As election day approaches, public safety and urban tranquility are becoming major priorities for municipalities. At the heart of this strategy is the Urban Supervision Center (CSU).
The control room is strategic; it is the control center for all your processes, and its smooth operation determines the quality image of your organization.
Since 1975, SOA has established itself as the leading specialist in ergonomics and interior design for monitoring rooms. Drawing on our in-depth knowledge of monitoring requirements, we present the fundamental criteria for designing a sustainable and effective video surveillance center.
1. Anticipation: The Key to Success
Even before discussing construction work, the study phase is critical. It is essential to precisely define functional requirements before choosing premises.
- Comprehensive inventory:List current equipment while anticipating future needs. The golden rule: "A place for everything and everything in its place."
- Ergonomic layout:The layout must take into account the viewing angles between the consoles and the video wall, while avoiding the placement of doors behind the operators to ensure their psychological comfort.
2. Mastering the Technical Environment
A CSU operator must remain alert for long periods of time. The physical environment has a direct impact on their performance.
Lighting: Friend or Foe?
Natural light is beneficial, but can become an enemy if it creates glare on screens.
- The SOA solution:Position the screens perpendicular to the windows and install electric blinds to avoid handling errors.
- Artificial lighting:Choose light fixtures with very low luminance and lighting that can be dimmed directly at the desks.
Thermal and Acoustic Comfort
Air conditioning problems are the primary source of complaints. The system must be sized to account for the heat generated by computer equipment and operators. In terms of acoustics, the goal is to ensure that conversations are intelligible. As we explain in our article on Acoustics in control rooms, the use of acoustic ceilings and wall panels is essential to absorb background noise.
3. Furniture: A Specialized “Supervision” Range
Standard office furniture is not suited to the demands of 24/7 operation. At SOA, we are developing a specific modular range.
- The Video Wall:Whether recessed or mounted on posts, its integration must be designed with maintenance in mind. Find our technical advice in ourcomprehensiveguideto integratingvideowalls.
- The operator console: It must provide a deep, ergonomic work surface. In fact, the use of electrically height-adjustable consoles has become standard practice to protect the health of operators working 24 hours a day.
- The 24/7 Chair:This is the main work tool. It must have a "24/7 Guarantee" label, with adjustable lumbar support and a synchronous mechanism.
Our Projects: SOA Expertise in Action
To illustrate these principles, here are two recent examples of CSU developments designed to address current security challenges:
The CSU of Alès
A design focused on facilitating smooth traffic flow and seamlessly integrating the video wall into its surroundings.
The CSU in Gap
A benchmark project combining high technology and ergonomic design, including a crisis room that is immediately operational.
Why choose SOA for your project?
From preliminary design to construction supervision, SOA has in-depth knowledge of the requirements for a monitoring room. With more than 100 CSU projects completed in France and a significant number of projects currently in the cost-estimation phase, our expertise is widely recognized by local governments.
- The study of ergonomics and layout.
- Project management and project supervision assistance.
- The creation of custom-made furniture (wood, glass, metal).
Our agencies:Based in theCentral/Easternregion(Lyon – Saint Symphorien d’Ozon)and in theSouth/Western region(Argens Minervois), we support local authorities throughout the country.
Do you have a construction or renovation project?Contact our design office.
