Edinburgh Futures Institute - University of Edinburgh

AV INSTALLED

NEC LED video walls

​​​​​​​Audio visual case study edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh, established in 1583, has a long-standing history of academic excellence. Renowned around the world for its cutting-edge research, inspirational teaching and innovative thinking, it has long been the catalyst for the brightest of minds in all aspects of education.

​​​​​​​Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town, the Futures Institute is housed in the newly transformed and revitalised Old Royal Infirmary building which has been a landmark of both historic and architectural significance. Now this iconic site serves as a hub for the University's institutional needs, bringing together academic faculties, researchers, and students in an inspiring environment. Focused on tackling today's increasingly complex issues, the Futures Institute brings people together to make better futures possible.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

To do

During the installation of the four LED video walls, several logistical challenges were overcome by GVAV’s Scotland team. One of the primary obstacles was the need to fix wooden pattresses to the walls to strengthen them and create a flat surface to allow for secure mounting of the frames and cabinets. Additionally, the power requirements for the video walls, especially the double-sized units installed on the fourth floor presented another challenge whereby the increase in power demand required an upgrade to the building's electrical infrastructure. Specifically, a larger breaker was required at the fuse board to accommodate the higher energy load. Working alongside the University and other contractors, these challenges were overcome, and the project was delivered on time.

Photo courtesy of Jaegerfilm

The chosen product for these spaces is the NEC LED-E015i-135, a high-performance, ultra-thin LED display designed for professional signage applications. Its 1.35mm pixel pitch delivers exceptional image clarity and vivid colours, and combined with its 4K resolution capability, makes it ideal for use in environments where high-resolution content is crucial.

LED technology has gained recent prominence as an alternative display solution to traditional projectors. Projectors using older lamp-based technologies can have shorter lifespans, often requiring frequent bulb replacement, causing unnecessary waste. When taking into account the full product lifecycle, this can contribute to LED being a more sustainable solution.

The displays feature a seamless modular design, allowing for easy scalability and simple replacement of individual cabinets if required, as opposed to replacing the entire projector or display in case of failure. As forward-thinking organisations become increasingly focused on sustainability, LEDs can offer advantages over projectors in the long term.

Small LED Display in open room in the sun with seats around it Displaying Flowers

Photo courtesy of Jaegerfilm

Built with reliability and durability in mind, the NEC LED offers 24/7 operational capability, making it a robust solution for continuous, high-visibility signage. As content continues to evolve in terms of both resolution and format, the ability to scale up the display and support future technologies means the University can continue to rely on this system for years to come.

This project delivers both aesthetic appeal and functional advantages, enhancing the learning environment and further contributing to the University’s modern, innovative appeal. The large-scale displays at key locations in the Futures Institute, provide a visually striking focal point that elevates the overall campus.

In the teaching spaces, the 4K resolution and vibrant visuals allow for detailed presentations and interactive media, improving student engagement and supporting dynamic learning experiences. The video walls in the reception and entrances also serve as effective signage tools, helping with communicating information, event schedules and wayfinding directions.

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Photo courtesy of Jaegerfilm

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