Locking systems are an essential part of any building or real estate property. They’re the most basic form of access control measure and are necessary for the safety of a space’s occupants, items, and data.
Architects need to understand the applications for each type of lock and what they bring to the table in terms of functionality, security, and aesthetics. Knowing this will allow architects to make the most informed decisions in their planning and design activities.
Traditional Locks
Designing a building, living space, or office can be a costly endeavor, as it requires careful consideration of access and exit point placement and the implementation of effective security measures.
Traditional locks have been used for centuries and are the most common security measure in residential and commercial properties. They rely exclusively on mechanical components and manual operation by key or combination. Here are some examples of traditional locks you may already be acquainted with.
- Deadbolts: they work by extending a bolt into a door frame and are usually operated by a key from one side and an inactive knob from the other.
- Cylinder locks: these locks can be operated with a key from either side.
- Mortise locks: these locks are designed to be installed in the door and have a more
- Lever locks: these are common in commercial and industrial buildings as they are easier to operate and require less force to open.
- Padlocks: these are portable locks that can secure interior and exterior doors, gates, or cabinets.
What are Smart Locks?
Smart locks are an innovative form of locking technology that utilises electronic components and wireless communication to allow access to a space. These locks are an upgrade from traditional ones, providing added functionalities like automated access control, remote monitoring, and increased security. Due to their contactless nature, they are also more effective than traditional locks at protecting users from pathogens.
They are usually connected to a control system that can be integrated with a building’s existing security measures. This allows managers to customise access permissions, monitor activity and even get real-time alerts when suspicious events occur.
They can be used for residential purposes but are primarily used in commercial door locking systems.
Some of the most common types of smart locks include:
- Biometric locks: these use a person’s fingerprint, facial recognition, and/or voice-matching to grant access.
- Bluetooth-enabled locks: these use Bluetooth technology to connect with a device such as a smartphone and grant access by simply pressing a button.
- Keycard locks: these use keycards or RFID tags to grant access when they are brought in contact with the lock. Smartphone keys are also a popular option.
- Smartphone locks: these smart locks allow authorised users to access the door with their smartphone.
When Should Architects Opt for Traditional Locks?
When designing structures and their access or exit points, architects must consider which type of lock best fits each situation.
Traditional locks are still a better pick than smart ones in certain situations. For example, in areas where security is not of primary importance, using traditional locks is certainly a more cost-effective solution. Architects will still have to decide which type of standard lock is best for each situation. They may opt for cylinder locks in areas that are designed to be particularly elegant (e.g., a hotel lobby or a living room) and prefer a simpler cylinder lock in areas that are more utilitarian (e.g., employee-only space).
The choice of a traditional lock for a specific entry or exit point may also affect certain decisions regarding how to design that specific space. For example, a deadbolt requires a door frame to be installed, which may affect the dimensions of that space.
When Should Architects Opt for Smart Locks?
Smart locks are particularly suited for areas and buildings that require high levels of security, such as financial companies, airports, prisons, or data centres.
The automated access control capabilities of smart locks also make them ideal for places where multiple people might need to gain access but it would be difficult to keep track of who has been granted permission. For example, a computer-controlled apartment complex where each unit can only be accessed with a specific key or via a mobile app could greatly benefit from using smart locks.
Smart locks also offer more convenience than traditional ones when granting access to visitors, vendors, and other external people. They can be programmed to grant access at specific times and to specific people.
When designing entry and exit points that involve the use of smart locks, architects should consider the lock’s size and power requirements. This will determine how easy it is to install the lock in the door frame and how long its battery life might be. They should also consider what type of control system would work best for their particular needs: a stand-alone system or one that can be integrated with a building’s existing security measures.