The best presentation space design incorporates audio visual technology, acoustic solutions and a breakout area for casual interaction. Plenty of power sockets to plug in technology and to keep everyone collaborating is key, as well as flexible, reconfigurable commercial furniture that can move around to accommodate various styles and group sizes. So, let’s look at how you can incorporate these essentials into your workspace…
Good quality commercial acoustic products
Although this can be easily overlooked when designing a presentation area for your workspace, it’s essential that you ensure the acoustics of the space are just right. While the ABCs of office acoustics are important in any part of the workspace, they’re particularly crucial in areas where people are going to be presenting.
No matter what the shape or size of the space, everybody in the audience needs to hear what is being said by the presenter or anything being shown onscreen. Incorporating at least one acoustical solution within the space will help reduce echo, reverberation and distraction via excess background noise.
The acoustic solutions we recommend:
Wall coverings, ceiling panels and carpet flooring are also great ways to ensure the entire space is safeguarded against unwanted sound.
Provide a place for everybody to plug in
As well as making sure everybody can hear what’s being said when designing your presentation space, it’s also important that you provide adequate access to power and WiFi. People will want to take notes, potentially record the presentation for future reference and maybe even contribute something themselves from their own device so you need to facilitate this.
Displaying a WiFi password will ensure the latter is covered but when it comes to providing enough places to plug in, you might need to invest in some power access products…
The power solutions we recommend:
Take advantage of the benefits of modular furniture
The benefits of modular office design are virtually endless for modern workspaces and this includes presentation spaces. Rather than traditional lecture seating or static rows of chairs, modular furniture enables you to reconfigure the space in accordance with the nature of the presentation.
Modular design encourages more natural interaction and facilitates a more collaborative way of sharing and discussing information.
The modular furniture solutions we recommend:
Install some AV and technology products
Once you’ve got your furniture sorted, it’s time to think about technology as this can have a huge impact on the functionality of the space, the usability for the presenter and the subsequent experience for the audience.
Taking advantage of the plethora of audio-visual and tech products now available on the market will ensure you’re maximising the presentation space to its full potential and making it a more flexible, multifunctional area.
The AV & tech solutions we recommend:
- Lifesize Phone HD for video conferencing
- SMART Board for more dynamic interaction
- Reserva to prevent disruption
Don’t forget about refreshments and rejuvenation
According to data released by Skipton Building Society last year, the average attention span of Britons is 14 minutes. When on a business call with clients or colleagues, this dipped to just 7 minutes but when engaging in social interaction, attention span increased to 29 minutes.
These stats support our recommendation of allowing regular breaks during any presentation session. Providing a refreshment station along with some comfortable, casual breakout areas will enable attendees to rejuvenate, socialise, network or even just change posture and keep blood flow regular, which will ensure you’ve got their full concentration.
The breakout furniture solutions we recommend:
You can see more of our breakout area furniture ideas here