Low profile high security for media building
Securing a building which is frequently visited by many of the most influential figures in politics, yet retains ease of access for members of the public, is a demanding brief which requires a particularly flexible solution.
Kaba (UK)'s Systems Integration Division has recently completed the design and installation of an electronic access control system at Four Millbank, the prestigious London centre opposite the Houses of Parliament used by the media, news agencies, and other high profile organisations for high level meetings and broadcasts.
The integrated system, based around Kaba's Legic® proximity card readers, was required to provide a balance between delivering high security with advanced functionality and a pleasing aesthetic appearance that would be sympathetic to the classic design of the building.
Kaba National Accounts Manager Paul Owen explains: "The areas of the building that are accessible to the public, such as the Atrium, which is often used for political content television broadcasts, are finished in marble. It was therefore important that the visible component of the solution, the proximity card reader, was of an inconspicuous design.
The Legic® LA-PB proximity card reader was chosen for this reason from the range of Kaba Legic® proximity readers available. As one of the most widely used proximity card mediums in Europe, the Legic® can use its read/write function for cashless vending, remote access control, debit card applications and PC logon control." As well as meeting the aesthetic requirements, building management company Healey & Baker were keen to ensure that the system would be sophisticated enough to protect the non-public areas that are frequently used by distinguished guests requiring very high-level security.
The ability to remotely open or lock doors, implement an anti-pass-back policy and allow future use by the various building tenants was essential to provide the central control that was necessary. The Kaba solution was designed so that the hardware can intelligently operate off-line from the local area control devices through to the individual proximity card readers, ensuring that the level of security is maintained.
The existing system is already being extended to accommodate new tenants and, supported by Kaba's Account Management, the company's maintenance and system design structure within its worldwide organisation, the solution can be developed for an unlimited number of controlled entrances, whether at this site or sites around the world. Kaba can also offer integration with its extensive portfolio of systems ranging from CCTV, intruder alarms, LON, barriers, turnstiles and Time and Attendance.
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