New BAS kicks in for Soccer Headquarters

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)-soccer's governing world body-needed more space for its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. With 100 staff members to house, FIFA members decided to extend the facility to include the neighboring premises: the former Sonnenberg Hotel.

By Staff February 1, 2001

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)-soccer’s governing world body-needed more space for its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. With 100 staff members to house, FIFA members decided to extend the facility to include the neighboring premises: the former Sonnenberg Hotel.

Conversion of the hotel into FIFA facilities included the integration of a fire-protection system with 300 fire detectors and a controlling alarm system that ensures operation in all of the multiuse complex’s spaces: the office building, auditorium, personnel accommodations, parking facilities and restaurant.

Genuine fires have a specific recognition pattern, as do the phenomena that simulate a fire. The FIFA system distinguishes the real fires from spurious events by using algorithmic software and then actuating the appropriate alarm.

Building automation

A comprehensive building-automation system (BAS) was designed and implemented for the HVAC installations. Two management stations control all HVAC systems via standard commercial personal computers. The software was developed for use with Windows NT, and all BAS data can be checked at any time. The wastewater system for the restaurant is also monitored by the BAS.

In addition, combined air sensors continually test air quality in the rooms, and a ventilation load-demand computer keeps track of volatile organic compounds in the air. Existing systems in the older building 300 meters away have been linked to the new BAS via a data-bus connection.

For more information about fire-safety and BAS from Siemens Building Technologies, circle 101 on the Reader Service Card on page 61.