PA State Capitol Complex

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Harrisburg, PA

Brinjac provided mechanical/electrical, security and telecommunications design services for the upgrade and replacement of major mechanical, electrical, fire protection and telecommunications/security systems in Pennsylvania's Main Capitol Building.

Performed as part of a multi-year program to modernize systems in all buildings on the Capitol Complex, the improvements to the 525,000 sq. ft. Main Capitol Building are being accomplished in more than 10 phases, the first of which began in 1995. The building includes chambers, courtrooms and hearing rooms for the State Supreme Court, Commonwealth Court, the Senate and House of Representatives as well as offices for the governor, court judges, judicial staff and many senior legislators.

Originally constructed in 1906, the last major upgrade to mechanical systems occurred in the 1950's. New systems were carefully designed to integrate with and preserve the historic form and finishes of a structure which was never originally designed to accommodate them.

The Commonwealth considered security of this inherently accessible public building to be critical. The design of security systems incorporates many elements to guard against potential threats, including terrorist attacks. Electronic security systems designed by Brinjac include complete perimeter video surveillance with high-resolution color cameras, video matrix switching and digital image recording. Card access systems with biometric authentication, bulletproofing, and metal detection and x-ray bomb detection are also included.

Brinjac's engineering services began with conceptual design and continued through the various phases of construction. This project received the Grand Conceptor Award from the Consulting Engineers' Council of Pennsylvania.

Photo by Don Pearse Photography