Technology driven environments:-
Control rooms are basically technological environments where critical activities are checked. To work easily in these environments, workers need control centres with sufficient space for the workers to move around and with furniture designed in shape and size for the work being performed. The equipment and storage needs for the console workplaces are the backbone of the design.
Designing:-
Designing a control room for consoles and video wall displays is the focus of the designer whether that's an architect, consultant or a furniture-video manufacturer. The space planning piece of the project is critical to its success. Mission goals much are understood and funding allocated before moving forward with a solution that meets all needs. Embarking on a solution that the owner can't afford just wastes time, money and creates a mess with the delivery schedule.
Factors:-
Before planning a CCTV control room design, a variety of factors must be considered such as:
- The physical plant; doors window and potential obstacles affecting the control room furniture design and layout
- Design of control room furniture and video wall systems
- Space allocated for control room consoles and video displays
- Orientation of control room consoles and video wall displays with consideration to adjacent space and fire egress
Explanation of factors:-
It's critical that the control room designer interacts with the customer to realise requirements and preferences. This is something that continues throughout the design process with the designer making modifications as more information is collected from the customer and other participants. Other participants could include electronics systems integrators, general contractors and end users.
Ergonomics:-
The designer must plan and suggest control room console designs with the latest ergonomic features.
Ergonomic features:-
Ergonomic features would include:
- Console furniture design that brings all tools near the operator in a manner that is comfortable and convenient
- Adjustable desktop or keyboard surface
- Adjustable arms for monitors and phones
- Easy access to cable management system for maintenance
- Personal storage that keeps the floors and desktop clear
- Large desktop space for reading and writing materials
- Adequate overhead and task lighting
- Personal environment control at desktop level
Versatility:-
Technology changes rapidly, but control room console furniture and video systems are too expensive to throw away. Both console furniture and video wall systems should be designed in a way that can be modified, or expanded to meet new technology and equipment requirements.
Durability:-
Modern console furniture must be durable enough withstand the stress of 24/7 use year after year. These products must be made of materials intended for this purpose. Estimating materials for stability and sound construction is vital to the process.
Goal:-
Control centres designers must provide a complete solution in terms of aesthetics, usability, comfortability, flexibility, and functionality. This also includes superior ergonomics, efficient cable management, and sufficient cooling for electronics. The designer should never lose sight of the fact that CCTV control room design must be appropriate for people working long hours under stress frequently in operations to important to fail.
