ot only does this include offices, university campuses and Government agencies, but also airports, oil and gas facilities and data centres. Yet, for many engaged in the creation or remodelling of an entrance area, there is a fine line between balancing the design to positively reflect the company by creating a striking first impression, whilst also delivering a strong deterrent to potential intruders.
Function versus style
Security is now a pivotal part of the design process. The reality of integrating access-controlled security barriers into entrances is now critical, however, style doesn’t need to be compromised to achieve a solution that favours both. User experience and aesthetics can – and should – be designed to work synonymously.
There is currently a trend for high-security solutions that do not sacrifice throughput, safety or comfort, with the inclusion of sophisticated doors and entry solutions becoming increasingly common. There has been a shift from the specification of low and medium levels of security, to a demand for the highest level of security; which can be achieved through the installation of revolving doors.
Visitors can be issued with a pass at the front of a building and enter through a revolving door, whereas employees can enter other areas of the building via security revolving doors which do not require any supervision. The reduction in the demand for human supervision allows the opportunity for expense to be reallocated into providing security staff with superior training. This can ensure that the combination of intelligent security systems coupled with highly-trained staff delivers a robust security solution. This also results in crime deterrence and prevents the threat of tailgating, whilst contributing to green initiatives.
Unique and intuitive
Boon Edam seeks to demonstrate that putting an individual stamp on security lanes is still possible, without sacrificing inspiring design. As a result, the entry expert’s Lifeline series of speed gates incorporates the countless design considerations facing high-rise architects.
Taking into consideration the challenges architects face, Boon Edam has developed three models within its Lifeline series; Speedlane Slide, Speedlane Swing and Speedlane Open. Each seamlessly controls the flow of people entering and moving around buildings, resulting in a personalised, sophisticated and secure entry management system for all visitors. Yet, one of the most important benefits is that they are designed to be highly intuitive; a feature that has become increasingly influential to design.
Products that respond intuitively are rapidly influencing many parts of society. Thermostats in private residences are one example. By learning an occupant’s patterns and adapting over time, thermostats can programme themselves. This offers ease of control and flexibility to the user.
A further example is the design of building envelopes or ‘smart skins’, which work by responding to the environment. These are an innovative tool for architects who design buildings in varied or extreme climates. One example in Barcelona features a pillow-cladding system that reacts to the presence of solar energy.
The demand for an intuitive product extends its reach to security specification. All Boon Edam’s Lifeline products have been designed to not only be intuitive but also user-friendly. This allows them to effortlessly respond and evolve to different scenarios. This is paramount as no two users of an entry system are identical. Each person who approaches a security point will have a unique attribute with varying levels of experience and expectations. The ability for these intelligent and highly responsive systems to adapt to different situations makes them crucial to today’s evolving design trends.
Close cooperation
By incorporating intelligent design elements into an entry system at an early stage, Boon Edam is able to collaborate closely with its customers from the initial concept to final installation.
This overarching design philosophy has been realised at a prestigious project in London, within one of the city’s most recognisable skyscrapers. Boon Edam’s David Godden-Duske explains the company’s approach in context.
“We always look at the bigger picture, whether it’s ongoing maintenance or access to the turnstiles. Once we completely understand what our customers are trying to achieve, we can then begin the design, both in terms of function and aesthetics. We remain in constant contact with contractors and access control providers, all the way through to commissioning. Historically, Boon Edam has built strong relationships with architects, so that they know how we approach a bespoke design.”
Security on trend
There is no denying that the need to feel safe in public places has ever been more important, thus meaning security specification is dominating recent designs. The advantages of Boon Edam’s approach to increasing security demands are two-fold. Firstly, customers benefit from peace of mind in that they have access to a state-of-the-art, functional and secure entry system. Each of Boon Edam’s Lifeline products have been engineered with innovative features, including a sleep function and intelligent lighting. In addition, each solution is made of high-quality materials and takes the expected throughput of people into consideration.
Secondly, Boon Edam has an unwavering belief that architects have a responsibility to design both safe and aesthetically-inspiring buildings. The consideration of both schools of thought drives the trend for secure and dynamic entry solutions that work harmoniously in their environment; enhancing and complementing the lives of people who inhabit them.