Crestron transforms the AV experience in L’Oréal’s offices in Brussels, optimizing efficiency and fostering collaboration.

How did your team learn about this project and at what stage of development were you brought in?

We were introduced to this project through our partner AVLC, represented by Daniel Noppe, who had established strong connections with L’Oréal. They recognized our expertise as an integrator, installer, and maintenance partner, with extensive knowledge in Crestron solutions. We were brought in during the early stages of technical planning, which allowed us to contribute significantly to the design and integration strategy from the start.

Had you worked with this client before?

No, this was our first project with L’Oréal.

Which other design teams were involved? Describe the collaboration among those groups.

AVLC acted as the main designer for the overall setup in close collaboration with Crestron. The partnership was highly collaborative, with AVLC focusing on the conceptual and functional design, while Crestron provided technological expertise and products. Our role as integrator required seamless communication with both AVLC and Crestron to ensure that the technical execution perfectly aligned with the design vision. Joint meetings, reviews, and regular testing sessions ensured that the teams remained coordinated throughout the project lifecycle.

What was the objective?

L’Oréal was relocating its Brussels offices to the prestigious Quatuor building in the heart of Brussels, occupying the 3rd and 4th floors. The new office was intended to serve multiple purposes. The 3rd floor would cater to corporate functions and sales teams, while the 4th floor was designed as an elegant and welcoming space for clients and visitors. These spaces included a variety of facilities: multiple meeting rooms, quiet work zones for concentration, a flexible triptych of training rooms, an Eat&Meet area, and a shop to showcase their products.

The main objective was to provide a state-of-the-art audiovisual installation that matched the aesthetic and functional aspirations of the space.

This included:

• Creating an immersive experience with nearly 30 high-definition screens for stunning visuals.
• Designing a relaxing sound environment that complemented the visuals and ambiance.
• Implementing high-tech audiovisual solutions in the meeting rooms that supported hybrid work and client presentations.
• Ensuring intuitive, easy-to-use controls to enhance the end user’s satisfaction.
• Developing a system that is easy to maintain, with remote monitoring capabilities to streamline troubleshooting and support.

The challenge

What did the client want to achieve in their space?

L’Oréal aimed to transform its new Brussels office into a multifunctional environment that seamlessly integrated work and life through technology. Their vision was to create a space that naturally drew employees back to the office, fostering team spirit, collaboration, and enhanced well-being in the post-pandemic era. With hybrid meetings becoming the norm, the design required various meeting rooms to accommodate both individual work and group discussions of different sizes, all equipped with advanced videoconferencing capabilities.

Beyond the workplace, L’Oréal wanted a cutting-edge training environment to engage clients and showcase their hair care products. This involved implementing professional-grade technology that was visually striking, intuitive to use, and seamlessly integrated into a sophisticated architectural design.

How did your team meet these requirements?

We implemented an advanced audiovisual system that prioritized functionality, aesthetics, and user experience.

The key features included:

• Comprehensive AV distribution: High-quality sound and video content were seamlessly shared across all spaces.
• Dynamic room booking systems: Enabled users to easily locate and reserve spaces that met their needs.
• Versatile meeting spaces: A combination of formal and informal areas, including Framery Bubbles, training academies, an Eat&Meet area, and multifunctional learning spaces, to cater to diverse work styles and group sizes.
• Cutting-edge technology: Integration of Crestron AV solutions with AI-enabled cameras, LG screens, Microsoft Teams, Sennheiser microphones, Logitech Mini meeting bars, Yealink screens for room booking, among others, to create an exceptional hybrid meeting experience.
• Discreet design: Non-invasive, omnipresent technology that harmonized with the architectural elegance of the space.

The result was an environment that exceeded the client’s expectations. Employees and visitors frequently praised the intuitive systems and innovative design. Notably, the success of this project has sparked interest from other L’Oréal offices eager to replicate the setup.

Did your team add any additional features to the system as the project developed?

Yes, we introduced several enhancements during the project, including:

• Custom Crestron Programming: Using C#, we developed reusable and scalable modules to ensure the system’s future adaptability.
• XiO Cloud Deployment: This advanced platform allows L’Oréal to monitor and manage their equipment effortlessly. Meanwhile, our team provides proactive remote monitoring, regular maintenance, and system updates to ensure continued excellence.

These additions not only optimized the system’s functionality but also offered L’Oréal long-term flexibility and peace of mind.

Were there any setbacks? How did your team overcome them?

Although the project was ultimately a success, we encountered some challenges along the way:

• Tight schedule: With limited time for installation, we mitigated delays by preprogramming much of the system offsite. This approach allowed us to complete the installation and initial commissioning in an impressive two-week period.
• Incorrect camera delivery: An incorrect camera was delivered instead of the AI-enabled Intelligent Tracking Camera. Crestron’s exceptional support ensured that a replacement camera was quickly dispatched, along with commissioning assistance.
• Integration of DM-NAX-8SZA and Biamp Tesira: The integration between the Crestron DM-NAX-8SZA and the Biamp Tesira unit presented significant challenges. After extensive troubleshooting and collaboration with Crestron, a resolution was achieved. Although these moments were tense, swift action and teamwork ensured that L’Oréal experienced no disruptions or setbacks.

The solution

The audiovisual installation in L’Oréal’s new Brussels offices is based on advanced technological infrastructure and the seamless integration of Crestron systems, designed to meet a wide range of needs in collaboration, training, and hybrid communication.

Meeting rooms, Quiet Bubbles, and Collaboration Spaces:

• 12 Quiet Bubbles equipped with Rally Bar Mini for high-quality videoconferencing.
• Large screens ranging from 43” to 136”, mounted on Chief supports installed in the meeting rooms and open spaces.
• Room booking systems integrated via 8” Yealink touch panels.
• Sennheiser microphones and Ecler and Bec Akustik speakers for clear sound.

AV Distribution and Processing:

• DM-NVX system for IP-based video distribution (over 10 DM-NVX modules installed).
• NAX-8ZSA, 2x NAX-AMP-300, and Biamp Tesira Dante for advanced audio processing, casting, and distribution.
• Integration of multiple sources (HDMI, streaming, AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, etc.).

Training Academy and Learning Spaces:

• 3 modular training rooms with screens up to 136” and intelligent tracking cameras.
• Live video streaming enabled via Blackmagic WebPresenter 4K and NVX technology.
• Dedicated TSW/TST touch panels and iPads to control volume, inputs, outputs, and cameras.

Centralized Management:

• A central data rack housing Crestron CP4 processors, amplifiers, and PoE switches (CEN-SWPOE-48).
• Proactive monitoring through Crestron XiO Cloud and a custom web interface for IT management.

Specialized Spaces:

• Meet & Eat area with 110” screens and control via TSW-570P touch panels.
• Store and coloration areas: 75” screens and tactile audiovisual control systems.

Performance and Aesthetics:

• Non-invasive technology integrated into active metal ceilings and raised floors for invisible cabling.
• Installation completed in just 2 weeks thanks to advanced preprogramming.

This solution equips L’Oréal with over 20 fully functional spaces, offering premium audiovisual quality, simplified management, and scalable flexibility for future needs.

The category

This project stands out for its extensive use of Crestron products and solutions, creating a truly high-impact space for employees and clients. At its core, Crestron DM-NVX technology ensures seamless video distribution across numerous spaces, while the DM-NAX system delivers high-quality audio throughout the installation.

The centralized control is powered by the Crestron CP4 processor, enabling advanced system management via Crestron XiO Cloud, which facilitates remote monitoring and maintenance by L’Oréal’s IT team.

In the meeting rooms and training spaces, we integrated 1 beyond Intelligent cameras that impressed L’Oréal with their AI features and smooth tracking capabilities, providing intelligent video and exceptional experiences in hybrid meetings.

Crestron-enabled live streaming in the training academy, powered by DM-NVX and Blackmagic WebPresenter 4K, allows for global broadcasting of product training. The design also includes dynamic room booking systems and modular training spaces to offer flexibility.

The system’s performance and scalability, combined with a rapid on-site deployment in just two weeks, underscore ACS Partners’ expertise and ability to deliver high-impact projects using Crestron’s reliable and innovative audiovisual solutions.

This project stands out for our ability to integrate diverse solutions and brands, leveraging the strengths of each — including Crestron — to offer a unique solution to our clients.

For this project, we used a larger portion of the Crestron ecosystem than usual and were impressed by the intelligent cameras and XiO Cloud. We loved how the project unfolded and the client’s feedback! We’ll be using the Crestron ecosystem even more!