Designing a control room is not just a technical exercise, it’s the foundation for reliable, efficient operations. The goal is to transform a variety of data into a clear, actionable environment. And this transformation doesn’t start with technology, it starts with design.
But let’s first clarify what control room design actually involves.
To understand that, we need to answer three essential questions:
- What the control room design covers
- Who is responsible for planning
- Why plan first
1. What control room design covers
Traditionally, control room design covers architectural layout, zoning of functional areas, operator ergonomics, lighting, acoustics, environmental comfort, display positioning, data integration, software interfaces, and even training programs. Together, these components determine how the control room supports workflows, reduces fatigue, and scales with the company’s business needs.
2. Who is responsible for planning
In large control room projects, the responsibility is often shared between an independent design consultant, a system integrator or proAV integrator, and the customer’s in-house technical team. In smaller setups, a single consulting firm may take care of everything from concept to final delivery. In both cases, clear alignment from the beginning is critical to avoid rework, delays, or technical mismatches.
3. Why plan first
Early decisions also have cascading effects. For example, choosing a 6×2 m LED wall or setting 1.5 m between operator desks affects HVAC load, power and network routing, and even ceiling height. Making changes after construction starts can cost 4−6 times more than getting it right during the design phase.
A well-designed control room isn’t just comfortable, it’s operationally effective. Good design enables clarity, collaboration, and fast decision-making. Poor design creates friction, missed alarms, and expensive limitations. Start with asking the right questions, and you’ll build a space that supports your mission today and adapts to the challenges of tomorrow.