As hybrid work models continue to emerge, companies have had to think outside the box when it comes to office space. From high resolution displays to private meeting rooms equipped with PTZ cameras, today’s work environments require a creative and innovative approach to office design in order to meet the needs of the modern workforce.

To address this shift, many office managers and building owners are creating hybrid work environments that combine the best of both worlds. The goal is to create facilities that are collaborative, technologically advanced, easy-to-use, and multi-functional for a wide variety of use cases.

The Manulife Plaza: An AV Tech Revolution

One great example of this is the 21-story Manulife Plaza, located in the Los Angeles Financial District. This Class A office space, opened in 1982, boasts nearly 450,000 square feet of space, with just over 2,200 square feet of retail. When building managers Avison Young recognized that their tenants have changing needs, they began work to create a top-notch third-floor conferencing facility that would be accessible to all tenants. To achieve this goal, they partnered with Sherman Design Group and ClearTech to bring their vision to life.

Whether functioning as a single conferencing environment or divided into two spaces separated by a foldable acoustic air wall, the conference space needed to offer robust functionality relative to its size. This required technology solutions that offered flexibility and ease of use, but also provided intuitive integration across the board.

Let’s Talk Tech: PTZ Cameras and Crystal-Clear Sound

With a dual focus on performance and aesthetics, AV components were selected for optimal integration of the space to accommodate a wide range of uses for groups of varying sizes. That meant creating an environment that was highly configurable and easily divisible. Clear imaging, high-quality sound, and reliable performance were all essential.

To accomplish this, the conferencing facility installed two ceiling-mounted Panasonic AW-UE40W ultra quiet PTZ cameras and a portable Panasonic AW-UE20K camera on a tripod. When the space is divided, one side has a ceiling-mounted mic, while the other two PTZ cameras can be devoted to the remaining space. To meet the requirements for the smaller room, the team incorporated a high-resolution 65-inch Panasonic TH-65SQE1W display attached to a monitor lift that could make it disappear behind a ceiling soffit. Used in conjunction with a 150-inch ceiling-recessed screen, a Panasonic PT-RCQ80WU7 1-Chip DLP™ laser projector was also installed to provide the right brightness and resolution to engage audience members even at the far side of the undivided room. In this setting, content can be shared easily with seamless display within the space.

Sound clarity is ensured with 16 loudspeakers incorporated throughout the space. To further enhance the audio experience, there is an eight-channel microphone setup encompassing Panasonic Connect's Wireless Microphone System lavalier mics and a handheld microphone, which work in conjunction with other ceiling microphones and a gooseneck microphone. This allows for multiple microphones to be used simultaneously, ensuring that everyone is heard loud and clear.

Unlock Cohesive AV Design

With these elements taken into consideration, creating a cohesive design with AV tech in mind can help to create a connected, collaborative workspace. Manulife’s new conference facility is a testament to the seamless partnership between design and AV technology. By working together, they were able to create a hyper-flexible space, ensuring that meeting experiences remain consistent and engaging for all.

Cohesive design between the work environment and AV technology can create a connected and collaborative workplace. As more and more companies and building managers look to create workspaces that are ready for the future, they must consider building environments that can adapt to new challenges. Utilizing modern technology to facilitate teamwork and collaboration in a constantly changing work landscape can help organizations transform the way they approach work.

To create work environments that can adapt to new challenges, explore Panasonic Connect’s flexible and creative end-to-end solutions designed to drive business continuity and foster rich collaboration.