Today I found myself at the Centre Point Building in Central London meeting with representatives from JISC (Joint Information Systems Committee. We used the HEFCE offices on the 28th floor... now I don't think I've been higher than the 28th floor in any building, EVER!
The building was enormous, and once on the 28th floor, the view across London was spectacular (photos to follow.)
However, apart from the views, what I found even more fascinating were the smart elevators. I was handed a visitor pass which was coded with the correct floor number and meant that as I passed through the physical barrier, an appropriate lift is called and programmed to arrive at the pre-defined destination.
As it happened, I missed the first lift that arrived... I think I was too busy looking at the technology... but the second lift somehow knew what floor I was heading for too. Not sure how it knew since I'd long been passed the barriers at this point. Is there some sensing going on for the system to know where I am? - I wasn't in the first lift for instance.
Stephen Powell
What was the JISC project Jonathan?
Jonathan
Ultralab are working with JISC on a number of projects, one is a project looking at distributed learning and ways of building community using various technologies. Another project has been to write a guide to e-learning, talk to Pete Bradshaw for more information.
The meeting I attended was an invitation by JISC to ask if we'd work with them and other labs on an innovations project... essentially to take a particular technology and apply it, evaluate it and report how it could have an influence on e-learning. We might do something with our SMS stickies application for example.
Alan Roberts
Centrepoint, hated by some and loved by others is one of the best building in London for views of "The City", Westminster and beyond. The only other view is from the BT Tower where you even get the view of Centrepoint it's self. From the top floor you can see as far as Tilbury and some people have reported to of seen Southend on Sea! On a historical point of view if you look to the east up towards St Georges church and Holborn you'll see the only view of the old city resplendent with all the warren of streets surrounding the old medieval part of the city. St Pauls is partially hidden but you cant have it all.
The building uses "Closed Proximity Sensing" a bit like your Oyster Card but on a much higher level. My father invented and pioneered Proximity Sensing and Colour Proximity Sensing way back in the early 50's when he was a student at Aston University in Birmigham. It's quite pleasing to know that his work is now included on one of my favorite buildings in London!
The best view is from the lounge on Floor 32 that is the best view in the world and even makes New York look a bit crummy! Also if you look up TCR towards the Euston Tower in the morning the sun will reflect off the glass panels and light up the whole of the building....
John Marais
I use to work in Centre Point Towers, London. That is properly the most interesting building in London.
John Marais
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