The Contemplative Commons at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville is a full-resolution, pre-recorded, custom showcase of awe-inspiring nature scenes from around the globe, complementing the building’s natural design elements. It is intentionally designed to be both a dynamic, multi-window piece of artwork and an architectural element, as the light of the screen reflects on the building’s surfaces.
The Contemplative Sciences Center creates opportunities for mind-body practices for well-being, insight, and compassion in all aspects of life–social, emotional, physical, and professional. The first-floor Commons exemplifies that mission, with an AV and lighting design by Apeiro Designs, New York.
The Picturall Quad Mark II was a logical choice for the installation, offering easy content loading, flexible windowing, and custom options that are simple enough for non-AV people to use. The Planar DirectLight Ultra Series LED videowall is in 16 x 24-foot portrait mode with 3840 x 5940 resolution and 1.2mm pixel pitch. Planar also provided the custom trim and mount and gave the screen an ERO matte coating for extra robustness in a high-traffic area; a remote power supply simplified the installation.
Aidlin Darling Design was design architect for the building, with VMDO Architects serving as architect of record. Pavion was the AV integration contractor
