Municipality Winterswijk

Sustainability and Renewal

The monumental Town Hall in the municipality of Winterswijk is over 80 years old and has recently undergone significant renovations. In early March, among other things, our colleagues began working on making the building more sustainable and redesigning it.

We are happy to let our colleagues tell you about their role in this project: 'In mid-December 2020, my colleague Joost and I received the documents for the tender for the new audiovisual setup for the municipality of Winterswijk,' begins Karim. Karim works as a Project Engineer at Heuvelman Sound & Vision B.V..

Joost (Project Manager/Technical Advisor) is the main contact with the client, ensures that the project and communication proceed correctly until the end, and is ultimately responsible for the entire setup and execution.

'Together with Karim, we started working on a plan for the setup for the municipality of Winterswijk in the first few weeks,' says Joost. 'Since it was not just about replacing the audiovisual equipment, but the entire building was being overhauled, multiple factors had to be considered. Think of issues from architects, for example, which we also have to take into account with our setup.'

A Modern Solution

Karim continues; 'The main question was a modern solution for the council chamber to be able to meet comfortably and, above all, future-proof. Additionally, streaming (hybrid) of council meetings also had to be made possible. It is no longer a given that people physically attend the meetings but follow them via a mobile device or fixed computer from home. The meeting systems were not yet set up for this.'

'An challenging aspect of an assignment like this was the multifunctional character that the council chamber had to have in the new situation. It is not desirable to have the equipment needed for a council meeting 'in the way' when the room is used for another purpose. A wireless discussion system on batteries, mobile screens, and control via a tablet are components that make this possible.'

Karim also worked closely with Heuvelman colleague Jeroen in the early phase to create a beautiful design together. According to Jeroen; 'In the first phase of this project, I was allowed to provide some visuals (interactive XD design) so that the client got an impression of how the system would work. This way, they know what is being purchased. In the beginning, this is quite a puzzle, fitting and measuring. Eventually, together with the municipality of Winterswijk, the client, you come to a final design. Additionally, I gave a presentation on what possibilities there are with the audiovisual systems that will be in the building.'

Jeroen provides training to the users of the systems. In these training sessions, he explains the different systems and how small malfunctions can be easily resolved by themselves.

'I am proud of the role we have been able to play in maintaining the aesthetic value of the council chamber, and I think the council chamber looks better than ever before.'

- Karim

When the final plan is on the table, Heuvelman colleagues Sander and Laurens get to work. 'My task as AV/ICT work preparer begins when all the necessary hardware is delivered to our office in IJsselstein,' says Sander. 'At that moment, I start building an equipment rack where all this hardware is mounted. This is done in such a way that ease of use and structural stability are taken into account.

'Additionally, we also have to think about proper heat dissipation and not to forget the cabling. Once all the hardware is mounted, they are all provided with the latest firmware and software, after which everything is configured. Finally, all equipment is tested to ensure it works properly and to resolve any configuration issues. There may also be changes or additions from the client after the test round, which is then communicated with Joost. He then passes this on to us.'

The Final Delivery

Finally, Laurens gets to work as an installation technician; 'I join Sander the rack builder at the last moment to configure the equipment. Here we go through the operation of the installation and ensure that everything is well prepared so that users can use the equipment undisturbed. Later in the process, the final check follows with a fully working system. At this point, the cameras are properly adjusted, and the screens are placed in the correct position. Additionally, the audio system is measured for perfect speech intelligibility in the room and to ensure it meets the user's requirements. Once all this is done, the delivery is scheduled in consultation with Joost.'

'For the final delivery, all audiovisual equipment is clearly explained to the client once more. This is my last task,' says Jeroen. Additionally, Joost is present at the delivery as the person ultimately responsible to close the project correctly. 'On to the next project!', says Joost.