Conference Hall, College of Physicians, Valencia

When approaching this project to renovate the Chuliá Campos Conference Hall at the Ilustre Colegio de Médicos de Valencia (ICOMV), we had to take into account various different factors, including acoustics, perfect visibility for all audience members and speakers, facilities for simultaneous interpreting and comfort, as well as increasing the number of seats and improving accessibility for disabled people.

Located at the entrance to the building, the conference hall is one of the largest in the College with a total of 150 seats (including those suitable for disabled people) following the renovation. The prime location of the room means that it is regularly used by the College, so it was particularly important to ensure that the aesthetics and functional and technical characteristics were perfect.

Our first decision was to change the position of the stage, which was 1.2 m higher than the rest of the room, reducing visibility for speakers and audience members. For this reason, we decided to rotate the position of the hall by 180º and place the stage where the interpreting booths were located previously. In this way, we were able to take advantage of the slope to create a new entrance from the foyer, which linked the hall and the new interpreting booths via a small lobby, creating a new dual entrance which represents one of the main strengths of the intervention.

In order to connect the two levels and entrances to the hall, and to achieve perfect visibility for audience members and speakers, we opted for a ramp configuration in the style of an auditorium. This new layout is particularly useful for the ICOMV.

With regard to the acoustics in the hall, we selected sound-absorbing materials including microperforated wood panels and a sound-reflecting false ceiling, an optimal solution for conference halls where words are key. This material solution also gave the hall a rather abstract feel, providing a perfect backdrop for conferences without sacrificing comfort and warmth.

The hall is fully equipped with the latest technology for imaging, multimedia, sound, lighting and computer networks, providing the ideal conditions for holding meetings, courses and conferences. The speakers’ table is equipped with high-definition monitors, as well as microphones with LED lights. The hall also features a high-definition video projector and a high-definition monitor for back-up.