Across the country, institutions of higher learning are coming to the realization that the best way for modern students to learn is to have them collaborate. Today’s economic environment is driven by innovation and entrepreneurship, so colleges and universities are investing in their students’ future with the construction of state-of-the-art academic facilities that will promote the spirit of creativity and inspire the sharing of ideas. One solution schools have recently begun employing to further this mission is LED digital display technology. These mesmerizing displays inspire audiences and enchant imaginations, propelling communication forward in this era of shrinking attention spans.
Founded in 1865, the University of Kansas is a major public research and teaching institution with more than 28,000 students and 2,600 faculty across five campuses. KU sees itself as a pillar of experiential learning, but to bolster that image in today’s rapidly evolving collegiate landscape, the institution knew their new business school facility in Lawrence, Kansas had to feature ultramodern technology. The recently completed 166,500 square foot Capitol Federal Hall building features 18 classrooms, 205 offices, and countless spaces for student use. When designing the building, the administration envisioned a space that would provide large open areas where all visitors could freely interact. In order to manufacture this kind of spontaneous networking however, the building needed an anchor, a focal point to immediately draw everyone’s attention, even when the area was flooded with sunlight. The university found their focal point in the form of two stunningly brilliant NanoLumens Engage Series™ displays, both strategically placed around a centrally located coffee bar in the lobby of the building.
Unlike large corporations, universities are not afforded much flexibility when it comes to long-term investments in technology, and administrators from the University of Kansas needed to have the utmost confidence in the adaptability and longevity of their purchase. The University also faced an architectural obstacle in that the building was designed to allow an incredible amount of natural light to flood through large glass windows. That eliminated the consideration of any type of projection system or traditional LCD video wall, and necessitated the type of technology that could outshine the sun and adjust its brightness based on the levels of ambient light. Partnering with NanoLumens, KU was able to accomplish everything they had dreamed up in their original plans for Capitol Federal Hall, despite numerous obstacles.
The NanoLumens displays feature a 2.5MM pixel pitch that enables crystal clear viewing from every distance and viewing angle, while also hosting the ability to self-adjust brightness based on the surrounding levels of ambient light. The displays measure 30’ by 7.9’ and 15.75’ by 3.15’, and feature a native screen resolution greater than HD. Today, these NanoLumens display solutions dominate the beautiful lobby of Capitol Federal Hall, and play a central role in providing daily business news updates for students, faculty and visitors. The displays are also used for special events hosted by the School of Business during the year. To read more about the Capitol Federal Hall School of Business and their NanoLumens displays, check out our case study.