96 SAFETY & SECURITY
It is important for designers to consider what design elements and technologies can be used to reduce
interpersonal contact
Whether it’s a residential, mixed-use, or commercial building, almost everyone enters through a lobby. So, when designing a new building or retrofitting an existing structure, it is important for designers to consider what design elements and technologies can be used to reduce interpersonal contact and the potential spread of infection in these communal areas. Although a traditional key card system is an effective entry solution, it is also one of the most touched surfaces in a workspace. Touchless access control systems are designed to offer a contactless experience for occupants to freely move through and around a building. They offer the safety and security of current access control systems but eliminate unnecessary physical contact. A recent study conducted by Honeywell found that 90% of surveyed facilities managers say that contactless building entry and experience is a top priority, although only 35% currently have contactless entry solutions in place. Several areas ranked high across the countries, including creating an inviting and innovative building experience, energy-efficient and sustainable solutions, and improved air quality, but the ability to provide contactless building access topped the list.
When it comes to futureproofing a building, touchless entry is essential. Touchless entrances are not only more hygienic, they make buildings more accessible for all. Many touchless technologies available today can be integrated quickly and easily to make an entrance safe and secure. Facial recognition, gesture control, QR scanners and lift destination control systems, all provide a hands-free, germ-free entry solution for employees and visitors.
Biometric authentication such as facial recognition access control can be integrated to facilitate a touchless entrance. One of the major advantages of facial recognition is not having to wait at the point of entry. The software registers a person's face as they approach and can determine whether to allow access in the time needed to arrive at the door or gate.
The integration of other touchless access control systems with speed gates, like elevator destination control systems, is an effective way to smoothly manage the flow of users within a lift lobby to avoid overcrowding.
In addition to creating a safe and secure workplace for all, the integration of touchless access control can help businesses
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establish and analyse access trends, such as peak times and flow rates, and can record timestamped employee entrances and exits. As part of a wider building automation system, it enables organisations to monitor, adapt, and improve building performance which in turn delivers enormous benefits in office function, company culture and business productivity.
Upgrading is easier than you might think
Although the pandemic continues to shape the future of workplace design, it has also driven demand for more urban renewal and heritage projects, transforming existing corporate structures into future-orientated and inviting hubs.
Beyond rethinking the interior design of an office or communal space, it is important to consider that redesigns and retrofits to the internal systems of a building can also offer significant benefits to protect the safety and well-being of occupants. From integrating third-party touchless access control systems to retrofitting revolving doors to low-energy, more sustainable, automated doors, there are countless opportunities for building owners and facilities managers to upgrade their entrances to provide contactless entry. Revolving doors and speed gates provide significant benefits over traditional swinging or sliding doors in that they effectively reduce physical contact while maintaining a secure environment. Although it may not be practical to replace every swinging or sliding door with an automatic revolving entrance door, it is worth considering how to deploy doors and access gates as part of a layered physical security strategy at the main entry points throughout a building. The features should support both touchless entry and social distancing and should be able to stand the test of time, with the flexibility to offer new solutions should the need arise.
A look to the future
The world is in a constant state of change, and the need for flexibility, not just in design, but in creating a culture that supports this newly elevated need for safety, comfort and control is essential. Regardless of whether it’s a new build or regeneration project, touchless technology is helping to enhance the built environment – and it’s here to stay.
Geoff Firth is area specification manager at Boon Edam
ADF FEBRUARY 2022
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