Cheit Hall Classroom Renovation

University of California, Berkeley

Upgrades of existing third lecture rooms, including audio-visual and presentation technology systems; lighting; and finishes, as well as required accessibility improvements. In addition to upgrading interior finishes, the project replaces classroom furniture and lecterns with advanced features. 

Cheit Hall features new in-classroom audio control, including the ability to amplify audience as well as the instructor for remote learning; new large-screen display monitors for presentation; new confidence monitor so instructors can easily see there slides while facing the classroom; and a new multi-functional lectern that is slimmer in profile but still handles the essential presentation and lighting presets. 

Selecting new technology to improve the classroom experience is exciting and fun, especially for instructional staff seeing new and better capabilities, but integrating these systems into existing buildings can be a real challenge. At Cheit Hall, the classroom ceilings are plaster, with limited means of access and limited space above. We brought in ladders to survey available paths to run new data and power wiring with the least impact to walls and ceilings. We communicated this survey work and route planning to our consultants, coordinating this level of detail through our entire team of consultants. Through this design effort, we were able to determine pathways from our new technology devices back to panels and control areas with minimal cost and impact on the building.