Smeal College of Business sought to construct a building that would foster a sense of community for their faculty, staff, and students that would create enduring connections between all groups at the school. To accomplish this goal, the building committee called upon the Dean of Yale School of Architecture, Robert A. M. Stern. Stern designed a 210,000 square foot structure at the corner of Park Avenue and Shortlidge Road. It would be the largest academic building at Penn State University. The new facility would incorporate 22 classrooms, a 150-seat auditorium, 13 academic department and Research Center suites, numerous labs and team study rooms, and the Blue Chip Bistro, a gourmet eatery with 100-person seating. All would be co-located to bring together the faculty and staff, students, and business visitors in absolute comfort.

SAGE Delivers:

SAGE was invited, along with a short list of pre-qualified vendors, to respond to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued in December 2004 for the audio/visual systems in the classrooms, conference rooms, auditorium, atrium, and stairwells. Being a school of business, Smeal understood that quality does not generally come with the lowest price tag. They reviewed the submitted capabilities and proposed scope of work from all vendors. In conjunction with the associated proposal price, SAGE was determined to present the best value. SAGE received formal notification of award for the A/V installation on February 14, 2005.

Cutting Edge Audio/Visual Technology:

SAGE worked closely with the staff at Smeal College to develop customized graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for integration of the A/V technologies in the head end room, Dean's and Executive Education conference rooms, and the 150-seat auditorium. Because each of these location types has a slightly different configuration, SAGE designed the touchscreen controls to be as straightforward as possible for the systems' end users.

These GUI screens allow, through single-touch controls, for the faculty and staff to execute the following tasks: Initiate videoconferencing in the auditorium and conference rooms Turn on and off projectors and lower projection screens Switch between dual and single projector mode and activate surround sound Create and broadcast digital informational signage through LCD screens Schedule LCD screens to automatically turn on or off depending on time of day Activate DVD or VCR display through projectors Perfect sound levels in every room, allowing for appropriate amplification Display PC, Mac, laptop, or document camera displays on projection screens Transmit audio and video feeds from various locations within the Smeal building to the CATV system for distribution

Solutions Provided by SAGE:

Equipment Highlights:

AMX Touchscreen Control Panels Aevalin Digital Bulletin Board Message Generator Panasonic LCD Panels Polycom Videoconferencing Systems Epson Digital Video Projectors EAW & JBL Surround Sound Speakers BEI & Stewart Motorized Projection Screens Extron Video Switchers Blonder Tongue Video Modulators Shure Wireless Microphones Listen Wireless Hearing Assist Systems Z-Band GigaBob CATV Distribution

Overcoming Challenges:

Unforeseen construction setbacks delayed the audio/visual system installation project. To jump-start the process, SAGE began to assemble the A/V racks for installation at their Mount Joy office long before being able to begin on-site. To complete the venture before the September 30 dedication ceremonies, SAGE Project Managers, technicians, and engineers worked around the clock to cable, install, program, and test the systems in over 47 individual remote locations throughout the building. The efforts of the SAGE design, engineering, and installation teams, working with the Gilbane Building Company site coordinator, were instrumental in the successful completion of the project. Gilbane even won a Special Recognition Award in the 2006 Marvin M. Black Excellence in Partnership Awards.