The IHR has always prided itself on running events both large and small. Our annual events programme includes conferences covering various historical topics and our premier event, the Anglo-American conference which continues to grow and improve every year. However, with the old Wolfson and Pollard rooms being our largest space (able to hold 100 people) we were always forced to hold larger events elsewhere in Senate House which meant lots of walking to and fro or that the event was hosted outside of the IHR space itself. An integrated conference space became one of the highest priorities for the re-development of the IHR.
So here is the proposed conference suite. As you can see there are two rooms (one with a capacity for about 90 and the other for about 40). However, just like the old Wolfson and Pollard rooms, these can be joined together to form one larger suite (see images below). Of course, this poses difficulties of design to make sure that everyone can see the speaker and large screen projected image. Much thought, therefore has been put into that issue to avoid any problems. The suite will also be fitted with entirely new state-of-the-art AV (audio-visual) equipment including plasma screens, projectors, speakers and microphones. We have several design drawings for the conference rooms which can be looked at below:
Next time we shall stay in the basement but move next door from the conference suite to another brand new addition to the IHR – a dedicated exhibition space.
With thanks to BDP for images and plans