Perimeter security needn’t always be about fencing ourselves in. New designs and concealed technologies mean that even something as simple as a bollard can be a thing of beauty while still being a highly effective piece of kit.
Take the bollards outside the Harry S Truman Federal Building, headquarters of the US State Department. These neat, clean TT210-SS models from Delta Scientific secure the diplomatic and congressional drive entrances to the building. They are coated with stainless steel and have built-in lights for improved visibility at night. But they also pack a punch. They will destroy the front suspension system, steering linkage, engine crank case, and portions of the drive train of any 7.5-ton non-armoured or non-tracked vehicle hitting them at 62mph. They will also stop a 15-ton vehicle going up to 44mph.
Delta Scientific used a combination of bollards and planters for the $6.8 million security overhaul of the California Capitol’s perimeter. The bollards were linked by 2.6cm-thick cable. The planter barriers and bollards were designed to complement both the Capitol architecture and the lush landscaping surrounding it. In addition, decorative bollards featuring the state seal were placed in high-traffic areas. These are normally kept in the up position and lowered to let authorized vehicles through.
Access turnstiles
The Middle East is well known for its lavish architecture. Fastlane Turnstiles has been serving this market for many years and has created bespoke turnstiles designs for the entrances to some of the region’s most iconic buildings. Many of these designs are completely bespoke. “We have carved a niche for our products in the high-end global headquarter-style foyer and see ourselves as clear leaders in this area,” managing director Tony Smith told us.
The company has developed turnstiles in a huge variety of finishes using materials including naval brass, toned and waxed bronze, and stainless steel in colours ranging from champagne to charcoal black. The top of these units can be made from anything from marble to sandstone. The glass panels on the turnstile doors are often silkscreened with logos or patterns. Not surprisingly, Fastlane has worked closely with some of the world’s top architectural practices, including Foster & Partners, Zaha Hadid, and Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners.
Recent high-profile installations include the Harbour Towers, the tallest buildings in Bahrain. The access control system for this project had to score high on aesthetics as well as performance. Twenty lanes of Fastlane’s Glassgate product were installed and linked to the access control system.
The gates have a glass barrier that operates in a welcoming door-like motion, while an IT detection matrix offers protection against unauthorized entry. The turnstiles feature the latest microprocessor architecture and multiple infrared beam paths that detect movement and interpret the pattern of the beam breaks to assess who or what is crossing the lanes. “Direction, speed, and, most importantly, the ability to differentiate between a person and a piece of baggage are all assessed in real-time, and appropriate action can be taken to signal an illegal action such as tailgating or forced entry,” Smith said.
Hidden intrusion detection
Future Fibre Technologies (FFT) provides intruder detection systems for some of the world’s most unforgiving locations. Nevertheless, Alec Owen, international client manager at FFT, told us aesthetics still play a part in its products.
Some clients prefer their security to be unobtrusive, especially at VIP and government installations. They will usually have some style of decorative palisade fence installed to provide the physical barrier without looking like an industrial security solution or a prison. FFT has carried out many installations where the sensor cable was actually embedded within the fence structure so it was not visible to the naked eye. These solutions deliver the high levels of security and intrusion detection required without compromising the aesthetics of the property.
He says there are two schools of thought on how a perimeter should look, depending on the psychological impact in addition to the function.
Some applications such as government VIP residences want their PIDS system to be completely unobtrusive, so there is not that mental barrier between the public and the property being protected, yet the detection of any possible intruders remains highly effective. A good example of this would be Buckingham Palace. Conversely, in a prison, for example, you not only want a highly effective intrusion detection system installed on an imposing anti-climb prison fence, but you also want everyone to know that there is a security system installed and plainly obvious for all to see.
It all goes to prove that a security system, particularly one at the perimeter or access point to a facility, has an important visual role to play. Perhaps the best types of security solutions are the ones that we don’t even notice.
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