University of Westminster started out 180 years ago as the first polytechnic in London and one of the first in the UK, established to educate the working people of London. Today it continues to build on this reputation, helping students from a variety of backgrounds to realise their full potential. The University of Westminster has always strived to create offerings that respond imaginatively to the varied needs and aspirations of their diverse audiences, and has a firm and historic commitment to equality and diversity, building an environment that is welcoming and inclusive for students and staff.
Project Background
The Fabrication Laboratory Westminster launched in April 2015 to provide an innovative learning environment, inspiring and preparing students for digital fabrication in the 21st century. As a major extension of its existing teaching spaces, architecture workshops and suite of 3D printers and laser cutters, it includes two purpose-built spaces, offering advanced digital making facilities. These spaces are equipped with flexible computer-controlled tools, covering design and fabrication processes including ABS and plaster 3D printing, CNC knife cutting, large-scale CNC routing, CNC metal milling and robot fabrication.
To aid in teaching in these spaces, the University of Westminster wanted to add video screen facilities for demonstrating technologies and displaying of relevant information, alongside the ability for students’ to present their projects.
Project Approach
It was quickly established that the video screen solution needed to cover multiple rooms in the lab, so students could view content whether they were in teaching spaces or in the hands-on fabrication areas. Userful, a leading provider of enterprise AV solutions, was selected as its offerings included large format video walls and the ability to control and share content simply and easily across multiple locations.
Userful helps to eliminate proprietary hardware with a browser-based software-defined AV solution, that enables the centralised distribution and management of unlimited content sources onto any display.
Project Results
The final install consisted of three video walls split over two rooms in the newly built fabrication lab, creating large canvases that allow students, teachers and visitors to view content on the screens no matter where they were in the rooms, including educational, how to videos, presentational videos and photographs of student work.
The system also helps teachers to communicate and educate, using the software to schedule and distribute content, freeing up more time for working with the students.
The Scan Partnership
University of Westminster approached Scan as an end-to-end provider of digital signage solutions, having researched numerous options. As a leading UK Userful provider, the Scan team was able to work with the Fabrication Lab team to design and deploy a network of signage screens powered by the Userful software platform.
Project Wins
More dynamic education and collaboration opportunities using the video walls
Cost and time savings resulting from the useful platform enabling better sharing of content
Dr David Scott
Director - Fabrication Lab, University of Westminster
"Scan demonstrated high knowledge and professionalism from the start of the project to the end, giving a breakdown of solutions available on the market, understanding what our needs are and offering the most suitable system. The Scan team demonstrated their skills and attention to our core needs, making it a pleasure working with them and we are very happy with services and products provided."
Speak to an Expert
You’ve seen how Scan has helped University of Westminster in enhancing its lab facilities. Contact our expert Digital Signage team to discuss any requirements or projects you have.
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