UVM COMMONS PROJECT
December 15, 2003
The details that follow are an initial series of questions, issues, and program reductions in response to the November 26, 2003 Technology Program and Cost Estimates from The Sextant Group. These details are a compilation from a meeting between Student Life, Media Services, and Computer and Information Technology (CIT), and are in no way inclusive and complete. More time is necessary for dialogue and collaborative design discussions with all parties in the context of budget reduction and program balance.
Initial reactions with respect to equipment was what appeared to be an over abundance of equipment in areas that were glass on several walls and open on the other side. We want to explore the relationship between architectural design and the specification of flat screens in program areas. The reductions that follow were made with some understanding of design and program, but this needs to be explored further.
Future development in the world of technology and audio-visual should drive decisions concerning final proposals and bids. Wireless projection, flexibility of equipment and access, the number of ethernet ports and wireless availability in public areas, public email stations on each floors, dedicated space within the building to support all technology needs, and the level and flexibility of video conferencing in meeting rooms. The draft program does not appear dedicate square footage for switching equipment for network and voice, provide wireless capabilities throughout the facility, in building cellular support, and public telephones.
Attached as addendums are the rough email responses from Jim Whitby (Media Services) and Dean Williams (CIT).
Dining Flat Screen by 3 13,500
Bistro Flat Screen by 3 13,500
Projection TV 6,000
Distribution Mega System Allowance 250,000
Ballroom Flat Screen 4,500
Perf Theater Downgrade Projection TV 15,000
Black Box Downgrade Projection TV 10,000
Game Room Flat Screen by 3 13,500
Projection TV 6,000
Student Life Cof Projection TV 6,000
Career Conf Projection TV 6,000
Distribution Reduce Video Conf to 1 18,400
Dining Reduce Source Components 1,281
Eliminate Lectern 5,255
Pub Eliminate Lectern 4,250
Ballroom Reduce Source Devices 8,198
Eliminate Computers 4,950
Eliminate Lectern 8,500
Medium Mtg Eliminate Computer 2,475
Small Mtg Eliminate Computers 2,475
Black Box Reduce Mixing Console 15,000
TOTAL $414,784
Proposed Adjustments to Technology Scope
Notes by J.Whitby 12/11/04
Distributed video:
-Scale down large format display at key public location.
-Head end source location sounds good adjacent to Info Desk.
-Kiosks could be simpler? Limited to UVM website access via touch
screen like ÒSmart Overlay SystemÓ Ðno keyboard.
Dining:
-Delete presenters lectern.
-Delete source devices.
-Provide wall interface plates for control of projector functions, screen, and input
connections for computer, A/V sources, w/network accessibility adjacent.
-Include distributed audio system with mic inputs/program output, ADA audio provision.
Dining (conÕt)
-Delete gooseneck microphoneÉÉÉ..presenters lecternÉÉ..
-Keep wireless microphone system.
Pub/Bistro:
-Delete presenters lectern.
- Provide wall interface plates for computer input and A/V source inputs.
- Delete small audio mixing console and array of microphones but provide input
to the basic room audio system so a console could be interfaced.
Ballroom:
-Depending on the room ceiling height, motorized projector lifts
may not be necessary.
-Delete presenters lectern in each ÒroomÓ.
-Provide wall interface plates to accept A/V and computer sources. -- - Do not
provide source components.
-Wall inputs and controls in each room must be able to be configured to feed
source signals to one or both projectorsÉsame for speech and presentation
audio & ADA hearing impaired systems.
-Delete fixed computers & lecterns and permanent microphones butÉ
-Provide wireless microphone capability with combined or single
ÒroomÓ configuration.
-Provide centralized control system with wall panel control in each ÒroomÓ.
Pre-function Area:
-Video display and audio should be selectable from either of the
ballroom ÒroomsÓ.
Meeting Rooms:
-Medium and small meeting rooms need only basic presentation
capabilityÉ..
-Large & Extra Large meeting rooms look ok.
Videoconference Systems:
-Provide only one portable system to start with.
-Review videoconference needs with Wes Graff. (Pat Brown)
Performing Arts Theater:
-Delete large scale audio mixing console & related components
- Outsource contract as services are needed for large venue events.
(unless facility will have a full time dedicated tech support person).
Performing Arts Theater:
-Keep all three bullet items for audio.
Rehearsal Theater:
-Delete large scale audio mixing console and outsource as needed
unless facility will have full time dedicated tech support person
-Provide small mixer for program audio mixing with provision for
large console interface as needed.
Rec./Game Room:
-Delete all bullet items on page 12 & 13 except provide background
music/paging system.
-Add small, movable videoconference system for interviews etc.
QUESTION?? On page 6 there is a description of an Enhanced network Outlet that includes a Coax, but on Page 50 the Enhanced Outlet description does not list a Coax???
Ballroom: ???Add Enhanced Outlet???
XLarge Meeting Room: ???Add Enhanced Outlet???
Page 43
Large Meeting Room: ???Add Enhanced Outlet???
SUGGESTED COST REDUCTIONS REDUCTION
Vid Proj. Reduce large display allowance to $25,000 $225,000
Vid Conf.. Reduce to one portable unit to $18,400 18,400
Cost for Support?? Who will operate??
Racks, Misc. Delete custom lectern,
ADD custom wall plate for A/V Computer. 3,250
Control Sys. Adjust control system allowance to reflect
No lectern and simplified control system. 5,255
Vid Mon. Delete Projector -6,419
Source DevicesÉÉ.Rack mount Source componentsRacks, Misc.
Delete Lectern 4,250
Source Devices: Delete Source Devices 8,198
Computer: Delete Computers 4,950
Custom Control: Wall mount in each ÒroomÓ
Racks, Misc.: Delete Custom Lecterns 8,500
Vid. Displays: Delete Displays, BUT pre-wire for them -9,698
Computer: Delete Multimedia Computer -2,475
Computer: Delete Multimedia 2,475
Vid. Displays: Delete Displays, BUT pre-wire for them 14,547
Vid. Proj. Scale back on video projector -8,000
Delete Mixing Console, 25,000
Scale down audio system
and Control System.
Computer: Delete Multimedia Computer -2,475
Computer: Delete Multimedia Computer -2,475
____________
TOTAL REDUCTIONS - $406,805
Pat, in preparation for our meeting tomorrow, here are some thoughts on principles for making choices, some possible reductions in spending, some additions, and some questions. In the process, I put the budget document online -- feel free to download your own copy of it from:
http://www.uvm.edu/cit/projects/student-commons/1507-UVM%20Commons-Tech%20Program%20Draft-112603-SW-unlocked.pdf
[] Let's not make this a one-way building (to borrow Steve Cavrak's term). I count 30+ displays (one costing $250,000) and countless speakers sending officially controlled messages to students -- that won't make the building feel like theirs. It should not feel like an airport terminal. They should pick the channel.
[] Let's put priority on items that will be more expensive to add later (generally, infrastructure).
[] There are many areas that need to have wireless coverage on Day One; that seems not to be in the budget.
[] Let's not put in technology we don't have personnel to run, manage, and maintain, and that we don't have ongoing funding to replace. We need to estimate those costs. For example, replacing projector bulbs looks like at least 13 * $400 = $5,200 annually.
[] Let's see what students need when they really start using the rooms.
E.g., Let's have one nicely equipped meeting room instead of many, but provision the other rooms to add what may be needed later.
[] Can we assume mobile students will rarely need wired Ethernet ports; that it's just a relic of the "oh-oh's" (2001 - 2009)? Can we make the essential wired ports (e.g., offices) GigE, and do wireless elsewhere?
[] Technology costs for retail, food service, and fraternity space, should not be counted in whatever number we're trying to live within; those costs should be paid from other budgets (as indicated on p. 15, last item). So should departmental conference rooms.
Some obvious potential cost savings to discuss:
[] eliminate ISDN (!)
[] Reduce wired Ethernet ports in:
- X Lg meeting room (24)
- Ballroom (29)
- SGA clubs (60)
- building staff (not Student Life) (30)
- prefunction lounge (10)
Savings for 86 ports * 252 = $21,672
[] Eliminate or scale back the Large Image Display (p. 53)
Savings: $250,000
[] Reduce number of 42" displays
Savings: Up to 29 x $4,849 = $ 140,621
[] Dining area video
- Are dining areas, with their interesting and attractive non-rectangular designs, really conducive to projectors and displays? Sound may be a good idea, but we should think twice about the video (unless Sodexho is buying, operating, and maintaining it).
Savings: Looks like $137,000.
[] Eliminate 8 of the 10 dedicated "multimedia computers" @ $2,475 each.
Savings: At least $19,800
Meeting rooms:
- numbers of rooms on p.52 does not match drawings
-- Increased ability to connect participants' laptops or tablets to LCD projectors would be good. It doesn't work well for the only connection to the projector to be at the lectern -- e.g., the CIT conference room. Can we do this wirelessly?
- Equip 1-2 rooms of each size like a Level I classroom ($10,000 each), rather than doing all of them
- Extra large: $52,000, roughly Level III; drop PC and VHS
Savings: roughly $2,800
- Large: Plan shows $51,000 each, roughly Level III; UVM Level III usually $35,000; might do one as Level III and one as Level I for $10,000
Savings: $40,000 - $57,000
- Medium: Plan shows $25,800 for roughly a Level II room; do as Level I for $10,000
Savings: 2 rooms x $15,000 savings = $30,000
- Small: same as medium, or provide no AV, just networking
Savings: 3 rooms x $15,000 = $45,000 [drawings show 5 rooms]
Theatres
- Are the uses of the theaters clearly enough defined to equip both of them for use as:
- classrooms (screen, projector, doc cameras, etc.)
- movies
- musical theatre and drama (instrument microphones, sound reinforcement etc.)
- Who is going to be responsible for running, maintaining, replacing?
[] Video conferencing -- do we need two? Or any, right away?
Savings: $36,800 or $73,600
[] Student Life and Career Services conference rooms
- $29,600 is a typical Level III room, like Williams 402.
- Should be a departmental, not project expense
- Do like a Level I, about $10,000? (Save $39,000)
[] Will VHS be dead by 2007?
---------> Total savings (minimum) . . . . . . . .. .. . . $ 762,693
ADDITIONS
[] Throughout halls, lounges -- Ethernet and power for clusters of 1-2 computers
[] Wireless in common areas on Day One (budget is contrary to design principle on p. 4) (but see QUESTIONS below concerning UVM expenses)
[] CATV does not seem to be included with DVD/VHS/computer sources in some locations, e.g., not in theatre (except lounge)
QUESTIONS
[] The $2.1M budget does not include some key UVM expenses (p. 16):
- network equipment
- voice equipment
- cable TV electronics
- security
-- Whose budget does the above come from?
[] Computer Lounge, p. 22 -- what is concept here? Is UVM providing any computers?
[] Is UVM providing any computers for student use in this building, either sit-down or stand-up stations? I don't see them, but I think it's realistic, even in 2007, to expect students to want to quickly check email, grades, etc. Even 3-4 computers on each floor, in halls or wherever, would be helpful (like VT Law School, Billings, etc.).
[] Coax outlets -- will work for std and HDTV? Can students choose channels to watch?
[] Are the phones in another plan?
[] Why is there a mix of Category 5e and 6e Ethernet cable?
[] Are budget calculations right in terms of quantities?
[] How does piano get to ballroom? ... stage ... orchestra pit ... rehearsal theatre
Roger Lawson said:
I like your analysis principles, and agree in particular that while we should be sure to include technology that would be much more costly to install after the building is complete. A "protected" allowance should be set aside for adding optional equipment after the use of the building and needs of students are clearer.
Fortunately, we will have a good bit of time before we actually have to make the technology choices. We will have a more accurate picture of what the technologies prevail and what students will want when we actually have to decide.
See you tomorrow morning!
-Dean
Hi all -
I am sorry I was not as last week's meeting, but would be happy to attend future meetings if you would find it helpful in your efforts to find savings on Commons technology. In the meantime, here is some inputs from Network Services.
>From a very high level:
1) This estimate includes a few, but not all the costs that will be incurred by Network Services. On page 16 this is specified. In fact the only Network Services costs included in this estimate is "the structured cabling system" for data voice and video. Therefore, any savings I could contribute to reduce this cost estimate would have to come from that cost item.
2) In the Design Principles on page 4 bullet 2, the use of the UVM Telecom Infrastructure Standard is specified as a core Design Principle. In our meetings with the architects we requested adherence to the standard and we were happy they agreed. This standard reflects historical "real world" demand for access at UVM. Our experience has taught us that when we deviate from this standard unmet demand will be identified as construction continues . Reinstatement of these facilities during construction results in "change" orders which cause project "actual" costs to exceed the budgeted cost.
3) Specifically regarding ISDN - the elimination of ISDN from your estimate will not significantly reduce Network Services costs. Here is the reason why. An outlet intended for ISDN is provisioned with CAT6 wire -- just like an outlet that would be used for data or voice service. Therefore if you eliminate the ISDN, you are simply eliminating one CAT6 cable from the drop. If you eliminate the application all together, then the drop could have one less cable per ISDN line canceled. However, if you still want to application to run on some other type of connectivity - well then you need the CAT6 wire back again. A standard Network Outlet has 3 CAT6 cables and is costed out at $252. A Basic Network Outlet has one CAT6 cable and costs out at $106. So if you removed 2 cables from an outlet you would save about $146.
See additional embedded comments below.
Roger Lawson wrote:
Dean,
Thanks for all your work on this -- you have certainly given it a thorough read.
I like your analysis principles, and agree in particular that while we should be sure to include technology that would be much more costly to install after the building is complete. A "protected" allowance should be set aside for adding optional equipment after the use of the building and needs of students are clearer.
Fortunately, we will have a good bit of time before we actually have to make the technology choices. We will have a more accurate picture of what the technologies prevail and what students will want when we actually have to decide.
I, too, wonder about needs of ISDN, especially in a few years when the building is complete and the campus network has even more capacity, and maybe even QoS capabilities. What do others think?
>From a network services perspective, the only costs included in this document for ISDN is for the CAT6 termination. That CAT6 will be required for any connectivity you choose, whether it turns out to be ISDN or something else. The only way you can eliminate that cable is to eliminate the whole application that the ISDN would be used for.
Roger