In 2000, a fully restored Vooruit was awarded the Flemish Monument of the year Prize. However, it is still not easy to operate a progressive arts centre with 2000 activities and 275 000 visitors per year in a restored monument dating from 1913. The house was therefore bestowed the difficult task of combining the maintenance and renovation of the building with new needs in terms of security and environment, stage technical infrastructure, public comfort, ICT and new media.
Upon entering the new century, Vooruit took the resolute decision to opt for new technologies. After the completion of the thorough restoration works in 2000, the house invested in a well-equipped ICT network. A new, wireless building management system was installed connecting all security systems, the entire heating, ventilation and climate control systems, lighting and emergency lighting, fire detection, the electricity network, electronically monitored doors, sprinklers and fire hoses, emergency announcements and access checks via some 5000 security and check points. Thanks to this system, the house was able to save up to 30% on the use of gas and electricity and can guarantee safe operations for some 2 500 visitors at one time. Digital video was also introduced in the central management system with applications such as audiovisual streaming and registration, public information display systems and camera surveillance.
In terms of communication, Vooruit was looking to tap into both the current and future needs of the public, artists and employees. With the ‘Virtual Arts Centre of the Future’ digitalisation project, Vooruit invested in high-performance ICT infrastructure enabling information, knowledge and culture to be experienced digitally. In rough terms, this digital revolution manifested itself in three areas:
Infrastructure & support:
Vooruit is furnished with a high-performance 10 GB network, an extensive building management system, complete wireless coverage of the building, an information display system, IP telephony and digital cameras.
Development of internal applications:
A completely automated back office demands an evolution from so-called desktop to enterprise database applications and the integration of existing and future environments (ticket sales, address lists, financial management, a CMS web platform, the building management system, etc.).
Development of applications for visitors and employees:
The Virtual Arts Centre of the Future translated its activities into an innovative, interactive web 2.0 site where employees and visitors can add, personalise and share information. A wireless internet network was created for everyone in the entire building and displays helped create a 3D environment where visitors could get a taste of the virtual arts experience.
