The new San Jose Civic Center reflects the richness of the city’s culture as well as the city's position at the leading edge of new technology. The latter is accomplished with a technology budget of $3.5 million spread throughout the center complex—which includes an 18-story tower, wing, rotunda, and a large public plaza.

The centerpiece of the project, the 350-seat council chamber, offers large screen projection. Broadcast video cameras are strategically located to record and broadcast council meetings through the in-house broadband distribution system, LAN, and WAN.

A central media room distributes digital audio, computer and video signals throughout the entire complex.

A voting/microphone management system with touch sensitive control panels is integrated into the millwork at each council position to provide display content, and manage meeting agendas and voting functions.

Particularly creative for city government use is the digital signage system, which is used for way-finding, scheduling, announcements, and to broadcast meetings or events to the numerous displays throughout the center.

Acoustic concerns in the all-glass rotunda are addressed with strategically located acoustical materials and a directional sound system.

Courtesy City of San Jose

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