To make sure that everything goes according to plan during the European Football Championship 2004 in Portugal, Siemens applied high-quality technology and security systems. In extending and retrofitting the 10 stadia in Portugal, Siemens was involved with an order volume of approximately 30 million Euro.
Six of the 10 stadia for the European Championship in Portugal were new constructions, all others were comprehensively renovated for this event. In addition to electronic security solutions, Siemens provided networks for audio and data transmission, lighting systems and low- and medium-voltage systems. The decisive factors for this success were consistent cross-group cooperation and comprehensive technological expertise.
In seven of the 10 stadia (Alvalade and Da Luz in Lisbon, Dragao Porto, Braga, Faro, Coimbra and Aveiro), the Siemens operating group, Siemens Building Technologies, installed security facilities and building automation systems. An essential part of the building-relevant facilities were electronic security solutions, ranging from gas detection (explosive gases) and fire detection (smoke and heat sensors, manual alarm points), access control and intrusion detection to comprehensive video surveillance including event detection, evaluation and digital image storage. All safety- and security-relevant monitoring functions were centrally merged in a danger management system, where security staff assessed events and initiated appropriate actions or intervention, if necessary.
Events in modern arenas constitute a particular challenge concerning planning. The entire schedule must be meticulously planned, so that everything works perfectly on the day. This is only possible when all modules are harmonised and interlinked. Siemens employs a task force that is in charge of a consistently modular stadium solution. Many years of experience with large-scale projects, including the application know-how gained in Portugal, is merged in Competence Centers and can thus be used for future stadium projects, eg, for the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in 2010 and for the Olympic Games in China in 2008. Siemens counts on gaining some of the projects for the 37 stadia and renovation projects in and around Beijing. For future stadium projects the portfolio comprises, in addition to electronic infrastructure also logistic solutions such as electronic ticketing, access solutions for personal and VIPs, automatic recognition and registration of persons (hooligans), mobile sanitary stations, organisation and media centres, both stationary and mobile information and communication technology as well as traffic guidance systems for persons and transport vehicles.
For more information contact Jose Machado, Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0) 11 652 2149, www.siemens.co.za
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