An investigation into visual display systems for the SUB Atrium

Abstract

The UBC Student Union Building (SUB) is an ongoing project to replace the current SUB with a facility that aims to showcase the highest levels of sustainable building design. Through innovative Student-Driven Decision-Making Processes, the students of university courses such as APSC 261 is able to contribute to the development of the facility. This paper summarizes the research and decision behind installing a display board in the Atrium of the SUB. The display is to bring attention and information to the building occupants about sustainability and features of the building as well as provide general information on events and schedules. This research analyzes the hardware, location, and content of the display board to propose an optimal solution for the stakeholders and end users. A triple bottom line assessment will consider social, ecological, and environmental impacts of the display board on the sustainability agenda. The major criteria used to make decisions on this project was that the display had to have the cheapest purchase and operation cost throughout its lifetime. The display should also have lower negative impacts on the environment not only in manufacturing, but also in transportation and use compared to other technologies. For these reasons the LED backlit LCD display was recommended for use in the SUB Atrium. Displayed content was proposed based a survey on the public to gauge the forms of visual media that would be most attractive to the people in the SUB. It was determined that the most effective content would be facts about the new sustainable technology that is being used in the SUB and tips on how to reduce individuals environmental footprint. It was also decided that the most effective locations to place the displays to engage the public is in areas like food courts where they may be viewed while waiting in line or eating. Table of