Clearview National April 2017 - Issue 185 | Page 102

HARDWARE & SECURITY

A clash of perspective ?

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ONE COULD IMAGINE that architects and door hardware pioneers would constantly be clashing – the former strives for aesthetic perfection while the latter for functionality , safety and security . However Simon Osborne , Commercial Leader of Allegion UK , believes that it need not be this way .
A frustrating game of give-andtake . That is what the common architect ’ s mindset must be when it comes to door hardware .
Of course , there are many considerations when choosing door hardware . On choice , the globalisation of the industry means there are now vast ranges available on the market . On compliance , increasing media scrutiny means we must get it right or face potential backlash , while legislations that health and safety institutions and government bodies impose are constantly changing . This all makes today ’ s door hardware world a complex one that architects must contend with .
Balancing aesthetics , security and safety needs , standards requirements and product integration is not an easy job and one that is seldom achieved , particularly on large commercial projects .
LOOKS MATTER
A recent interview from our US headquarters with Marceli Botticelli , an architect with Payette , demonstrates this point perfectly . Botticelli shared some common thoughts across the architect ’ s world , saying that “ architects like thin profiles and abstract designs , so door hardware by nature can be in conflict with that ” and that while they know door hardware “ serves a purpose ”, they really just want it to “ disappear from an opening as much as possible .”
Whilst some door hardware components have gotten much better at concealing themselves , such as door closers , other components are naturally much harder to hide , and in some cases must be visible to be able to fulfil their purpose , such as panic exit devices . A point of contention for the architect and one of the first compromises .
As some manufacturers have tried making panic hardware with a more minimalist look , the tradeoff made is that they become less durable and functionality worsens – highlighting the difficult balancing act manufacturers and architects face in achieving each other ’ s ’ dreams .
SAFETY , SECURITY AND STANDARDS
The next compromise an architect is commonly faced with is when they must take into account the level of security an opening needs .
How you secure a main perimeter door varies greatly from an interior one , and then the type of interior space – storage , classroom or highly sensitive areas such as labs or data centres – also dictates the hardware used . Meeting standards also needs to be factored in . Is the opening fire-rated ? Does it meet the accessibility requirements ? All of these considerations directly influence the type of hardware that can be used on a door .
As a result , architects have often had to compromise the flow of their desired buildings , and you can eventually end up with hundreds of different doors and components that don ’ t match with each other . The general effect becomes one that is clunky and clumsy , with integration not possible due to the mix of hardware unable to communicate with each other . This then causes a nightmare for facilities managers and the ongoing maintenance schedules and for any retrofitting that may be required in future .
A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
The key to navigating this balancing act is by having a knowledgeable manufacturer on your side to understand what your visions are , what rooms are needed and how you intend for your building and openings to look . This way , recommendations and full scale building solutions can be produced , as opposed to haphazard suggestions midway through a project .
It is always ideal if an architect brings in the spec writer early in the process , such as when schematics are being done . This is when security and door design decisions are being made . While products may not be specified at this point , manufacturers can still provide guidance on whether or not something can be realised , or what options are available to accomplish an objective .
There are a series of selections an architect makes before door hardware which then directly affects the hardware that can be used . These selections include door material , profile , thickness , style dimensions and frame material .
Such decisions can have a domino effect , and the sooner the manufacturer can get involved , the more likely it is that an architect ’ s exact vision can be achieved .
Good collaboration involves lots of open dialogue , questioning and even drawing . Asking the architect to sketch their visions for an opening is when we , as manufacturers , can see what is wanted and thus recommend the products that will accomplish that goal .
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