Room Design Requirements for Video Conferencing

Video conferencing helps companies doing business together save money and get their point across without having to travel to one another's offices or all be talking on the phone at the same time. There are specific design requirements a video conference room needs so video conferencing can be done clearly and effectively.

Displays on One Wall

One wall of the room should be designated for the screen or screens in which you will be able to view the people you are having the video conference with. There are two ways to see people during a video conference: One is with a projector and a screen. This screen can be mounted on the wall permanently or installed on the ceiling so it can pull down and display a projection. The projector can be mounted on the ceiling or on the conference room table so it can be easily hooked up to a computer. Televisions can also be mounted on one wall, which will allow people to talk to one another rather then having to deal with a projector. Either way, those sitting in the room will have to look at and talk to the screen on one wall, so furniture should be set up accordingly.

Audio Design Needs

Being able to hear people in a video conference is more important than being able to see them, so the audio must be clear and loud enough for everyone to hear. The audio for these video conferences should be run through an amplifier and have surround-sound speakers in the room. The floor should be made of carpet or some other sound-absorbing material, and the windows should have drapes rather then blinds, so the sound in the room is more concentrated. Ceilings should ideally have sound-proofing tiles, which will cut down on any echo during the conference. Microphones should also be available if the audio on the other end of the video conference isn't good.

Color Palette

The color of the walls of the video conference room will also play a part in the meeting, as different colors convey different messages to people and create different moods or interests while doing business. Intense colors such as red, yellow or orange usually are not ideal to have on the walls of the video conference room, as it can give people headaches and make people feel fatigued. Neutral shades work best, according to Nefsis.com, with colors such as beige, tan, pale gray or slate blue creating the best feeling for those on both ends of the video conference.