The Edgerton Hall
The study of Edgerton Hall was based upon the three studies of other lecture
halls done earlier by the freshmen seminar (6A20 The Electric Lecture Hall).
Although much of the analysis apply to general lecture halls, most of the
content in this report is addressed to Edgerton Hall specifically.
[Ideal Needs/Activities]
[Constraints]
2. Local Audiences
- Additional speakers should be built for various sound effects, such as
mono, stereo, and sorround sound.
- To faciliate question-and-answer situation, microphones should be attached on two running tracks at the ceiling. These microphones pick up the volume of the audience and amplify it for recording.
- Fluorescent light switches should be installed near all the entrances of the lecture hall. These light switches are overridden once the lecture hall is in session.
- A survey of past users of 34-101 showed that the ventilation needed improvement. The improved ventilation system should provide ample of air.
- When a presentation is not being recorded or broadcasting, the local audiences, being the primary audiences, should receive the highest priority. Lighting, volume, screen, etc, should be adjusted to the level comfortable to them.
3. Remote Audiences
- Two to three cameras should be suspended from the ceiling. When the lecturer decodes to make a basic recording by himself/herself, these cameras should auto-focus and zoom at a fixed angle. For a more professional recording, these cameras should provide features such as changing angle and brightness.
- The location of cameras and mics are important. To prevent blockage, we suggest that cameras are to be suspended to the ceiling, with mics to pick-up sound. At this point, an issue of security must be considered. If we suspend the cameras and hide them up into the ceiling, we not only can store them safely but also adjust them to various heights. Mics should be movable as well, so that they can pick up sounds from a smaller vicinity.
- Inside the control room, the technicians should be able to switch from one camera to another. The equipment in the control room should be able to perform recording as well as broadcasting.
- When a presentation is being recorded by professional technicians, they should make the final decisions on all controls. It is assumed that these professionals have sufficient expertise in making sure whatever they do will best suited to all three groups of users.
To go back ...
For any comments, please email to e-lec-hall@mit.edu
This final report is done by Christine Chan and June Yiu.