AV Overhaul at The University of Bradford
Project:
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Overview
The University of Bradford recently undertook a comprehensive £1m audio-visual overhaul to address long-standing challenges across its campus estate. The project aimed to modernise outdated systems, improve accessibility, and align with the university's goals of sustainability, accessibility and student-centred learning. Roche AV emerged as the trusted partner to deliver this ambitious upgrade, transforming the campus into a state-of-the-art learning environment.
The work completed in 2024 created a flagship lecture theatre space for all students, doubled the number of hybrid meeting rooms and worked with the Faculty of Health Studies to reimagine how they approach collaborative learning. This improved the facilities for midwifery, physiotherapy and other health studies disciplines.
The Challenge
The university faced significant issues with its existing AV infrastructure, which had suffered from years of underinvestment. The estate featured a mismatched array of equipment, with many solutions either outdated or entirely unusable AV equipment which needed to be more dynamic and interactive to meet the expectations of academic and student stakeholders. Recognising the critical need for improvement, the University of Bradford secured central investment funding to address these deficiencies.
Key challenges included:
A lack of standardisation across AV systems.
Limited functionality, particularly for hybrid and collaborative learning.
A tight deadline to complete the project before the start of the new academic year.
The need for sustainable and accessible solutions to meet modern standards.
The Solution
Roche AV secured the project following a rigorous partner tender process, standing out for their comprehensive approach, resilience, value and commitment to sustainability.
The AV installation at the university focused on four key areas, enhancing its learning and operational capabilities. The project featured cutting-edge solutions from leading brands.
Key Features
- Large-Scale Hikvision LED Wall Installation A centrepiece of the upgrade was the installation of a cutting-edge Hikvision LED wall in the large lecture hall. Hikvision was chosen for its cost-effectiveness, sustainable credentials, and ease of installation, offering the university a high-impact solution within budget.
- Optimisation of AV over IP Using Extron NAV: Using Extron NAV to distribute signals campus wide over an IP network, and allow for simple control, future expansion and modification as and when required.
- Hybrid and Interactive Learning Solutions The installation of new systems, including Wolfvision's Cynap-based vSolution MATRIX system allowed for hybrid learning, transforming the university's teaching model. Students can now collaborate and engage interactively during lessons, moving away from traditional lecturer-led methods and taking control of their own learning.
- Sustainable and Accessible Design Sustainability and accessibility were central to the decision-making process, with a focus on reducing the university’s carbon footprint and creating inclusive learning environments which the university had previously lacked. This included modern hearing loop systems and height adjustable equipment.
- Full Site and User Surveys Roche AV conducted an extensive site survey to understand the unique needs of each space. The university complemented this with user surveys, ensuring that the final solutions were tailored to meet the needs of students and faculty alike.
Key Benefits
- Enhanced Student Experience: Modernised AV systems have significantly improved engagement and collaboration in classrooms.
- Hybrid Learning Capabilities: The implementation of Wolfvision technology has enabled flexible learning options, catering to diverse student needs.
- Sustainability Focus: The project demonstrates a commitment to reducing environmental impact while achieving educational excellence.
- Timely Delivery: Despite challenges, the project was completed on time, ensuring minimal disruption to the academic calendar.
Partners
Project Breakdown
Richmond Workshop Area (Midwifery)
This project involved a comprehensive renovation of the Midwifery area, including AV upgrades in adjacent spaces to enable content sharing using Extron NAV.
Displays & AV Equipment:
4.8m Hikvision 4K 1.2pp LED wall.
3 Clevertouch CM Series repeater screens.
Mobile 75” screen on TOP-TEC Nova Trolley with encoder and decoder for flexibility.
TOP-TEC Contour AV lectern with backlit University of Bradford illuminated branding.
Ergonomic dual monitor mount and Wolfvision Cynap Mini integrated into the unit for wireless collaboration.
Height adjustable module for Equality Act compliance.
AV lectern design built to last to secure all of the Universities preselected AV equipment.
Audio System:
Extron XPA U 2004 FX amplifier.
Wall-mounted Extron SM28 speakers.
SF3P pendant ceiling speakers.
Control & Collaboration:
Extron DMP 128 Plus C DSP.
Extron TLP PRO 1025T touch panel and IPCP Pro 360Q xi processor.
Axis V5925 PTZ camera with mobile integration.
Sennheiser wearable and handheld microphones.
Integration Across Spaces:
New Extron NAV system for seamless sharing between midwifery and adjacent spaces.
PTZ cameras for mobile use around beds and integration into the igloo solution for immersive experiences.
Student Central (Bar & Study)
This dynamic space evolved over time, adapting to live production and cinema use cases.
Displays:
136” Hikvision LED wall (P1.5) with front maintenance tools and wall mount.
Integrated digital signage across zones.
Audio:
Extron XPA U 1004-100v amplifier and SM28 wall speakers.
Zoned audio control with Extron DSP and iPad-based management.
Control:
Extron MLC Plus 100 wall-mounted control unit and 7” TLP PRO 725M touch panel.
Horton A Refurbishment
Refurbishment of 15 medical teaching spaces, ranging from simple meeting rooms to advanced mock wards. Integration included Wolfvision V Matrix for wireless collaboration between spaces.
Display Solutions:
Clevertouch EDGE 86” interactive screens and repeater displays.
Wolfvision Cynap Pro for collaboration.
Integrated PTZ cameras (Axis V5925 and RGB12X-UPAI-WH).
Audio & Control:
Sennheiser lapel and handheld microphones.
Extron DSPs, amplifiers, and touch panels for seamless control.
WIFI-based hearing assistance using Sennheiser Mobile Connect.
Mock Wards:
Multiple Clevertouch displays with Wolfvision vSolution MATRIX for lecturer-student interaction.
Custom furniture and Roche lecterns for practical use.
Horton Barn
A specialised AV installation for a modern collaborative space with a 9.6m Hikvision LED wall and advanced audio-visual components.
Display:
Two 4.8m Hikvision 4K LED’s side by side providing a total of 9.6m with remote brightness adjustment. Video wall controller with high-resolution support and intelligent dehumidification.
Audio System:
QSC Core Flex 8 DSP with Dante integration.
Ceiling-mounted Sennheiser TCC2 microphones and subwoofers for immersive sound.
Collaboration and Furniture:
Wolfvision Cynap Pro for wireless presentation.
QSC NC12x80 cameras and Extron NV-32H scaler for hybrid setups.
TOP-TEC Contour lectern
Each space demonstrates a commitment to high-quality, scalable AV solutions tailored to evolving user needs, ensuring functionality and futureproofing.
Conclusion
Roche AV’s audio-visual overhaul has redefined the University of Bradford campus experience. By integrating sustainable solutions and cutting-edge technology, the project not only resolved longstanding AV challenges but also set a new standard for accessibility, collaboration, and interactive learning. The project has been hailed as a resounding success, delivering on all objectives and exceeding expectations.
Project Feedback
“As someone who works in communications, I am constantly on the lookout for examples of how our university enhances the student experience. It is sometimes difficult to translate high-level strategic aims into concrete examples but the big screen in the Hortan Barn lecture theatre does so in jaw-dropping 4K resolution. It certainly has the 'wow factor'. Apart from being visually impressive, it also speaks to the commitment of the university towards enhancing its learning and teaching experience. Taken together with the lecture-capture technology, it means the University of Bradford really is making the most of the latest technology.” - Neil Hudson, Media relations manager, University of Bradford
“I was dreading the work. There are so many moving parts with such a huge project, which had a hard deadline as everything had to be done by the start of the new term. I'd envisioned problems and delays, but the teams worked so well together. Despite having to work around decorators, electrical work, cleaning teams, open days, and all sorts of university activity, everything was delivered seamlessly.” - Nick Cragg, AV Architect, University of Bradford
“The variety and complexity of AV improvement work undertaken this summer was immense. Commitment from the whole project team (internal and external) made it possible. I am so proud of what we have achieved, and the feedback since delivery has been excellent.” - Rosie Dowen, IT Project Delivery Manager, University of Bradford
“The overall project has made a massive difference. The lecture spaces now have a real wow factor. Students are impressed with the improvements, and you can see how this will impact their learning. The Wolfvision solution has enabled hybrid learning in a way our students couldn’t experience before. Lessons are now collaborative and interactive, making learning more exciting.” - Russ Hind, Head of IT Service Delivery University of Bradford
“The installation of the new technologies in the Midwifery Space has completely changed the way we are able to teach and expanded the accessibility of our content. This is the start of a new teaching era at Bradford with digital technologies supporting our vision of contemporary midwifery education. The collaboration, enthusiasm and effort of the collective teams across both at the university and externally is reflected in the finish of this project and of the commitment to providing quality driven and innovative education to our students. An amazing achievement - well done to all!” - Emily Bee, Assistant Professor, University of Bradford
"Working with Roche AV across multiple projects has been transformative for the University of Bradford. Their expertise in audio-visual technologies has enabled us to upgrade our facilities with state-of-the-art digital solutions, including Clevertouch Screens, Sennheiser Audio Systems, and Wolfvision Casting. These innovations have helped us create multifunctional spaces that support accessible, real-world learning experiences and integrate digital technologies designed to deliver contextually authentic education. Through immersive simulations, dynamic online learning, and high-fidelity clinical debriefing, we are embracing a digitally innovative, safe, and transformative approach to high-fidelity health education. This ensures we can prepare our future healthcare workforce with the skills and clinical competency required for excellence in practice, significantly enhancing the learning experience for healthcare professionals. These advancements align seamlessly with our mission to drive sustainable social and economic development. Together, we are fostering inclusive, flexible environments that enrich lives, empower our diverse community, and make a lasting societal difference." - Erica Bellamy, Director of Digital Health & Social Care, University of Bradford
"Students who come to study at the University of Bradford rightly expect to be able to interact with the latest technology. This latest investment is part of our commitment to continually improve the student experience." - Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor Professor, University of Bradford
“This installation was a great success. Our team is extremely proud to be involved in this sustainability-led initiative. The university’s determination to create a better, more accessible, and sustainable learning environment aligns with our goals, and it was a pleasure to be part of this project.” - Stafford Lund, Sales Manager, Roche AV