Integrator's Reference Manual for Polycom HDX ... - 1 PC Network Inc

ARoom Design and LayoutReprinted from the Basics of Audio and Visual Systems Design: Revised Edition,Chapter 12, “Videoconferencing” written by Scott Sharer, CTS, and Jim Smith, CVE,CTS, copyright 2003, with permission of InfoComm International®www.infocomm.orgFor clarity of discussion, we have divided this section into the followingsub-sections:• Room construction, including wall construction, windows and windowtreatments, ceilings and HVAC;• Interior design and finishes;• Furniture design, including placement and layout;• Room acoustics and acoustic treatment; and• Room lighting.The initial layout and construction of the space affects all the elements that arediscussed in other sections of this book [Basics of Audio and Visual SystemsDesign], including acoustic characteristics and performance, general andambient light control, and overall comfort.Room RequirementsWe begin with general room requirements. The total floor space required forVC is much greater than we have become used to for general local presentationand meeting. In architectural terms it is not uncommon to find a rule-of-thumbapplied that allows for up to 15 square feet of floor space per participant in atraditional presentation or meeting room. If there is a front-of-room presenterposition at a podium, and if there is some use of in-room technology(projection devices, whiteboards, etc.), then this figure may increase to asmuch as 20 square feet of floor space per participant, but rarely any more thanthat.A - 1