Armstrong Ceilings set to debut virtual reality education experience

The debut will take place at two near-future education exhibitions.

Armstrong Ceilings is following up the launch of a new education brochure by exhibiting at a brace of education shows this term.

The leading UK manufacturer will debut a virtual reality ceiling installation in a classroom at the Education Estates exhibition at Manchester Central from October 16th to 17th (stand G11) and at the Education Buildings exhibition at Edinburgh International Conference Centre from November 21st to 22nd (stand B9).

On the Armstrong stand, users of the new VR experience will find themselves transported to a typical classroom setting which has not been acoustically treated. Amidst the students, they will hear for themselves how typical classroom noise and clatter effects intelligibility and acoustic comfort.

Finally, the user will personally experience the acoustical transformation of the learning environment through the installation of a typical classroom ceiling system solution, using Ultima+ acoustic tiles (the first mineral ceiling tile range in Europe to win Cradle to Cradle™ certification), Blind Boxes, Axiom transitions, and Prelude 24 TLS suspension system .

It makes it easy to see why 65% of teachers in a London South Bank University survey reported voice problems during their career – a point the VR experience also makes as well as the fact that up to 30% of what is said in classrooms is missed due to extraneous noise. The presentation also shows that a high light-reflecting ceiling can also help with eye strain and fatigue.

Designed for specifiers to experience for themselves how to create a better and more sustainable learning environment, whether it is new-build or refurbishment, the VR experience will be joined on stand by the new education brochure and demonstrations of Armstrong’s online selector tool. This advises specifiers on the well-being requirements for a variety of school rooms including auditoriums, classrooms, gyms, cafes, lobbies and corridors.

Case studies on the use of Armstrong solutions at UK schools including Ystalyfera Welsh Medium Comprehensive School in South Wales, Royal Holloway University of London and Parsons Tower at Newcastle College, will also be featured.