From Singapore to Saigon and Metro Manila to Phnom Penh, Asia’s major cities are embracing mixed-use developments at an unprecedented rate.
As urban centers across Asia expand, cities are increasingly turning to mixed-use developments as a solution to growing congestion and urban sprawl. These large-scale projects integrate residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, creating dynamic urban environments designed to optimize land use and improve connectivity.
According to Property Guru, the trend is accelerating across the region. “From Singapore to Saigon and Metro Manila to Phnom Penh, Asia’s major cities are embracing mixed-use developments at an unprecedented rate. Not simply buoyed by buyer preferences, these all-encompassing large-scale projects are often antidotes for grappling with the shared problems of spiraling urban sprawl and traffic congestion.”
While these developments promise greater efficiency and convenience, they also introduce complex security challenges
In this article, we examine the challenges, studying in the context of One Bangkok, one of the most prominent multi-use buildings in Asia. We also speak to experts on the concerns and solutions.
One Bangkok: a case study in urban security
One Bangkok, Thailand’s largest fully integrated mixed-use development, exemplifies the security challenges of such projects. As a billion-dollar initiative, it requires an advanced security framework that ensures safety, convenience, and data privacy across its varied spaces.
The district is fitted with more than 250,000 smart sensors and 5,000 CCTV cameras for real-time monitoring and data collection, enhancing security and traffic management. Smart poles installed throughout the development provide lighting and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring connectivity across the site.
Occupants benefit from optimized internet and mobile network coverage, reinforcing One Bangkok’s commitment to seamless digital integration.
The project’s buildings are designed to be future-proof, incorporating cutting-edge technologies to enhance user experience while meeting high standards for workplace health, well-being, and sustainability.
One Bangkok has secured WiredScore certification, a global benchmark for digitally connected buildings, and SmartScore certification, which recognizes technologically advanced smart buildings.
In a statement, Lim Hua Tiong, CEO of One Bangkok, underscored the importance of these certifications. “These certifications are not just accolades, they represent our dedication to creating buildings equipped for today's technological demands and future-proof for tomorrow's advancements.” Lim added that the project reaffirms its “promise to deliver an exceptional experience to our tenants with a sustainable, efficient, and connected future for all. This achievement reflects our position at the forefront of the smart building revolution in Thailand, setting a benchmark to which others can aspire.”
The complexity of security in mixed-use developments
One Bangkok serves as a key example of how mixed-use developments are shaping urban infrastructure in Asia. As economic growth accelerates across the region, the importance of such projects is set to expand significantly.
These developments integrate office spaces, luxury residences, retail outlets, and hospitality venues into a single environment, creating operational efficiencies while also presenting distinct security challenges. Managing access control, surveillance, and privacy within these multi-functional spaces requires a sophisticated approach to security infrastructure.
We spoke to some of the leading global security solution providers with a strong presence in this region to understand how they see this vertical. To be clear, these interviews were not conducted in the context of the case study of One Bangkok.
Justin Kumulia, business development manager of intercoms and access control in APAC at Axis Communications, highlighted some of the complexities.
“Mixed-use properties blend retail, residential, and office spaces, each with unique security needs,” Kumulia. “Balancing safety and privacy in these dynamic environments is challenging, especially with high foot traffic and complex regional data protection laws.”
Ensuring security without infringing on personal privacy requires intelligent video analytics and access control technologies designed for adaptability.
Surveillance and privacy: striking the right balance
A major challenge in large-scale developments is securing public spaces without excessive surveillance over private areas.
“Imagine a bustling shopping center with connected residential units,” Kumulia said. “Security teams must monitor retail areas for suspicious behavior without intruding on the privacy of residents.”
One solution is using intelligent analytics such as loitering detection. “Loitering Guard detects and alerts when someone lingers in a specific area for too long. This can be useful in preventing unwanted behavior or ensuring safety in areas where prolonged presence is unusual or suspicious.”
Additionally, managing vehicle access efficiently is essential for residential security. “License plate recognition simplifies parking management by permitting only authorized vehicles to enter the residents' parking area,” Kumilia added. “This boosts security and privacy, ensuring residents feel safe without the need for intrusive surveillance.”
Access control challenges and solutions
With thousands of daily visitors, One Bangkok must ensure seamless access control while preventing unauthorized entry.
Prabhuraj Patil, senior director for physical access control solutions in ASEAN and India Subcontinent at HID, outlines the difficulties:
“Mixed-use properties present unique access control challenges due to the diverse range of tenants, visitors, and operational needs. These properties often house a combination of residential units, commercial spaces, retail establishments, and shared facilities, which require a security framework that is both robust and flexible.”
Traditional access control methods, such as keycards, are being supplemented by mobile credentialing and cloud-based management.
“Our mobile access solutions allow residents and employees to use their smartphones as secure credentials, reducing reliance on physical cards and enhancing user experience,” Patil said. “Additionally, our cloud-based access control platforms enable property managers to centrally manage access rights in real time, ensuring a seamless yet secure environment.”
Visitor management systems further streamline security without causing inconvenience. “For mixed-use developments, our solutions support visitor management systems, which help streamline guest access while ensuring compliance with security protocols,” Patil added.
The future of security in urban developments
As One Bangkok nears completion, its security framework will serve as a model for other large-scale projects. By integrating AI-driven surveillance, mobile access solutions, and cloud-based management, the development aims to offer a seamless yet secure environment.
The challenge remains in continuously evolving security measures to match the rapid urban expansion of Bangkok.
With mixed-use properties becoming the future of urban planning, balancing accessibility, security, and privacy will remain a critical factor in their success.