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
Following 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.
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.
However, while security and accessibility are frequently top of the agenda when it comes to specifying hardware, from an architectural perspective, the aesthetic is just as valuable, and plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. Often, door hardware can feel like the finishing touch to a design project, so careful consideration must be applied to achieve consistent design choices that make a positive impact on the building’s aesthetic.
Again, hospitality is a case in point, where hotels must ensure their environment is visually pleasing as part of the service quality offered to their guests. However, an ATG white paper ‘The Future Of Urban Design’ revealed that 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 team can be forgiven for past frustration towards the unattractive and cumbersome access control systems that were once common. In reality, today’s systems offer a much more seamless design, and with end users placing value on accessibility and functionality, it’s now possible to incorporate a solution that works for everyone.
Combining value & 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 a result, architects are increasingly met with questions on door hardware and access control, and must keep up to date with the latest solutions that are available.
With this in mind, the initial design stage is the time 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 circulation flow, 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 as well as useful advice. 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.
Access control will continue to play a larger role in building design as the industry progresses. While the adoption of new technology may continue to mean an element of uncertainty for some, by introducing tailored solutions with seamless integration at early stages in the design process, architects can rest assured that their proposals address all security and functionality challenges while keeping their aesthetic vision intact.
Daniel May is director of Consort Architectural Hardware