An Ideal Combination of Security and Comfort
A Networked Solution from Bosch for the NOVE Office Complex in Munich
We wanted an office building that felt like a five-star designer hotel
A concierge orders a taxi for an employee or takes his shirts to be cleaned, then greets a visitor and escorts her to an elevator. And these are just a few of countless possible examples of the NOVE office complex’s unique, multifaceted service culture. It attains the standard of security, efficiency and comfort of a five-star international hotel in a state-of-the-art facility where 1,300 people work for no fewer than eight different companies in the heart of Munich. The NOVE has even been honored with platinum certification from LEED (“Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”, a program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to encourage the construction of energy- and resource-efficient, healthy buildings).
Bosch applies experience and foresight
“We wanted an office building that felt like a five-star designer hotel,” says Tim Wiesener, the CEO of Salvis Consulting AG. The company envisaged a high standard of security backed by smart networked solutions that blended smoothly and esthetically with the architecture and interior decorating. “We certainly didn’t want employees and other users of the building to feel bothered or overwhelmed by its technology.” Tim Wiesener therefore went looking for a reliable and experienced partner, and found it in Bosch’s building experts. “Bosch applies both experience and foresight to its projects, and its specialists immediately grasped our vision.”
Security with Style
Video surveillance, access control and intrusion alarm systems, fire protection, visitor management: Bosch planned and implemented a completely integrated solution that harmonized with NOVE’s character and personality. Its leading-edge technology and software are distributed and networked across six stories, a 23-meter-high atrium, and a nine-floor tower. The concierges working shifts at the 24-hour reception play an important role in the overall concept, since they are also trained security experts. Among other things, monitors behind the counter let them keep a watchful eye on images from over a hundred surveillance cameras that can be remotely controlled, zoomed and pointed as required, all courtesy of the Bosch Building Integration System. The software lets them efficiently manage video surveillance as well as fire and intrusion alarms.
Around-the-clock assistance is also available to the 300 or so visitors that enter the NOVE each day, aided by the dedicated BoVISIT visitor management system. The software’s functionality includes announcing guests, printing name tags for them, and assigning them to employees. Thanks to a centralized solution, the concierges always know who is where inside the building. This is especially important in case a critical situation ever arises. At the press of a button, the system generates a vitally important overview of how many people need to be evacuated from each area. Not everything the concierges do is high-tech, of course; they are devoted to helping both tenants and visitors with a smile and a human touch. “Our receptionists are efficient but not nameless. We combine security with personal service,” says Tim Wiesener.
Well-Camouflaged Equipment
Italian star architect Antonio Citterio designed the complex, which spans roughly 27,500 square meters of gross floor space. He paid especially great attention to visually integrating the security equipment so it wouldn’t stand out. “This called for a certain finesse,” explains Tim Wiesener. Tim Kosok, a sales representative with Bosch Energy and Building Solutions in Munich, worked hard to find out exactly what the customer wanted, explaining that “we painted installations the same color as the ceilings or walls and positioned them just right so they would be practically invisible. Even the door intercoms are designed to be inconspicuous.”
Tenants can naturally access the NOVE any time of the day or night. Tim Wiesener is confident that everyone consistently feels safe there, thanks to the networked solutions. “Our collaboration for implementing the complex was excellent and collegial. We worked closely with the Bosch experts to create a solution that’s geared to people and their needs.”
