In a world often dominated by chaos, disruption and uncertainty, finding an oasis of calm that facilitates well-being is more welcome than ever. That’s why, for many, the ability to recharge and recalibrate in the company of a compassionate, caring and understanding support network, is an invaluable lifeline. This is especially true following the anxieties experienced by many during and after the pandemic.
In light of this – and with mental health and well-being now front of mind for all – a new project aims to support those in society who are most vulnerable to the challenges that life presents. For them, refuge and support can now be found at The Living Room at SPUDWORKS, Sway. Nestled amid the serenity of an old water tower in the grounds of spudWORKS, The Living Room is a modest but enchanting structure, built using Douglas Fir and English Cedar Shingles. It has been designed to create a private, warm and secure environment, sheltered amongst a beautiful sensory garden where peace and serenity abound.
A safe space for all
The Living Room provides a new, dedicated space to enable creative collaborations with a diverse community, including older people, those living with dementia and their families and carers and LGBTQ+ young people. Made possible through the generous support of many local individuals, corporate sponsors and Arts Council England, Beaulieu Beaufort Trust, Arts University Bournemouth and Hampshire County Council, The Living Room aspires to be a source of happiness and enjoyment, that helps members of our community feel valued and part of something that enriches their world.
Big projects of hope and inspiration
While The Living Room is awash with technology, it has been implemented sensitively, so as not to be overbearing. Instead, it works discretely and is non-invasive, while keeping staff and guests connected without impacting The Living Room’s ambience and sense of well-being.
To that end, it contains the latest in 180-degree projection, light and sound to create unique and immersive environments. Helping it to achieve the desired atmosphere, are two Vivitek DU4381-ST projectors. They are compact and powerful short-throw laser projectors that deliver high brightness, a large projection size with vibrant colours, and diverse range of connectivity options.
With up to 6,100 lumens of high brightness, a 3,000,000:1 contrast ratio, and up to 30,000 hours of laser light source life, this series is perfect for conference rooms, education, museums, commercial applications and, of course, The Living Room; the flexibility offered by their Ultra Short-throw Projection technology makes the DU4381-ST ideally suited to venues that have limited space for AV and IT solutions.
A room with a view
The presence of the Vivitek DU4381-STs enables the content being displayed – ranging from calming scenery to information and even visitors’ own creative work – to add a sense of artistic well-being at The Living Room. They also play a role in the workshops that are hosted throughout the year for a wide variety of participants. In all, the Vivitek projectors create moments of happiness and positive new memories for those who attend – which is in line with the project’s goals – while helping reduce anxiety and stress in an often-over-whelming world.
