Securing a landmark global development – Abu Dhabi Plaza
We were naturally delighted when we were asked to provide entrance control throughout one of the most ambitious developments in the world – Abu Dhabi Plaza. Funded by investors from the UAE – estimated at $1.6 billion – but located in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, Abu Dhabi Plaza comprises five towers of varying heights. The development offers luxury flats, office space, the 4-star Sheraton Astana Hotel plus a shopping mall. At 310.8 metres, the tallest of the towers is slightly higher than the Shard, the UK’s loftiest skyscraper.
Ambitious plans for Central Asia
Aldar was the developer for this project. Their own headquarters, located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is itself a noted building featuring Fastlane turnstiles. Architectural design was entrusted to London-based firms HKR Architects and Foster + Partners, with Arabtec Consolidated Contractors LTD selected as contractors.
Joining the team early
Engage your entrance control partner early to maximise your options and avoid hurdles: that’s a piece of advice we have offered more than once on our blog. Happily, that was very much the approach taken on this project. The partners determined early on that they wanted a single, integrated security solution across the development, and got IDL on board to open discussion well before installation would be required.
Challenges faced
The various structures that make up Abu Dhabi Plaza are connected and controlled by a building management system (BMS). One of the reasons we were contacted early was awareness that the entrance control systems chosen for the project would need to integrate with the BMS.
Space was also constrained in a number of the locations requiring turnstiles. This is often the case when entrance security is to be put in place across a complex development featuring buildings of varying geometry.
Identifying solutions
Ongoing liaison and support from our end was needed to complete the BMS integration, but plenty of time was available, and no particular difficulties arose.
“We have been working with a professional team since our first request to IDL,” comments Ahmed Salem, Procurement Engineer at Arabtec Consolidated Contractors LTD. Ahmed continued, emphasising the importance to him of our support being available throughout: “IDL was involved in the whole process from proposal through to technical clarifications, contracting, production, delivery and remote support during installation, and after sales service.”
Four different Fastlane models were used in this project, with the Glasswing installed in a number of locations. This stylish and elliptical unit is available in a variety of enclosure sizes, with the Glasswing Compact chosen over the Glasswing Standard where space was limited.
This model is part of the Speedgates range, alongside our Glassgate units. The range features glass barriers and an aesthetic centring on elegant reflective brushed steel and glass surfaces. Unlike the swinging barriers of our Glassgates, Glasswing barriers retract into the oval pedestals, offering a quietly stylish security option.
The Fastlane Plus 400AS and Passgate 300 were also installed. The former features a lightweight drop arm barrier, for a small and space saving pedestal footprint.
The extended length of this unit permits operation in a “normally open” mode if desired, meaning the steel arm only drops into place if a user attempts to pass through without presenting a valid credential as they enter. A strong barrier where needed is thus combined with an understated system in which authorised users will encounter no barrier.
Unlike most of our units, the Passgate 300 is a single rather than dual barrier, the glass remaining in place until opened by command from the guard desk. It is intended as an occasional lane, opened as needed to create extra space. It is especially suited to accommodating users with packages, pull along luggage, or those with reduced mobility.
On this project, the client also requested turnstiles with Fastlane Connect, our ethernet connectivity solution. This allows the units to be fully controlled using a secure online platform from anywhere on the site or remotely.
Completing a successful project
All of the security systems specified have now been installed successfully, with the client reporting excellent performance in both the residential and commercial sections of the plaza.
“It has been wonderful to be a part of this exciting project”, comments Alan Hardy, IDL’s Sales Manager EMEA. “The Aldar Headquarters is one of our most high-profile projects in this region, so we were delighted to work with Aldar again. It was especially gratifying to be entrusted with providing a solution throughout a grand-scale development like Abu Dhabi Plaza.“
Whether you are in Kensington or Kazakhstan, we are confident we have the entrance control solution to meet your requirements within our extensive range. To find out more, please get in touch by calling +44 (0)208 890 5550 or emailing info@fastlane-turnstiles.com.
