Public Spaces
ARC Security go above and beyond to see the Hundertwasser come to life
Prior to ARC Security’s services being formally engaged on the Hundertwasser Art Centre project in 2019, Andrew Chuter was approached by Greg Guy from Guyco Construction for advice on implementing an integrated smart security system into the building’s unusual design, as well as to find out what security features he would suggest and gain cost estimations.
In the years to come, Andrew met with those leading the project, including insurance brokers and other contractors, readily donating his time as a consultant. By the time to project came to fruition, ARC Security was well across the details, had secured discounted pricing from Gallagher and other suppliers, and were keen to join the crew that would build the Hundertwasser Art Centre from the ground up.
Andrew’s custom smart security system design for the Hundertwasser Art Centre involved special planning around the integration between subsystems (fog cannons, access control, alarms and CCTV cameras) and their placements. Fog cannons, for instance, were deemed necessary to protect the artworks in the event of a burglary, but had to be positioned in such a way that the artworks themselves were protected from the fog cannons! Another consideration of special importance to the Hundertwasser Art Centre was visual integration – the aesthetics of a security system upon, inside and around a building that is often considered a work of art itself. ARC Security installer Brocke Reti, who was responsible for the installation of Andrew’s entire integrated security system design in the Hundertwasser, showed initiative and sensitivity to the nature of the project when he took the time to paint white cameras black so that they would blend in with the building’s distinct black-tiled façade.
But the security measures deployed by ARC began well before the project broke ground, when they were asked to install turnstiles to control site access and track workers. Darrell from Trigg Construction reports: “Right from the start we wanted to set up a swipe card system so if we had to evacuate, we knew who was on site. They figured it out and set up the software quickly. Andrew’s always forthcoming with ideas. From site management through to processes they were really good.”
COVID-19 lockdowns, restrictions and associated delays, might have slowed the project down but they certainly didn’t stop ARC Security from delivering beyond all expectations. When the project risked being held up due to the delay of a delivery of data cable cabinets required by another team, Brocke arranged to supply data cable cabinets from our own warehouse in their place. Project manager Bronson Brown from Trigg Construction reports, “Brocke’s workmanship is fantastic. His demeanour was fantastic inside and out of work. [He was very] personable with site workers and stakeholders, very informative. He’s thorough, his product knowledge is impeccable, he’s well-planned and proactive.”
From consultation, risk/needs assessment and design, to Health & Safety documentation and processes, installation, and collaboration with other crews and contractors, the full spectrum of ARC Security’s team’s technical knowledge and skills were demonstrated, tested and proven beyond a doubt. “They were exceptional,” says Darrell from Trigg Construction, “It was a once-in-a-lifetime project for everyone. No two windows could be the same. Everyone had to be innovative – ARC were all of that.”
Photography credit – Murray Brock© Hundertwasser Art Centre
