Goldsmiths Access Upgrade

Following a thorough tender process, Meesons were selected as the preferred supplier, due to the high level of technical information provided and the competitiveness of their bid. The client wanted a solution that would be able to cope with the high flow of people through the building entrance, whilst also offering an increased level of security compared with their existing tripod turnstiles, ensuring only enrolled students, staff and local community members could gain access to the building. Following a site visit Meesons gained a better understanding of the client’s requirements and the space available. To cope with the flow of students and staff throughout the day, Meesons submitted a proposal for two banks of EasyGate SG 1000 Speed Gates, with one bank used for entry and the other for exit. Each bank was consisted of 3 lanes, 2 standard width single wing lanes and 1 wide access dual wing lane suitable for wheelchair access. A glass Infill panel formed a secure line between the two banks of Speed Gates. With their short cabinet length of 1000mm and a slimline width of just 120mm, the EasyGate SG Speed Gates offered the ideal solution to make the most of the available space. To minimise any damage to the existing flooring the Speed Gates were installed on ramps, enabling the electrical cables to be securely routed to the reception desk without the need for additional building works. To assist with the operation of the Speed Gates the client wanted reception staff to have the ability to override the Speed Gates when required. This was achieved by installing an intuitive EasyTouch control panel on the reception desk, giving staff the ability to control each Speed Gate lane individually. A book alarm system was integrated with the Speed Gates, preventing students and community members from leaving without checking out their books. If this was to occur an alarm would be triggered and the Speed Gate glass wings would remain closed.

Since reopening the ground floor of the library the new Speed Gates have offered an increased level of security against unauthorised access and helped control the library's assets, whilst enabling the secure flow of authorised users. Director of Estates and Facilities at Goldsmiths, University of London commented; “The new gates mean students, staff and local people with community membership can enter the library quickly and safely. The library is at the heart of the university and is an important work and study space which is open 24 hours a day, so ensuring it is both welcoming and secure was important for us.”

Goldsmiths, University of London case study