Pilatus Arena sports and event hall

From the concept phase to the opening, our specialists supported the Pilatus Arena project. They contributed their expertise in the area of security and fire protection, took responsibility and also looked for solutions where others were reaching their limits.

The sports and event hall is 40 metres high. The smoke and heat extraction fans are noisy. Thousands of people pour into the building and the atmosphere is electric. Light, music and emotions create a unique atmosphere. While visitors enjoy the opening event, our security system needs to show what it can do. It proves its reliability under real-life conditions.

Anyone entering the new Pilatus Arena today immediately feels the special atmosphere of this venue. Modern architecture meets great emotions and events with thousands of guests. Hardly anyone notices what is happening behind the scenes: a security system is monitoring in the background and must function reliably in the event of an emergency. But our story begins long before the opening. Our specialists were already supporting the project before the first concrete was poured or cables were laid. They not only provided support as a supplier, but also played an active role as a partner, took on responsibility and helped shape the solution from the outset.

Halter AG, as the general contractor, called on our team during the electrical engineering design phase. We developed the fire protection concept together with everyone involved. Even before the contract was awarded, we invested a lot of time in planning and technical preparatory work. This commitment paid off later. When the responsible electrical planning company changed during the project, knowledge of the fire protection requirements was retained. Because we had supported the project from the outset, we were able to continuously support those involved and maintain important dependencies. Cooperation with the authorities also played an important role. Our teams closely monitored the approval of the fire protection concept and contributed their experience to the discussions. With specialist knowledge and a solution-oriented approach, they guided the project safely through the approval process. The end result was an approved overall concept that meets all fire protection requirements.

When complexity becomes a strength

From a technical perspective, the Pilatus Arena project demanded a lot from our team. In the upper hall area, we installed aspirating smoke detectors that actuate the deluge extinguishing system via the SecuriFire BMS fire alarm control panel. We set up the solution as three stand-alone systems and networked them with neighbouring buildings via SecuriWAN. In addition, there were interfaces to sprinkler systems, electro-acoustic evacuation systems and fire incident controls. Linear smoke detectors in the extremely high event hall and approved wireless detectors below the upper tier complete the security concept. The voice alarm system was particularly challenging. In the event of an incident, the mechanical smoke and heat extraction fans generate an extremely high level of noise. Nevertheless, announcements must remain clearly understandable at all times. That’s why we planned the system with particular care and adjusted the sound levels to significantly higher than usual. We also took responsibility during the construction phase. Together with Securitas, our mobile object protection team secured the construction site. At the same time, we supported our sister company Contrafeu in the implementation of the technically sophisticated extinguishing system.

What makes this project special is not only the technology. It is the willingness to take responsibility, to think proactively and to look for new solutions when requirements change. This was evident even on the opening night. Two of our technicians supported the event on site, which featured DJ Antoine. They were on site voluntarily to support our client at this crucial moment. As a back-up. As a partner. As a team that takes responsibility.

“We were able to take a seat in the security office and, together with those responsible, clarified how we could prevent a potential false alarm from the fire alarm system. We then remained on standby in case there was still any need for action despite the precautions we had taken. We were provided with food and drinks and were able to follow the entire supporting programme and the match from the security office. My personal highlight was the contact with the employees behind the scenes. Through radio communications, we gained a unique perspective on the behind-the-scenes operations that most visitors never get to experience.” 

Simon Aldrian, technician at Securiton AG

A project that demonstrates what we stand for

The Pilatus Arena reveals what often remains behind the scenes. A functioning safety system is not only created during installation, but in many early decisions, close coordination and consistent collaboration. This is exactly how the collaboration between the project managers at Halter AG and Securiton developed.