SAFETY & SECURITY 65 Entering a safer future
Darren Hyde at the Automatic Door Suppliers Association says architects can balance architectural vision with the competing demands of safety, security and accessibility when designing modern building entrances.
E
ntrances are among the most defi ning elements of architecture. They frame the fi rst interaction between people
and a building, shaping expectations and guiding movement. Yet these spaces must also meet a complex mix of requirements: accessibility, circulation, fi re safety and increasingly, protective security. A visually open, welcoming entrance must still support emergency escape and, in some cases, controlled access. Achieving this balance requires careful planning of both the entrance and the approach to the building. Architectural entrances often prioritise openness and clarity. Large glazed facades, wide openings and generous arrival spaces help orientate visitors and encourage intuitive movement. However, these features must also suit the realities of building use. Primary entrances handle the greatest volume of pedestrian traffi c and must remain fully accessible. Automated door systems are frequently used to support inclusive access and smooth circulation. The choice of door type (sliding, swing or revolving) depends on the entrance’s scale and purpose.
Secondary entrances serve operational or controlled functions, such as staff access or service entry. These may require higher levels of access management or security. Understanding how each entrance contributes to the building’s overall movement and safety strategy is essential.
Growing role of security Security is now a key factor in entrance design, particularly in public or high- occupancy buildings. The proposed Terrorism (Protection of Premises) legislation – commonly known as Martyn’s Law – is expected to introduce new responsibilities for organisations to assess risks and consider protective security within publicly accessible spaces.
Although the legislation focuses on operational preparedness, it also infl uences
ADF JUNE 2026
how buildings are designed and managed. Architects are increasingly expected to incorporate proportionate security measures that do not compromise usability or visual openness. Often, these measures can be integrated discreetly. Monitored reception points, access control systems or speed lanes placed within internal transitional zones can provide effective security without dominating the architectural expression. They can also boost a building’s effi ciency, combining eco measures with integration of technologies for smart building control and integrated management.
Designing the approach The route leading to an entrance is a key part of how people experience and navigate a building. Landscape design, pathways and sightlines all help guide occupants towards the appropriate entry point. Intuitive wayfi nding and well defi ned thresholds create a sense of order while subtly supporting safety and security strategies. A carefully planned approach can discourage unauthorised access to secondary entrances, and naturally direct
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Buildings evolve over time and entrance systems must be fl exible enough to adapt.
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