21st-century office design demands 21st century access control

Challenge

Working with architect Francisco Daroca Bruño, Spain’s Red Cross sought a new Córdoba office block designed around the person, to reflect the organizations human welfare-related work. The new building combines modern materials and Andalusian design principles to create a flexible workspace bathed in natural light. The project’s main security challenge was to offer the highest levels of protection for a broad range of users – around 300 in an average day.

Requirements

• Swap mechanical keys for encrypted and configurable credentials
• Enable security managers to grant access remotely and manage multiple sites from a single control point
• Permit schedule-based access rights and allow security staff to track unauthorized access attempts
• Use high-quality components that work with building aesthetics
• Guarantee the highest levels of user security, while accommodating varied user profiles, including 3,000 volunteers, 100 employees and visitors

Solution

SMARTair wireless access control met the key goal: to accommodate the needs of all users, in one efficient, configurable system. Wooden, glass and emergency-exit doors are secured with SMARTair^® door devices, and two wall readers bring lift access into the same SMARTair system.

The site has 100 permanent staff and a roster of around 3,000 volunteers. With SMARTair, doors are opened with programmable smart cards, eliminating risks associated with lost keys.

A single system gives facilities managers control over who accesses the building, and when. With SMARTair Wireless Online management, staff monitors security status in real time. It is easy to receive audit trails from SMARTair devices, and to expand a SMARTair installation should the Red Cross want to bring more premises into the system.

Aesthetics played a pivotal role in the Red Cross’ choice. Glass doors complement the open, transparent new building. 

ASSA ABLOY also supplied panic exit devices, and door closers.

«ASSA ABLOY provides the complete solution» says Sergio Ortuño Aguilar, Regional Secretary Córdoba Red Cross Spain.