The design and development of a production studio for engineering students

Many Engineering schools require student coursework or design projects to be presented in a multi-mode format. The Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated such changes to be implemented especially when on campus as practical work is limited. Student work in the form of live video and audio production have encouraged academics to continue accepting multi-mode format coursework. However, it has also brought on new challenges for students. It is not feasible to require students to purchase a specific device when students need to complete a video demonstration. A fully equipped and soundproof space is critical for students. It provides sufficient high-quality equipment for students to create and innovate video, media, and audio for engineering projects.

This report focused on the design and development of such a production studio for engineering students at Kings College London. This research adopted interviews, questionnaires and focus group methods to collect data to understand the needs of the students and staff and therefore develop design specifications on the production studio. Over 110 questionnaires, 24 interviewers, and 2 focus groups were conducted. A new production studio was designed and developed.

The production studio is expected to serve as a centralised service space for both students and staff which provides necessary equipment and facilities to support the creation of media, video and audio projects. In addition, this studio can also foster a creative and effective environment that improves the collaboration between students and their project outcomes.