Empowering Bright Minds Powering the Nation’s Progress

One of the many things India is known for is its deep-rooted emphasis on education, nurturing some of the greatest minds in the world. The government’s thrust on advancing higher education has played a pivotal role in contributing to this steady stream of high-quality, talented engineers and scientists graduating year after year.

The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER), comprising seven institutes across the country, is a testament to this dedication. Set up by the Government of India through the Ministry of Education, these niche institutes impart quality education in basic sciences and advanced science research.

When the permanent campus of IISER Tirupati was constructed last year, Havi Design India LLP was entrusted with transforming the learning spaces and auditorium using innovative audio-visual (AV) technologies. Creating an immersive and engaging learning environment was crucial in fulfilling the Institute’s mission of nurturing talent to meet the nation’s needs and preparing them for future careers in a global society.

Setting the bar high

Manikk Guptha, managing partner at Havi Designs India LLP, explains that IISER Tirupati wanted technologically advanced yet easy-to-operate solutions for their campus. This included eight 60 Pax classrooms, four 150 Pax classrooms, one 300 Pax classroom, and a state-of-the-art auditorium.

Entrusted with the design and installation of the entire AV and stage lighting system for these spaces, the Havi Designs team went all out with an ambitious mission to deliver top-notch sound and visual capabilities that exceeded the Institute’s high expectations. “The goal was clear – to create state-of-the-art interactive learning and presentation environments catering to different audience sizes while upholding the highest audio and visual performance standards, with ease of operation and maintenance,” he explains.

He adds,” The AV installation began after the civil work was completed, and the interior work, including some furniture, was already in place. Our team collaborated closely with the client and other contractors to understand the requirements and limitations of the existing setup. With precise planning, we maintained the room’s acoustic integrity and ceiling structure while integrating our equipment without disturbing the existing structures,”

Shaping smart learning spaces

Manikk further elaborates that the goal for the classrooms was to install an intelligible audio system along with ceiling-directional microphones to deliver crisp and clear sound uniformly distributed at every seat. “The Institute also wanted a dynamic video setup featuring functionalities like presenter tracking, lecture recording, and live streaming. The aim was to create an immersive experience, all easily controlled through a sleek graphic interface on a wireless iPad for seamless integration and effortless operation,” he adds.

He continues, “We designed the AV systems to enhance in-person and remote learning experiences with scalable, future-proof AV infrastructure that would allow for future upgrades and expansions. Easy-to-use interfaces and staff training reduced the need for technical support, ensuring smooth operation and minimal downtime and boosting the Institute’s overall teaching and learning experience,”

Manikk continues, “In all the classrooms, we chose the narrow vertical Bose MA12 column array speakers because of their controlled sound dispersion that directs sound only towards the audience, ensuring better speech and clarity. A Bose P2600A power amplifier with digital connectivity powers the speakers.” When asked about the choice of speakers, Manikk emphasized that Bose would bring significant value to the project. “We have worked closely with Bose for many years, and they have a wonderful product line. We get excellent support from them, which means we can support our customers better,” he highlights.

In the larger classrooms, the team added functionalities like presenter tracking through multiple PTZ cameras, lecture recording, and live streaming with multiple large motorized screens for video displays and seamless touch control.

“TCC2 Sennheiser ceiling microphone tiles placed close to the stage are used for video conferencing and sound capture for broadcasts within or outside the campus. Sennheiser wireless lapel and handheld microphones, as well as wired gooseneck microphones for podiums, allow flexibility in microphone usage. The Lumens PTZ cameras installed have live streaming directly from the camera for recording lectures.” he explains.

When asked why they chose Lumens PTZ cameras Manikk highlights that Lumens is one of the most popular brands today, and they work closely with them, especially on most government projects.

“They offer excellent Korean-made products at competitive prices, and their unique selling point is their standby policy. They ensure that within 24 hours, they send a standby product for any project we work with them on. For projects in Delhi, the standby product will arrive in three hours. We just inform them, the new product arrives, and the old one is returned to us after repair,” he explains.

For the largest classroom, with a 300-audience capacity, the institute required stage teleprompters and video confidence monitors on a portable trolley for presenters. “Many orators prefer teleprompters to deliver their speeches confidently, so the Sony teleprompter is used mainly when senior professors, faculty from other universities, or high-ranking officials present. On the other hand, the Sony monitor display is more regularly used to help speakers stay on track while presenting.” he adds.

Connection, sharing, and collaboration, whether in the classroom, across campus, or globally, is a rising trend that brings AV collaboration front and center of the student learning experience. Manikk emphasizes that the AV infrastructure is scalable and future-proof, allowing for expansion of the existing system as needed. “For instance, if there is a need to integrate all classrooms by broadcasting a lecture from one hall to another, it can be done through AV over IP and similar technologies.”

Powering an immersive auditorium experience

A space created for education, knowledge sharing, and entertainment, Manikk describes the state-of-the-art auditorium as a versatile venue for various events, including annual programs, live performances, and lectures.

“We used Bose line array speakers, front-fill speakers, stage monitors, and subwoofers, all powered by robust digital amplifiers, to deliver exceptional sound quality. The audio setup also included a digital signal processor, digital wireless microphones with an antenna distribution system, and a robust mixing console to manage sound effectively,” he explains.

“Four Sony AMU108 front-fill speakers placed on the stage cater to the audience in the front rows sitting close to the stage. The line speakers, placed about 15 feet above the floor, are designed to provide sound for the entire audience. However, when the front-row audience looks towards the stage, they may feel the sound coming from above because of the position of the main speakers. So, we strategically placed these front-fill speakers to maintain the perception that the sound originates from the stage. Played at a low volume, they act as filler speakers to the main speakers, aiming to create an illusion of the sound coming from the stage,” Manikk elaborates.

The entire system is fully digital, giving users complete control at their fingertips through an iPad touch panel. With just a press of a button, the presets allow users to activate the system, control the volume, select inputs, and manage the whole show from the hall without returning to the control room. The user-friendly interface ensures that anyone without technical expertise can operate it easily. They can make the selections in their control room, but we’ve provided this additional add-on provision, and the users are happy with it.” he adds.

For the video setup, the team used a large motorized screen, a high-lumen Christie projector, and a complete camera recording and presenter tracking system in place. “We also equipped the Auditorium with Leksa special effects stage lighting solutions with motorized curtains to bring life to the many cultural programs hosted in this space,” Manikk continues.

Manikk shares us why the Christie DWU23-HS 18500 ANSI lumens projector was the right choice for the project. “We’ve had a positive experience working with Christie, and this is a reliable product with excellent commercial and technical support. If it was a 5000 lumens projector, we might have considered other brands, but when it comes to high lumens, I think Christie rules the market, and they are one of the best in the industry in this segment. We aimed to use the best, which is why we chose Christie,”

Rising to the challenge

By keeping lines of communication open and holding regular coordination meetings with contractors, the team worked through the infrastructure limitations to keep the project on track.

Manikk shares how the lack of scaffolding made mounting ceiling equipment like the Christie projector and PTZ cameras difficult. “We used innovative methods like lifts and temporary supports to safely install and seamlessly integrate these devices with the existing electrical setup. We have used lifts in other projects like the Pragati Maidan and the ITPO project because the ceiling heights were so high that scaffolding was impossible. But here, the challenge was different; the floor tiling was already done, so the lifts helped us work faster.”

Cable management was a challenge, too, as it required detailed planning and execution by the team. “We needed to ensure reliable connections for HDMI, Cat-6, and other cables while avoiding clutter. On-site electrical work was not allowed, so we worked within the existing electrical setup, which meant carefully routing power cables and ensuring all connections were compatible without making any modifications,” he explains.

“Our local team carried out the majority of the technical installations. However, for specialized tasks such as touch panel programming, testing, and commissioning, we brought in our teams from Delhi and Bombay to ensure certain programming was tested,” he adds.

A bright future

Undoubtedly, technology is integral to the future of higher education, and AV technologies will continue to play a powerful role in creating transformative spaces for learning at institutes like IISER Tirupati.

“The Institute’s enhanced in-person and remote learning experiences and future-proofed AV infrastructure will allow them to adapt to change and stay ahead of the curve. This positive impact is a testament to our team’s expertise and dedication to going the extra mile. Seeing the immediate improvements in the learning environment and knowing our work has made a difference makes this project particularly rewarding,” he says with pride.

Manikk also emphasizes the massive focus of the Indian Government on education in recent years. “The establishment of new IITs, IIMs, and AIIMS campuses reflects significant progress being made and the government’s commitment to advancing the education agenda. These institutions are highly esteemed and internationally recognized, attracting students and faculty worldwide.”

In conclusion, Manikk highlights how AV is integral to the education experience at these institutions, and collaborating with international institutes has made them realize the need to meet international AV standards. “This is a huge opportunity for AV industry, especially with government clients. Given this focus, I believe they will continue to upgrade their AV systems in the future to continually enhance the overall teaching and learning experience.