Sennheiser audio transforms flexible meeting rooms in Australia

GPT Space&Co has partnered with Sennheiser to equip its premium meeting rooms in Australia with advanced audio solutions designed to support hybrid and flexible work styles.

Each meeting environment features Sennheiser's TeamConnect Ceiling microphone range, including the TeamConnect Ceiling 2 (TCC 2) and the TeamConnect Ceiling M (TCC M) models. These microphones are integrated to deliver automated, clear, and reliable audio across different room layouts, supporting both in-person and remote collaboration.

The meeting rooms, available at recently launched sites including a flagship location at 181 William Street in Melbourne, are designed to accommodate a spectrum of requirements. Configurations range from executive briefings to workshops and hybrid presentations, with the audio technology aiming to make the user experience as straightforward as possible. Each room is walk-in ready with Microsoft Teams Rooms compatibility, BYOD support, and an audio-visual setup that requires no technical training.

Camden Webb, Flexible Workspace Technology Manager at The GPT Group, described flexibility as a central focus for larger rooms. "For the larger rooms, flexibility was a key focus. Traditionally, when AV equipment is placed on or under tables, it limits how the furniture and consequently the space can be used. Whether the room is set up in theatre style, boardroom style or workshop style, users still receive the same high-quality experience."

Webb further highlighted the impact of ceiling-mounted audio on the overall user experience: "The Sennheiser TeamConnect Ceiling microphones ensure that no matter where someone is located, they can be heard clearly. Remote participants can follow discussions and feel engaged, even if they are not physically present."

Rooms such as Petition and Verdict feature TCC 2 microphones, allowing daily changes in layout without affecting sound quality. The microphones use patented beamforming technology to automatically adjust to speakers' locations, eliminating the need for visible tabletop devices.

Anthony Aloi, AV Solutions Manager at Programmed, commented on the design's versatility. "Ceiling-mounted microphones give us the flexibility dynamic spaces require," he said. While fixed microphones offer certain benefits, they can restrict how spaces are utilised. Webb added that configurable pickup zones help reduce background noise.

The system's compatibility with platforms such as Microsoft Co-Pilot enhances the integration, supporting AI-driven features like transcription, meeting summaries, and intelligent note-taking for more productive meetings.

At the 181 William Street site, the Chamber room—a 50-person event space with wall-to-wall glass—utilises three TeamConnect Ceiling M microphones to suit its geometric architecture. "Combining three TCC Ms gave us great coverage of the space while allowing our team to program exclusion zones to minimise street noise," said Aloi. "They are more cost effective than the TCC 2 and they look amazing."

Programmed collaborated with Sennheiser and the builder to colour-match microphones to the ceiling for cohesive design integration. Aloi explained, "In a premium space, integration is about more than function. The technology should disappear into the architecture." The Judge boardroom at the same site uses a similar setup for consistency.

Aloi said the rooms are designed for a broad user base. "These rooms are intuitive and support all devices. The technology stays out of the way so people can focus on the meeting."

Webb noted, "Every guest needs to walk in, start their meeting, and go. Sennheiser's microphones make that possible – they're invisible to the user but essential to the experience." Although a site manager is always present, their responsibilities are customer-facing rather than technical.

GPT Space&Co's audio-visual rollout is intended to set a new benchmark for adaptable and functional meeting spaces by providing environments that align with the evolving demands of hybrid work. The system aims to scale with modern team needs and enhance collaboration experiences while retaining a focus on simplicity and design.

"With Sennheiser, GPT is delivering a collaboration experience that's consistent, confident, and ready for the future," said Aloi. "Technology should empower people to connect, not complicate the experience."