What did your technical solution look like in the end?

MO: We started with a mere lighting tube, and ended up with a multimedia channel system, representing the „main artery“ for all platform functions and including the entire operating systems for controlling and monitoring the passenger traffic including power supply, data cables and even fire extinguishing equipment.

Furthermore, we were responsible for the development and manufacturing of the main columns of the system: finally, the key to success was a combination of pillars and cord suspensions for an adequate load transfer of the media channel.

BH: Referring to its dimensions of 700 x 905 mm, it was the biggest media channel we have ever developed and implemented for a project. In combination with the unsupported span of 9 metres between the main columns we certainly defined a new limit for feasibility regarding the technical implementation of media channels. As far as we know, this has not been implemented in this way by any other company.

What are the requirements the media channel system has to meet?

BH: The biggest challenge was certainly to integrate the needs of the different trades in one system solution: Starting with the cable ducts for direct and indirect illumination of the platforms up tot he integration of loudspeaker and camera systems, large-format screens, fire detecting and extinguishing systems, destination displays, information boards, emergency systems as well as WLAN and radio antennas. Additionally, our design took into account, that the internal cable ducts of the media channel columns had to be used to run through cables from the lower floors.

MO: Of course, due to the seismic classification of the Panama region the construction has to be earthquake-proof regarding its dynamic loads and also designed to resist certain wind pressures. For this reason, we installed special compensation sections which are able to absorb and compensate for seismic and dynamic vibrations.

BH: Also the fire safety regulations had to be fulfilled completely. Therefore, we used only fire resistant cables that meet the standards of higher fire safety classes. As prescribed, all luminaires have also been approved by an UL certification institute.

The project was not „just around the corner“ in geographical perspective. How did the collaboration with the consortium work?

BH: Due to our responsibility for the complete project success, we were at any time in close contact with the contracting authority and with the project partners involved. This was an imperative, because even the smallest modification of our construction representing the heart of the system could have caused major consequences for the entire structure. That’s why we had to ensure at all times to be always up-to-date concerning communication. Usually we held two major phone conferences with our project partners per week, apart from innumerous smaller ones, of course.

MO: When the logistics was organised and the first delivery had arrived in South America, we also supervised the installation team on site, to guarantee correct installation of our sophisticated components. In advance, we already had recruited a Panamanian installation company and trained them by means of an especially made prototype at our company in Hilpoltstein. Our client was also present at one of these trainings. This not only ensured the process reliability of the installation, but also successfully implemented the first product demonstration at the same time.

Last but not least: could the project be completed on schedule?

MO: Yes, we finalised the project in April. On April 25, 2019, the handover and opening of the new Metro Line 2 took place. And what had particularly satisfied our customer was the fact, that already in January 2019 pope francis and the participants of the World Youth Day were able to use some stations of the Metro Line 2!