COMMERCIAL SAFETY & SECURITY
Aesthetic Access Control : Finding the Balance
» WHERE ACCESS CONTROL IS concerned , architects and design teams must find the right balance between aesthetics , functionality and security , says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware .
Following a period of innovation and integration , access control has developed into an ever-prominent facet of building design over the past decade . Where systems were once rudimentary , modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements , resulting in a versatile selection of options that move beyond the limited capabilities of centralised deployment architecture .
The push for smarter buildings has played its part too . In fact , according to a 2022 report , the number of smart buildings worldwide is projected to climb from 45 million to 115 million by 2026 , with global market size estimated to hit $ 201.16 billion by 2031 - and this growth shows no signs of slowing down ( omitting another global pandemic ). With this in mind , how can professionals strike a balance between seamless integration and design ?
Aesthetic choices
For many decision makers , access control is viewed as an efficient and flexible route to securing their building . But more than that , it has become critical to the operative performance of our built environment , where from residential settings to commercial space , the adopted use of interconnected systems is further boosting accessibility , functionality and security .
Take modern hotel environments for example . According to a 2022 report , 56 % of hospitality consumers expressed locking and unlocking rooms using biometrics and facial recognition would enhance their experience . From Wi-Fi infrastructures to cloud services , technology has almost become synonymous with a hotel guest ’ s experience and is designed to improve their stay . Where digital access control
systems are adopted , guests can interact with the premises independently , streamlining their access to essential entry points while safeguarding rooms against unauthorised visitors . Similarly , hotel operators benefit from enhanced building security and increased traceability , not to mention improved business efficiency and higher guest ratings .
Often , door hardware can feel like the finishing touch to a design project , and so , careful consideration must go into consistent design choices that make a positive impact on the building ’ s aesthetic . Ultimately , better-quality aesthetics enhance environments by making them more welcoming .
However , a survey on urban design revealed 40 % of architects find incorporating security measures into new developments without impacting aesthetic appeal a key design challenge . With this in mind , architects and design teams can be forgiven for past frustration
towards the unattractive and cumbersome access control systems that were once in their infancy . In reality , today ’ s systems offer a much more seamless design , and with end users placing value on key elements such as accessibility , fire safety and reliability , it ’ s now possible to incorporate a solution that works for everyone .
Combining value and visuals Upon recognising today ’ s access control systems promote functionality and seamless installation without compromising aesthetics , there ’ s a growing demand for comprehensive , single-package solutions across many contemporary projects . As such , the initial design stage provides an opportune period for architectural teams to consider the needs of the end user in relation to access control systems . From a building ’ s security elements to its flow of movement , there are various objectives to reflect upon , and architects must look to develop their knowledge on access control solutions to ensure all end user objectives are met , and all while considering the final aesthetic .
In many cases , manufacturers now offer bespoke access control solutions too , each designed to adapt around the end user ’ s needs while working with the architect on a design level . Through greater collaboration and the use of tailored solutions , architects are given the ability to choose consistent finishes and materials that fit the planned aesthetic , removing the need to try and match across various suppliers later down the line .
Seemingly , access control will continue to play a larger role in building design as the industry progresses . And while the adoption of new technology may inherit an element of uncertainty for some , by introducing tailored solutions with seamless integration at early stages of the design process , architects can rest assured that their proposals address core challenges such as security and fire safety , while keeping their aesthetic vision intact .
www . consort-hw . com
Sources : https :// www . insiderintelligence . com / content / smart-building-deployments | https :// www . alliedmarketresearch . com / smart-building-market https :// www . oracle . com / webfolder / s / delivery _ production / docs / FY16h1 / doc31 / Hotels-2025-v5a . pdf | https :// atgaccess . com / urban-design-whitepaper /
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