Where Mid-Century Meets Modern Tech: AV Solutions for a 1960s Boardroom 

Client & Venue:

The James Pantyfedwen Foundation, Aberystwyth 

Equipment / Brands Used:

• Optoma 5 series 86-inch IFP 

• Yealink Teams Room System  

• Shure MXA310 microphone 

• Williams IR Assisted Listening System

Summary

Design and install a system within the first-floor boardroom, with modern AV technology, that was flexible, scalable and adaptable for the future whilst maintaining the original 1960s aesthetic of the space.

Challenges

Respecting the Past, Designing for the Future. 

The boardroom’s original features, clean lines, warm wood tones, and understated elegance served as the foundation for the design approach. Rather than overpowering these elements, the AV system was carefully integrated to complement and enhance the existing space. 

Minimal visual disruption was key. Equipment was either discreetly mounted or elegantly embedded into the room’s architecture, ensuring the technology felt like a natural extension of the environment rather than an intrusion. 

About the client

The James Pantyfedwen Foundation began its operations on 1 April 1998, the successor of two former charitable trusts, both of which had been set up by the late Sir D J James, whose aim was to create a permanent endowment to benefit the people of Wales.  

The Foundation currently supports religion, education and culture in Wales by providing grants under three headings, church buildings, postgraduate students and Eisteddfodau. 

Client Problem 

Designing a contemporary audio-visual system for a heritage space presents a unique challenge: how do you introduce cutting-edge technology without compromising the character and charm of the original design? This was the central question behind the transformation of a first-floor boardroom rooted in 1960s architecture. 

One thing that was never entirely clear was the room's final use, so we needed a system that would be adaptable. 

Solution Delivered

To meet the demands of modern collaboration, the system incorporates industry-leading components that deliver performance, reliability, and ease of use: 

• Optoma Creative Touch 5 Series 86-inch display
  These large-format interactive displays provide crisp 4K visuals and intuitive touch functionality, enabling dynamic presentations, real-time collaboration, and hybrid meeting engagement. Their sleek design ensures they blend effortlessly into the room without detracting from its vintage appeal. 

• Yealink MVC500 Video Conferencing System
  Designed for seamless video conferencing, this system supports high-quality audio and video, making remote participants feel fully present. Its integration allows for quick meeting setup and compatibility with leading collaboration platforms. 

• Shure MXA310 microphone
  Installed discreetly within the boardroom table, this microphone array delivers exceptional audio clarity while maintaining a clean, uncluttered surface. Its directional audio capture ensures every voice is heard clearly, regardless of seating position. 

A critical aspect of the design was ensuring the system could evolve with future needs. The infrastructure supports easy integration of additional displays or devices, upgrades to emerging collaboration platforms and expansion for larger or more complex meeting setups 

This adaptability ensures the boardroom remains relevant as technology and organisational needs continue to change. 

Despite the advanced technology, usability remains simple and intuitive. A centralised control system allows users to manage displays, video conferencing, and audio with minimal training. This reduces friction and encourages adoption, making the space more productive from day one. 

Result/Outcome

The completed boardroom stands as a testament to thoughtful design, where heritage meets innovation. By carefully selecting and integrating modern AV solutions, the space now supports high-performance collaboration without losing its original identity. 

It’s not just a meeting room anymore; it’s a future-ready environment that respects its past while embracing what’s next.