernisation
The challenge is often that the technical modernisation should remain largely invisible. Major changes to an existing room are often not desired. If the character of the room is to be retained, new elements in the room, such as microphones, projectors or screens, must either be seamlessly and unobtrusively integrated into the room or concealed. The effect of the room and the acceptance of innovations is an important issue here that requires a great deal of sensitivity and expertise. If cables cannot be concealed, wireless systems may have to be used. How can operational safety still be guaranteed? Every intervention in the room must be checked and, if necessary, justified. In the end, customer satisfaction takes centre stage.
Modernisation in existing buildings can be experienced in advance
The advantage of refurbishing an existing building is that the customer can easily visualise the space. Planned innovations can be communicated much more vividly than in a new build project. It is even possible to rent demo units on a trial basis, set them up in the room and make the intended result tangible in advance. This minimises misunderstandings and subsequent changes. The customer is thus able to make decisions more quickly and easily.
From a design perspective, certain parameters can also be measured on the actual object and used for tests. For the improvement of room acoustics, for example, exact predictions can be made using simulations, problems and corresponding measures can be identified and implemented on a one-to-one basis.
Where to start? Those responsible are often overwhelmed with project management
Before new technology finds its way into the premises, a process must first be initiated in order to realise the project. You need someone to manage the process, you need a budget and a schedule and, depending on the scope, external service providers – in other words, a project has to be set up, unless it involves very small measures. These measures must be coordinated and justified to the management.
Those responsible are often faced with the problem of not being able to assess for themselves what actually needs to be done, the dimensions of such a modernisation project, which trades they need support from and who they can turn to. Depending on the degree of renovation, the costs for AV technology can be relatively high.
The task is often made more difficult by very heterogeneous equipment and technology, systems that have grown over the years and unclear responsibilities in the operation of IT, FM or even external system houses and service providers. Even if there are contact partners, for example via existing framework agreements, they are often unable to offer a holistic solution as their expertise often does not extend beyond their own core business. Possible offers are difficult to evaluate by those responsible in the company. A system integrator naturally sells and installs new hardware. However, topics such as room acoustics, lighting design, UX design or interior design are usually overlooked. In retrospect, the quality of the result often does not meet expectations.
A solid basis for decision-making thanks to comprehensive, independent advice
As a technology consulting and design company, macom offers business an inclusive view of all aspects that need to be considered when modernising existing technology. We not only advise you on technology issues, but also include all topics such as construction, room design, UX design, acoustics, lighting and others and take control of the project.
We guide you through the entire process from the first step to the success of the project. Together, we analyse the space in question, define usage requirements and identify suitable measures. Companies receive a reliable forecast of all costs incurred and a precise idea of what options are available for implementation and how these will affect the space.
We also take into account details such as the high-quality and comparable presentation of all people in the room, lighting, backlighting and appealing backgrounds, microphones and sound reinforcement so that people can be clearly seen and understood at every position in the room.
We bring together all the relevant trades from IT, FM, system integrators, service providers and procurement. Thanks to our market knowledge and technical expertise, we can evaluate measures and offers and identify optimal solutions for the existing space within the given budget. In this way, we enable companies to make well-founded decisions based on comprehensive and independent advice that is tailored to their requirements and expectations.
Do you need support with the media technology modernisation of your existing space? Talk to us!
Modernising AV technology in existing buildings is a complex task, but one that can be successfully managed with the right plan. By working together with experts, existing spaces can be transformed into high-performance, modern working environments that meet the requirements of the digital world. We can help you!