Visitor control upon arrival

Challenge

COVID-19 has had major consequences for the Danish sports and leisure sector. In the spring of 2020, a survey showed that 38% of those who were active in sports before the pandemic restrictions had stopped playing sports and exercising during closures. Sporting activities that depended on facilities were hit hardest.1

Grøndal MultiCenter is Denmark’s largest sports, activity, and cultural centre with an area of 33,000 m2. It houses, among other things, 80 associations and businesses, and it has up to 3,000 daily users. The building is operated by only two employees located at the main entrance, from where visitors are assisted, and building operations are carried out. The sports and cultural centre is built around an arcade with two promenades separated by meeting rooms and other functions. At each end of the arcade, there are entrances and exits, and elsewhere in the building there are several secondary entrances and exits. The centre was subject to the restrictions imposed in connection with the gradual reopening in the spring of 2020 and to the subsequent requirements for guests to present a COVID-19 certificate.

Taxonomy

Sphere: Culture/Leisure, Civil associations

Timescale: Short Term

Solution

In order to live up to the guidelines for presenting a COVID-19 certificate, Grøndal MultiCenter closed all secondary entrances and exits, directing all visitors through the main entrance. At the main entrance, an interim control system was set up using panel fencing – a solution typically used at festivals and larger outdoor events. This made it possible for the two employees to guide the centre’s many users and check visitors’ certificates. The intervention was intended as non-permanent and has since been removed, as newer requirements for COVID-19 certificates no longer necessitate it.

The example shows how an intelligent use of available furniture or equipment can create extremely effective solutions. It demonstrates that a central arrival zone can be used to perform visitor control, allowing sporting and cultural facilities to stay open in spite of strict restrictions.

Type: Interior Design

User Group: Employees/Service Providers, Customers/Users

Visitor control in Grøndal MultiCenter is carried out by simple means

Before COVID-19: many entry and exit points

After the introduction of restrictions: only the main entrance is open, and visitor control has been established

Project and location: Various ferries, Denmark

Contributor: Molslinjen

Established: March 2020 / Removed: August, 2021