Architectural innovators establish an education centre in Cambridgeshire that embraces Extended Reality (XR)
In a groundbreaking recent move, WindsorPatania, a leading enterprise and education architecture solutions provider, unveiled the Extended Reality Lab (XR Lab). Situated in Hangar 2, Cambridgeshire, this state-of-the-art learning institution leverages immersive technology to revolutionise student learning and foster collaborative outcomes.
Designed specifically for XR collaboration, learning, research, and educational use cases, the XR Lab boasts an array of carefully constructed facilities. Among them are the Immersion Lab, Collaboration Theatre, Green Room, and Conference Room. These individual spaces cater to specific XR scenarios, ensuring a tailored experience.
In a bid to promote social interaction and collaboration, WindsorPatania constructed the XR Lab with glass walls and open doors. The entire facility is equipped with cameras and microphones, facilitating an interactive educational experience. Learner flexibility and adaptability lie at the heart of each XR Lab, accommodating the rapid evolution of immersive technology. According to WindsorPatania Co-Director Giovanni Patania, the building’s contemporary design motivates the coming generations of pupils whilst fostering a link with virtual settings.
Enterprise and education end-users often encounter challenges when it comes to managing the ever-changing landscape of hardware and software. Clients, nevertheless, have simple accessibility to a full array of cutting-edge, interactive educational possibilities through WindsorPatania’s learning website. Coupled with its AR, MR, and VR options, this innovative educational setting also effortlessly integrates artificial intelligence (AI).
For instance, the Lecture Theatre, meticulously crafted by WindsorPatania, incorporates architectural components that optimise learning outcomes. Boasting wall-to-wall screens, rear screens for digital guest appearances, a motion capture system, and 62 VR headsets, this space is truly remarkable. The Lecture Theatre also features a distinctive table setup that promotes student collaboration and teamwork. The XR Lab facility is designed to accommodate various student-facing use cases, including exhibitions and break-out activities.
According to Richard Stevenson, Group Director of Operations, Eastern Colleges Group, the XR Lab is a hub for creative thinking, bringing together business and academia to investigate brand-new approaches to earning a living, instructing, and education.
From its inception, the XR Labs project by WindsorPatania aimed to innovate and democratise education. According to Ryan Windsor, Co-Director of WindsorPatania, recent debates surrounding AI have raised questions about its role in the world. However, through XR Labs, WindsorPatania seeks to provide a clear blueprint that other groups can emulate to achieve positive advancements by embracing cutting-edge technology for learning.
