SAFETY & SECURITY 95
Aesthetic access control: a balancing act
Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware explains why architects and design teams need to find the right balance between aesthetics, functionality and security when specifying access control systems on projects
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ollowing innovation and integration over the past decade, access control has developed into an ever-prominent facet of building design. 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 Insider Intelligence 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 $201.16bn by 2031 – and this growth shows no signs of slowing down (assuming there isn’t another global pandemic!).
In order to meet growing market demand, manufacturers continue to modernise access control solutions, introducing the use of mobile credentials, cloud control and even biometric systems. As such, the specification process for access control hardware continues to become more nuanced. For architects in particular, there’s an increasing challenge to ensure all design objectives are met. 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 optimising the performance of our built environment; from residential settings to commercial space, the use of interconnected systems is further boosting accessibility, functionality and security.
ADF FEBRUARY 2023
Take hotel environments for example. According to Oracle Hospitality’s 2022 report ‘Hotel 2025,’ 56% of hospitality consumers said that locking and unlocking rooms using biometrics and facial recognition would enhance their experience. From Wi-Fi infrastructure to cloud services, technology has become synonymous with many guests’ experience, being 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.
In a 2022 report, 56% of hospitality consumers said using biometrics and facial recognition would enhance their experience
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