Newcastle University transforms with Sharp/NEC

Redevelopment of the Stephenson Building at Newcastle University transforms, thanks to the solutions of Sharp/NEC, at one of the UK's most cutting-edge engineering facilities.

The update, which has had a budget of 110 million pounds, has allowed disciplines to come together, that were previously distributed throughout different parts of the campus, in a building that offers flexible learning spaces, specialized laboratories and collaborative teaching environments.

Carried out in two phases, the project introduced audiovisual solutions from Sharp/NEC to support modern teaching and communication. The first phase equipped the classrooms, collaborative spaces and IT clusters with laser projection technology and screens, while the second phase added a large format LED screen in the central atrium, creating a focal point for communication and events.

The project was carried out through a long-standing collaboration between the University of Newcastle, Universal AV y Sharp/NEC, building on the existing implementation of NEC visual solutions throughout the university campus.

The remodeling aimed to consolidate the engineering faculty into a single building, while supporting new teaching models focused on collaboration, debate and learning in small groups. This included a combination of spaces, as collaborative classes, computer cluster rooms and flexible teaching environments designed for blended learning.

A key requirement was to ensure clear visibility of the teaching content in the group learning spaces, regardless of seating position. The solution also had to integrate with existing audiovisual systems on campus, while meeting reliability expectations, long life and energy efficiency.

The solution

In the first phase, the Sharp/NEC laser projection in all teaching environments of the building, which provided a high gloss, long-lasting performance and low maintenance.

The most complex installation was the main collaborative conference room, designed “in a circle”. In this case, the teacher stands in the center, while students sit at group tables arranged around the space. To ensure clear visibility from all angles, eight were assembled Sharp/NEC PA1004UL laser projectors in a circular structure, that project onto eight four-meter wraparound screens.

The structure, known as “donut”, It has lifting mechanisms on the ceiling that allow each projector to be lowered individually for maintenance, reducing access requirements and minimizing downtime.

Signal distribution is managed through extenders BluStream HDBaseT, with duplicate inputs providing redundancy in case of signal failure. Control is carried out through Q-SYS, with two lecterns that allow classes to be taught both from the center and from the front of the room.

Other classrooms use Sharp/NEC PA and P series laser projectors, combined with fixed frame screens. IT cluster rooms are equipped with NEC P605UL and PV710UL projectors to adapt to different projection distances, while smaller meeting rooms and teaching spaces feature NEC large format displays with wireless presentation and integrated conferencing.

In a second phase, An audiovisual system was provided to the central atrium of the building, a key circulation and socialization space that connects the original structure. A was installed Sharp LED surface of the E series of 2,5 mm pixel pitch (resolution of 2400 x 1215) six by three meters as a focal point. It was chosen instead of a traditional video wall due to its longer useful life., lower energy consumption and less maintenance.

The screen was carefully sized to fit into the glazed opening of the building's original façade, with structural considerations around height and weight being a key part of the design process. The result is a seamless installation that complements the architecture while offering real visual impact..

Integrated with the university campus messaging platform, the screen broadcasts a channel dedicated to engineering with specific content. Also used during open houses and events, with presentations that take place in the “living stairs” of the atrium and in the social spaces with views of it.

Colin Fahey, director of audiovisuals at Newcastle University, recognizes that “the result in the collaborative classroom is impressive. We knew that these spaces would be a challenge, That's why we put this project out to competition in advance.”. Its success highlights what can be achieved when the university, the audiovisual partner and the technology provider work together from the first phases of the project. “The atrium was always conceived as the heart of the building. When choosing LED for the main screen, We have created a focal point that is both practical and inspiring for students, staff and visitors”, points out.

Antoni Guidi, the Sharp, highlights that “Working with Universal AV at the Faculty of Engineering has been a real pleasure. High-quality installation showcased the best of our cutting-edge LED and projection technologies”.