At one time,
schools were designed to be strictly education facilities, to
withstand and be protected against vandalism. Today, schools have
other security concerns, and many have electronic surveillance
systems and metal detectors. Off-duty police patrol schools, and
security personnel monitor visitors.
Although school
staff want easy access for visitors to the main office with passive
surveillance of the main entry, this design concept isn't enough
to provide the desired security.
As schools
report more violence, safety and security measures have become
more sophisticated. Schools in the design stage are relocating
the main office reception area. Existing schools are being remodeled
to create controlled-access entries. Examples:
A controlled-access
entry funnels people entering a school directly into the administration
reception areas.
The main entry
vestibule contains two sets of doors — one that enters directly
into the school and one that directs people through the administration
reception area.
During arrival
times, the main entry is unlocked — after student arrival,
all entries are locked, and entry is required through administration.
While school
is in session, all exterior doors are locked.
After-school
use is monitored through the main entry.
Authorized
staff can use a key-card system to enter the school.
Controlling
access to an open campus setting is complex. Examples exist of
buildings with a fence or wall constructed between buildings to
control access. Multiple buildings can be controlled from a central
administration supervising entry to other buildings through audiovisual
monitoring with a buzzer entry.
Some benefits
of controlled-access entries:
Safety for
students and staff.
Monitoring
checkpoint for students and visitors arriving after school has
started.
Flexibility
for multiple uses of the school.
Mobility and
efficiency for staff to multi-task as all administrative personnel
are available for passive supervision and security.
Welcoming
and friendly atmosphere as visitors are greeted with a personal
reception from staff.
Easy navigation
to the administration.
The education
environment and process now is influenced greatly by safety and
security concerns. Considering the transition of the educational
environment as incidents have become more violent, will the next
phase beyond controlled-access entries lead to a higher degree
of security? Today, more than ever, new ideas must be put into
action to provide a safe haven for students and staff.
Rydeen, FAIA,
is an architect/facility planning specialist and former president
of Armstrong, Torseth, Skold & Rydeen, Inc. (ATS&R), Minneapolis.
He can be reached at Jrydeen@atsr.com.
Source: http://asumag.com/security/access_control/
