Security Features of an Architectural Revolving Door

Architectural Revolving Doors: Where Security Meets Design  

Securing the entrance to a building is more than a design choice. It’s a necessity that ensures protection for your staff, visitors, and other personnel. While architectural revolving doors are often selected for their elegant appearance and ability to manage high foot traffic, their potential as a first line of defense is just as significant. These doors offer more than just a seamless entrance. Powerful, integrated security capabilities can deter, detect, or even prevent a physical breach.

Let’s explore the key security features of architectural revolving doors and how they help buy time during emergencies, often the most critical factor in saving lives and protecting assets.

1. Remote Lockdown Capabilities: Secure in Seconds

In the event of a threat, every second counts. That’s why modern architectural revolving doors are increasingly equipped with remote lockdown features. With the push of a button, or activation through a remote signal, a facility manager can instantly lock down both the revolving door and any adjacent swing doors.

This capability eliminates the need for manual intervention, which can be dangerous or impossible in high-stress situations. The result? Immediate perimeter control without requiring security personnel to physically reach the entrance.

2. Reinforced Glass: Delay as a Defense Strategy

Security experts agree: the longer it takes a threat actor to break through a barrier, the more time defenders have to respond. Many revolving doors now come with vandal- and bullet-resistant glass options. These panes, often constructed with two or three layers of reinforced glazing or advanced laminate film, are engineered to withstand blunt force attacks.

Whether it's a rock, crowbar, or even a firearm, these doors are designed to stay intact, even if cracked, delaying entry and preventing dangerous shards from harming bystanders. In testing, Boon Edam’s Tourlock revolving doors with smash-resistant film resisted forced entry attempts for up to ten minutes—a critical window to alert authorities and move people to safety.

3. External Night Locking Doors: After-Hours Security

After business hours, architectural revolving doors don’t go unprotected. Many models are equipped with external night locking doors, such as bi-parting or sliding panels, which seal off the throat opening of the revolving door. This feature transforms the entrance into a hard barrier, further reinforcing the building’s perimeter against break-ins, vandalism, or unauthorized entry attempts after dark.

4. Access Control Integration: Intelligence at the Threshold

Security isn't just about preventing threats but about controlling access intelligently. Architectural revolving doors are often integrated with card readers or other access control systems, allowing credentialed users to enter after hours.

By tying into a building’s larger security ecosystem, these doors become more than a barrier; they become an active participant in facility management. This also ensures consistent pedestrian flow during normal hours while shifting to secure access protocols during off-peak times.

5. Time: The Most Critical Security Feature

The overarching goal of these security enhancements is simple: buy time. In the unfortunate event of an attempted breach, whether a violent attack, smash-and-grab burglary, or political vandalism, delay is a powerful defensive measure. Reinforced glazing stops intruders while frustrating them, delaying their plans, and allowing law enforcement and security personnel to act before damage is done.

For example, when security laminate was applied to Boon Edam's Tourlock and TQM door, not only was unauthorized access prevented, but the doors remained operational, a crucial benefit in maintaining safety and order during high-traffic scenarios.

6. A Proactive Solution in a Time of Rising Risk

The demand for secure architectural features is only growing. Alarming data from OSHA highlights the scope of the issue: over two million Americans fall victim to workplace violence each year, with rising trends surrounding civil unrest and politically motivated threats. And these risks are expected to escalate.

Whether the goal is to prevent active shooter entry, deter vandalism, or simply secure valuable property from theft, an architectural revolving door with integrated security features is a smart, proactive solution. It's discreet, non-intimidating appearance blends seamlessly into premium buildings while delivering essential peace of mind.

Security Without Sacrificing Style

A common misconception is that secure entrances must look utilitarian or fortress-like, but that's not the case. Architectural revolving doors maintain visual appeal with customizable materials, finishes, and lighting to ensure that security doesn’t come at the cost of a welcoming, elegant aesthetic.

Selecting a revolving door from a trusted provider like Boon Edam allows organizations to enhance brand identity, energy efficiency, and pedestrian flow, all while fortifying the building against evolving threats.

Security Starts at the Door

These days, facility managers, architects, and business leaders must rethink the purpose of the front door. An entryway is a vital security layer. Architectural revolving doors, when equipped with advanced features like remote lockdown, reinforced glazing, external locking doors, and access control integration, offer a strategic combination of safety, style, and functionality.

The time to act is now. Whether you're planning a new build or upgrading an existing space, consider how your building’s front line can buy you critical moments in the face of danger and protect everything within.

Contact us to learn more.