The stunning and iconic Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay, is a nearly 15-acre (60,000 square meter) performing arts center located in Marina Bay, Singapore. One of the busiest concert halls in the world since its opening in 2002, the theater has hosted more than 31,000 performances, drawing a total of 84 million visitors.

With its distinctive twin shells, this architectural masterpiece features world-class performance spaces in its two main venues – the Concert Hall and the Theater – with capacities of 1,800 and 2,000 respectively. In March 2014, the Esplanade was listed as one of the “world’s 15 most beautiful concert halls” by Hamburg-based building-data company Emporis.

Today, the Esplanade is renowned for possessing some of the best concert hall acoustics in the world. With its innovative and refined acoustic characteristics, the world-class performance venue suits a wide range of Asian and Western arts and music. The hall regularly features world-renowned theater companies and performers, contributing to Singapore’s international and cultural vibrancy.   

In 2014, after a decade of operation, management at the Theaters on the Bay, The Esplanade Co. Ltd. – a not-for-profit organization and registered charity – decided to update their existing CCTV surveillance system. Working with Hikvision and premier, one-stop solution provider ATT Systems Group (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., a new surveillance system was designed to deliver effective internal and external surveillance and perimeter protection for this prestigious arts center.  

The challenge

In partnership with Hikvision, and drawing on their experience in venue queue management and security systems integration, ATT Systems worked with the Esplanade management to provide an effective solution to the project’s CCTV challenges. The theater’s prominent façade directly faces the Singapore Merlion Park, Marina Floating Platform, and Singapore Financial Hub. In order to preserve the aesthetics of the iconic arts building, the new IP-over-fiber surveillance system utilized carefully planned out locations for every camera.  

Beyond providing effective video for general security, the new system also needed to provide 95% visual coverage of the entire site to assist with day-to-day management and visitor traffic flow as well as the implementation of required health & safety practices.

The solution

Using a mix of over 300 Hikvision 4-Series Smart Cameras and NVRs, along with Hikvision’s video management software, ATT Systems specifically chose components that address the various needs of each internal and external area of the venue, depending on usage and desired scene content.

In the main hallway and inside the theater, Hikvision’s 2 MP Full HD Indoor Dome Network Cameras (model number DS-2CD4124F-IZ) were installed to provide 1080P imaging; these cameras features Smart Focus motorized VF lenses, BLC, Smart audio, and intruder-detection functionality. Providing 24/7 coverage in the car park, 2 MP Full HD Outdoor Dome Network Cameras (DS-2CD4324F-IZ) were installed. Featuring built-in infrared (IR) LEDs, they can provide up to 165 feet (30m) of night-time viewing in complete darkness.

Preserving the internal aesthetics of the building’s architecture, compact and unobtrusive IR Mini Dome Network Cameras (DS-2CD2532F-IWS) were installed in the reception and ticket counter areas. To assist with any disputes in ticketing, the Hikvision Mini Domes, with their built-in microphones, were installed at the ticket counters and monitor all ticketing transactions while also observing any problems that might occur at the entry turnstiles. The surveillance footage from these dome cameras is a great asset in helping the theater’s management team speed-up the flow of visitor traffic by reducing queues and waiting times.  

Providing an ideal surveillance solution to monitor the theater’s perimeter, surrounding driveways, and walkways, Hikvision’s IP66-rated, 2 MP Network PTZ Dome Cameras (DS-2DF5286-A3) were installed, fully utilizing their 30x optical and 16x digital zoom and Smart Tracking functionality.

Powerful control

In the control room, supporting live viewing, storage, playback, and control of the over 300 network cameras, are Hikvision’s DS-9664NI-XT-Series NVRs using one of the possible RAID configurations. In order to support the large number of PTZ speed domes, general security, and event management, the NVRs record both audio and video from each camera. Ideal for any size installation, the NVRs support hot-swappable HDDs and RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 storage.   

To control Hikvision’s full range of Smart camera functions, including Smart search and playback, Smart detection, and record backup, as well as Smart applications such as people counting, heat mapping, and interactive mapping, all system equipment is managed by Hikvision’s open-platform iVMS-5200E Enterprise Video Management Software. Designed specifically for large-scale projects with multiple channel surveillance, this VMS offers video preview, video playback, and comprehensive alarm management. Fully integrated to the Hikvision array of NVRs, the iVMS-5200E also provides full control over the customization of video tags, playback by tag, and video searching; and for additional security of video footage, the locking and unlocking of any recorded files.

“Controlling the mix of over 300 Smart cameras installed, Hikvision’s iVMS-5200E Video Management Software allows the theater’s security team to manage all of its security subsystems on just one platform,” says ATT Securitech director Mr. Lim Wee Kwang.  

“We proposed the Hikvision solution based on our experience of using the company’s products on many other successful projects. We know Hikvision products are reliable and serve the needs of the customer perfectly. The end-user was delighted to work with us and Hikvision, the number one brand in video surveillance.”  

With the Hikvision-powered security system now up and running, the Esplanade’s team of dedicated professionals at Singapore's national performing arts center have a powerful security and site management surveillance tool at their fingertips, assisting their quest to offer a great experience for visitors, inspiring audiences, and cultivating the arts at the beautiful Theaters on the Bay.