Multimedia Lab Design Proposal By Eric Taylor

Purpose The purpose of this lab is to equip students with hardware and software capable of performing professional media tasks similar to those found in a professional workplace. This includes computer workstations, converter stations, monitors (both audio and video), mixing stations, headphones, furniture (desks, chairs, tables, cabinets, etc.), and supplies. The lab may also be used for completing projects, having organized discussions dealing with projects, as well as relaxing and spending downtime.

Table of Contents Layout Hardware Selection Software Selection Furniture Selection Budget Report Summary Conclusion

Layout The layout must be aesthetically pleasing, and comfortable. Productivity is at it's peak when students are comfortable, and the lab must meet this requirement in order to foster the best possible learning environment for the students and instructor(s). The lab will have workstations on either side of the room, with an instructor station at the head. There will also be editing and conversion stations at the rear of the room next to storage cabinets used to house other equipment. The room is designed so that students not involved directly in an editing or conversion process can easily see and hear the instructor, and follow along by watching the projector screen.

Layout (cont.) *Image taken from its.ucsc.edu (University of California Santa Cruz)

Hardware The hardware and networking equipment was chosen based on the needs of the specific projects being completed. The lab will have iMac workstations outfitted with Pro Tools systems, and 8 channel mixers. Each station will have a multi-headphone monitor port for private listening, as well as audio monitors for final stage mixing. There will be a color and black and white printer for hard-copy printouts, as well as multiple scanners, VHS and digital converters, and audio recording equipment. There will also be a projector with a screen connected to the instructor's workstation.

Software The lab will be centered around professional audio editing software, mainly Pro Tools. Pro Tools is the industry standard for audio editing, and is a very complex and capable program. Other pieces of software will also be included in the lab, including Photoshop, Final Cut, and Audacity. All of these programs serve a very specific purpose, whether it be photo editing, video editing, or secondary audio editing. The computers will also be outfitted with the latest version of Microsoft Office, as well as other miscellaneous freeware programs that include video and audio converters, and other word processors.

Furniture The furniture in the lab must be comfortable, and the students and instructor must also be comfortable. Padded rolling chairs that adjust for each student or instructor are a necessity, as are tables that can also be adjusted. The instructor's desk should have plenty of room for their computer, as well as empty space to allow them to write, or check student's work.

Budget iMac computer workstations: $2,648.00= $52, Balt Split-Level Student Workstations: $259.95= $2, Balt LX Computer Tables: $221.95= $ OFM Modular Conference Table: $599.95= $ Office Star Air Grid Chairs: $170.95= $3, Balt Mentor Seminar Tables: $185.95= $ Shain GSC-8 Storage Cabinets: $1,604.95= $4, Epson Brightlink Projector: $2,199.00= $2, Draper Access 175” Projector Screen: $1,604.00= $1, Epson B11B Perfection Scanner: $190.00= $570.00

Budget (cont.) HP Laserjet P2035 B&W Printer: $249.99= $ HP Laserjet Pro 400 M475DN Printer: $699.99= $ Hammacher VHS to DVD Converter: $289.95= $ Ion Audio-Video Digital Converter: $49.99= $49.99 M-Audio BX5 D2 Monitors: $299.99= $1, Sennheiser HD-280 Monitors: $99.95= $1, Insignia NS-32L120A13 Monitor: $199.99= $ Monster StudioLink XLR/ TRS Cable: $34.95= $ Pro Tools Software/ Mbox Controllers: $999.00= $13, Final Cut Pro X: $299.99= $4, Microsoft Office: $79.99= $1, Total $94,900.00

Summary This is a professional multimedia computer lab, with strong emphases in audio and video editing. The lab will provide a comfortable working environment suitable for students and teachers in a multimedia field. The budget for this lab comes just under $95,

Conclusion This multimedia computer lab should serve it's purpose of promoting a user-friendly learning environment for multimedia students.

Thank You!