Next Generation Collaboration at the University of Salford
Next Generation Collaboration at Salford
Client:
University of Salford
Project
We partnered with TOP-TEC and University of Salford to create a new generation of collaboration spaces that remove barriers to teaching and learning. By combining bespoke furniture design with intuitive AV technology and hybrid-ready infrastructure, the project delivers inclusive, future-proof teaching environments that enhance engagement, support flexibility & provide a consistent user experience across campus.
The Client
The University of Salford is a public research university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, around a mile west of the city centre, positioned on a 160-acre riverside campus along the banks of the River Irwell. Founded as the Royal Technical Institute in 1896 and gaining university status in 1967, the university now educates over 20,000 students and operates across several key locations, including the main Peel Park Campus, the Frederick Road Campus and the industry-focused MediaCityUK campus at Salford Quays. Its strategic location in the heart of Greater Manchester, combined with strong links to industry and media, makes the University of Salford a major hub for education, research and innovation in the North West of England.
The Project
Roche AV Pro partnered with the University of Salford to deliver cutting-edge collaboration spaces designed to support active learning and seamless hybrid teaching. The project brings together advanced AV technology, intuitive control, media distribution and a bespoke furniture solution to create a consistent and future-proof user experience across teaching spaces.
Removing barriers with TOP-TEC
A major priority for Audio Visual Manager Andre Davies was to reintroduce podiums into teaching spaces without creating a physical or psychological barrier between educators and their students. Working closely with Roche AV Pro and University stakeholders, TOP-TEC engineered a bespoke “Next Gen Lectern” that blends accessibility, interactive teaching, and ergonomic performance. Featuring a double-tier wedge-shaped worktop and an integrated recessed touchscreen mounted on a custom angled bracket, the design supports natural presenter sightlines and clear visibility of teaching content. A ceramic dry-wipe inlay panel enables visualiser use for flexible annotation, while wheelchair-friendly clearances and potential for height adjustability support inclusive use for all educators.
Finished entirely in white metalwork and matching worktop surfaces, the lectern integrates seamlessly with Salford’s modern interiors and enhances the sense of openness within the teaching environment. The solution was validated through a 20-person user group, where 19 participants confirmed the design achieved both functional and aesthetic goals, forming the basis for a scalable standard across new teaching rooms. The Next Gen lecterns are also complimented by TOP-TEC Neptune cabinets and secure bracketry for the display screens across the spaces.
The Solution
The AV infrastructure within these collaboration spaces combines the Iiyama professional 4K displays, WolfVision Cynap collaboration technology, Crestron control / automation and Sennheiser ceiling audio capture to support hybrid and interactive teaching. Multiple Iiyama 65-75” displays deliver clear content visibility from anywhere in the room, complemented by a touch-enabled lectern-mounted monitor that supports instructor interaction and BYOD workflows.
WolfVision Cynap provides a flexible platform for wireless sharing, multi-source presentation, and web conferencing, maintaining a truly device-agnostic collaboration experience. Crestron control processing and touch interfaces ensure that system operation is intuitive and reliable, while occupancy automation improves energy efficiency and reduces environmental impact. Meanwhile, Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling microphones deliver hands-free audio pickup for teaching that feels natural and unrestricted, supporting both remote participants and accessibility solutions through the MobileConnect ecosystem. Together, these technologies create a unified environment where teaching flows seamlessly: whether students are in-room, remote, or a blend of both.
Partners
The Outcome
This project represents the beginning of a new phase in its standardised technology strategy for Salford University. These pilot collaboration space installations lay the foundation for future rollout, with a consistent interface, unified design language, and centralised monitoring ensuring long-term reliability and reduced support overheads. The system also integrates proven infrastructure from Extron, Netgear and Kramer, ensuring robust signal management and power distribution throughout. These Next Gen Collaboration Spaces at the University deliver an inclusive and modern teaching platform that enhances engagement, supports hybrid learning & maximises the value of digital learning resources. Through careful planning, stakeholder collaboration and precision engineering, we have delivered a solution that aligns with the University’s wider vision for a technology-enabled campus: removing barriers to teaching, enabling collaboration & ensuring every student can participate fully.
See How We Can Help
Whether you need a simple system or a fully integrated solution, our in-house experts are here to guide you every step of the way. See how Roche AV Pro can bring your vision to life.