Advancing the Frontiers of Medicine
How AV elevated learning experiences at AIIMS Guwahati, bringing their vision to life.
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) is a group of world-renowned premier institutions known for the pursuit of knowledge, healthcare innovation, and transformative patient care. The first AIIMS institute was established in 1956 in New Delhi as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. With a vision to serve as a center for nurturing excellence in all aspects of healthcare, AIIMS has since expanded its influence by setting up institutes across the nation.
AIIMS Guwahati, established in 2015, inaugurated its new sprawling campus in April 2023. Vallect was entrusted with the design and integration of AV systems for this project. Laxminarayan Rakshit, Project Manager at Vallect, states, “Vallect is proud to be involved in this prestigious AIIMS project. The foundation of transformation begins with quality education. As the first AIIMS in the Northeast, the institute will significantly enhance the quality of healthcare across the Northeastern states. In this era of digital transformation, our AV systems play a vital role in enriching the learning experience at globally renowned medical institutions like AIIMS. As an integrator for AV technologies, we have contributed to the institute’s vision by designing bespoke, engaging, and immersive learning spaces that benefit both professors and students”
Envisioning a modern, engaging, interactive learning experience
Laxminarayan explains that AV installation began during the civil phase of the project, and the team set out with an ambition to align their efforts with the institute’s vision for a modern, engaging, interactive learning experience. “The goal was to seamlessly integrate technology and education to create an improved learning experience that fosters student engagement and maximizes learning outcomes,” he says.
He adds, “Our approach was meticulous. We thoroughly analyzed the architectural and design plans of the campus, conducted in-depth consultations with the client, and then prepared a comprehensive AV systems solution tailored to the unique needs of each space. Our team, based in the East region, managed the installation process with precision, flawlessly executing the project within eight months, well ahead of schedule.”
The AIIMS Guwahati campus, spanning an impressive 189 acres, houses a medical college, a nursing college, and a hospital complex with a 750-bed in-patient facility offering OPD and emergency services. “The project’s scope included deploying AV systems to enhance the experience across various spaces, including the 500-seater auditorium, conference rooms, and lecture halls in the medical college, as well as demonstration and conference rooms in the hospital building,” explains Laxminarayan.
Elevating the auditorium experience
Tasked with creating a versatile design and cutting-edge AV system for the “multi-use” 500-seater auditorium, Laxminarayan recalls how the team equipped the auditorium with AV technologies that would cater to a diverse range of activities like live events, instructional sessions, video conferences, presentations, and cultural events. “Our goal was to deliver excellent
audio and visual quality to enthrall guests with an incredibly engaging and immersive experience, regardless of the type of event.” he says.
The auditorium’s audio setup includes Bose AM10040 stage monitor loudspeakers, which deliver high-quality sound with a wide frequency range, excellent sensitivity, and powerful output, according to Laxminarayan. “These speakers are perfect for auditoriums as they allow for easy coverage customization. Additionally, the multiple modules help build arrays that improve sight lines, reduce weight, and lower system costs as they require fewer modules than conventional arrays. These line arrays ensure accurate line-of sight sound pressure, providing the auditorium with crisp, engaging, and complete audio coverage throughout the entire space,” he explains.
For projection needs, the team selected the Christie D13WU-HS 13,500-lumen projector to deliver a powerful visual experience. Laxminarayan highlights, “We chose this Christie projector because it is versatile enough to handle various events, thanks to its WUXGA resolution, which delivers sharp and detailed images. Compared to standard laser projection, the exceptional color performance and saturation of Christie projectors made this the right choice. Our team also integrated the projector with various input options, Wi-Fi connectivity, and control interfaces to ensure flawless performance.” He adds that Samsung’s 22” monitors were meticulously selected to enhance camera monitoring capabilities throughout the space, ensuring clear and detailed visuals in every corner of the auditorium. The three-sided borderless display lent a clean and modern aesthetic to the space.
He continues, “We also deployed the Polycom RealPresence Group 700, a state-of-the-art full-high-definition video conferencing system. This system features 1080p resolution for crisp, clear video quality, complemented by a 12X optical zoom integrated camera, RF remote control, and an omnidirectional microphone.” He notes that this setup ensures seamless point-to-point video conferencing capabilities, enhancing communication and collaboration within the auditorium.
Coming to stage lighting and fabrication, Laxminarayan explains the choice of advanced lighting fixtures and controls to create dynamic and immersive experiences tailored to meet the needs of varied events hosted at the auditorium. “Our fabrication expertise ensured seamless integration and optimal positioning of lighting elements, delivering captivating visual effects that complement any type of event. When asked about the choice of Canara Lighting RGB lasers for stage lighting, Laxminarayan says, “Canara Lighting RGB lasers are well suited for large theaters and entertainment shows. They are energy efficient and offer vibrant, full-color lighting. Canara Lighting is among the foremost providers of Luminaires, and their customizable solutions make them an excellent choice for educational auditorium and stage lighting.”
Collaborative learning takes center stage
From virtual collaboration to distance learning, telemedicine consultations, and immersive simulation-based training, innovative AV technologies are indeed transforming medical education and training environments today. By offering future medical professionals and faculty opportunities to share, learn, and engage beyond the traditional classroom setting, these technologies lie at the heart of the learning experience at institutes like AIIMS Guwahati.
The institute aimed to equip four conference rooms, eight lecture rooms, 21 demonstration rooms, and 18 demonstration halls in the Outpatient Department of the new campus with world-class AV technologies.
Laxminarayan explains that the conference and lecture rooms are utilized for administrative and faculty meetings, telemedicine and consultations, inter-institutional collaboration, guest lectures, and training sessions. He gives an example of interdisciplinary lectures held at the institute that involve cooperation with guest speakers from other AIIMS institutes and practicing specialists. “Additionally, simulation-based training sessions and Continuing Medical Education (CME) are conducted in these rooms, allowing remote participation and ongoing learning for medical professionals.” he says
Keeping these requirements in mind, Laxminarayan explains that these rooms are equipped with advanced AV technology, including high-quality projectors, video conferencing systems, and robust audio equipment to facilitate seamless presentations and meetings. “Our AV setup ensures clear visuals, crisp HD video calls, and powerful sound for effective communication, empowering students and fostering a sense of connection and engagement,” he elaborates.
Panasonic VZ-580D laser projectors have been installed in the conference rooms, accommodating up to 126 people. “These projectors are known for their bright, clear image quality and long operational life, and provide high-quality visuals that work well for large gatherings and important meetings. Additionally, we installed a high-definition video conferencing system using the Polycom RealPresence Group 700 for video conferencing solutions. This system supports full HD 1080p video quality for clear, detailed video calls. It includes a 12X zoom camera, a remote control, and an omnidirectional microphone. We also installed recording and streaming devices that support high-definition recording, multiple HDMI inputs, and IP video sources. These devices offer flexible scaling, window processing, and built-in storage,” highlights Laxminarayan.
The lecture rooms, with a capacity of over 120 Pax, are used for distance learning and lectures, enabling students to attend classes and seminars remotely. “In these rooms, the Bose IZA 190-HZ Class D power amplifiers deliver powerful, clear sound with built-in protection features and digital signal processing,” he says.
In the demonstration halls with 40 Pax capacity,16 AWG speaker cables and customized projector mount kits were installed to optimize projector placement. Laxminarayan explains that the demonstration rooms are designed for hands-on sessions, reinforcing theoretical teachings and preparing students for clinical practice. “These rooms also host hands-on sessions, enriching student learning with modern audiovisual aids, anatomical models, and interactive tools.”
Additionally, Bose IZA 190-HZ integrated zone amplifiers are installed in certain spaces to provide high-quality sound with features such as priority override and a fire alarm interface.
Stumbling blocks
When asked about the most challenging aspect of the project, Laxminarayan responds, “We had to work across multiple spaces on the campus alongside several vendors. Efficient scheduling and communication with these vendors were crucial to ensure timely product deliveries and seamless installation. We also needed to ensure optimal positioning of the AV systems in each space, which required a comprehensive understanding of the solution and technical expertise to guarantee a smooth installation.”
A new frontier
The world of medical care and education has transformed significantly in just a few years. As healthcare evolves rapidly and technology advances, AV interventions will be poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a future where health and well-being are more achievable for all.
Reflecting on Vallect’s experience with AIIMS Guwahati, as well as other government projects such as AIIMS Bathinda, Dental Medical College, Nalanda, Government Medical College, Chapra, and other institutions, Laxminarayan shares his perspective on the changing landscape and the opportunities it presents. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable shift in healthcare in India, with numerous upcoming healthcare projects emerging across the country. This huge potential for growth presents an incredible opportunity for us as AV System Integrators, not only in the education sector but also in hospitals, where we can assist doctors with remote consultations, telemedicine, and surgical support.”
Laxminarayan also shares that Mr. Venkatpati Raju, the former MEP Consultant of AIIMS Guwahati, praised the quality of the work executed, stating, “The feedback from students and faculty has been overwhelmingly positive. The new AV systems have transformed classrooms into vibrant, interactive learning spaces. Students are more engaged, collaboration has increased, and the overall learning experience has been significantly enhanced. Excellent work by the entire team involved in this project. Great coordination and timely delivery of the product. Thank you so much.”
In conclusion, Laxminarayan emphasizes that the enhanced learning experience delivered at AIIMS Guwahati is a testament to the team’s effort in successfully bringing the institute’s vision to life.
