The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Senate chamber of Kerala University in for a new look

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 10, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Senate chamber of Kerala University in for a new look

G.Mahadevan

New design: The Senate chamber will be air-conditioned and sport synthetic floor carpets.

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Senate chamber of the University of Kerala is all set to get a make over, thanks to a Rs.1 crore renovation scheme okayed by the University’s Senate recently.

The renovation project, according to university officials, will be implemented in two or three stages. The new look chamber will be air-conditioned and will sport synthetic floor carpets. Its seating capacity will go up from 120 to 150. “Now, when the Senate is in session we have to provide extra seats to accommodate all members. Increasing the seating capacity was one of our first priorities when we thought of renovation,” a university official said here.

The chamber now have heavy, unwieldy iron chairs that are not only uncomfortable to sit on but also extremely difficult to move around. Some chairs are also bolted in place.

The renovated chamber will have a modern seating system complete with ergonomic chairs.

The recalcitrant sound system in the chamber that has played spoilsport during many an “international seminar” will be done away with. The new acoustic system will be a fully integrated “conference system” that will enhance the clarity of conversations and also allow for better ‘management’ of meetings.

Behind the Vice-Chancellor’s chair a large white screen would be installed along with a top-notch projection system.

This will enable participants to make powerpoint presentations or display slides during seminars or workshops. Now, organising such presentations in the chamber is a cumbersome proposition. While the walls of the Chamber will be panelled in wood, the false ceiling will sport an “indirect” lighting system designed to enhance the visual appeal of the Chamber. Along with all this the University is also considering installing an electronic voting system, there. Plans are also afoot to install a lift near the Chamber.

The renovation project has been designed by Chandramohan Associates and the University is preparing to invite tenders for the same.

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