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
| Feb 15, 2011
New 2030 Challenge to include carbon footprint of building materials and products
Architecture 2030 has just broadened the scope of its 2030 Challenge, issuing an additional challenge regarding the climate impact of building products. The 2030 Challenge for Products aims to reduce the embodied carbon (meaning the carbon emissions equivalent) of building products 50% by 2030.
| Feb 11, 2011
Four Products That Stand Up to Hurricanes
What do a panelized wall system, a newly developed roof hatch, spray polyurethane foam, and a custom-made curtain wall have in common? They’ve been extensively researched and tested for their ability to take abuse from the likes of Hurricane Katrina.
| Feb 10, 2011
Green Plumbing Fixtures Take a Major Leap Forward
Today’s low-flow plumbing fixtures not only conserve water, they also provide convenience and ease of maintenance.
| Feb 10, 2011
Sloan Valve Co. Flushmate
Sloan Valve Co.’s Flushmate IV 1-gallon pressure-assist system uses air pressure to flush. Rather than pulling waste through the trapway, the system, which works with tank-style high-efficiency toilets, pushes the waste through at nearly three times the flow rate of gravity units. Large water surface area also helps the toilets stay clean longer.
| Feb 10, 2011
Delta WaterSense-labeled showerheads
Delta offers nine collections with WaterSense-labeled showerheads, which are equipped with droplet-enlarging technology that increases both water and energy savings. An Arzo Collection showerhead is pictured.
| Feb 10, 2011
Kohler urinals
Kohler offers urinals with three flush options to fit a variety of applications: standard 1-gallon, pint, or waterless.
| Feb 10, 2011
Moen M•Power electronic faucets
At 0.5 gpm, Moen’s M•Power electronic faucets meet the current standards, and offer features that eliminate waste. Improved electronic sensors reduce reflectivity to stop false sensing, and turn off automatically after 30 seconds. Electronics can be installed above or below deck to accommodate different sink styles.
| Feb 3, 2011
Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. Adds Standing Seam Metal Product Line
Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. is adding a standing seam metal product line to its roofing system offerings. With five profiles and more than thirty colors to choose from, the new line will enable authorized Duro-Last contractors to provide a standing seam roofing installation to meet virtually any aesthetic requirements.
| Jan 25, 2011
Sherwin-Williams Zero-VOC Claim Misleading, Says BBB
In a move that could prompt industry-wide changes to claims about volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division (NAD) has told Sherwin-Williams it should stop marketing its Harmony line of paints as “zero-VOC.” Sherwin-Williams said it will accept NAD’s decision and will take the findings into consideration in its future advertising.
