Entrances are often viewed as the first impression of a building, a gateway that sets the tone for visitors, staff, and clients. They are designed to look inviting, to complement the architecture, and to function seamlessly in day-to-day use. Yet beyond aesthetics and convenience, entrances play a much more critical role that is sometimes overlooked. In emergency situations such as evacuations, lockdowns, or fire drills, the way entrances are designed and maintained can directly influence safety outcomes.
Entrances and Building Safety
During an evacuation, every second counts. The width, placement, and mechanism of doors can determine how quickly people are able to leave the building. Automatic sliding doors, for example, provide easy access in normal conditions, but if not properly maintained or integrated with emergency power supplies, they may fail during a fire or power outage. Similarly, revolving doors can cause bottlenecks if they are not paired with adjacent swing doors for quick exit. Choosing the right design, and ensuring redundancy in critical systems, makes the difference between smooth evacuation and dangerous delays.
In lockdown situations, entrances must also provide security without compromising safety. Strong, durable materials and controlled access mechanisms prevent unauthorised entry while allowing authorised personnel to move quickly if needed. Here, the balance between resilience and functionality is key. A poorly considered entrance may either leave a building vulnerable or obstruct occupants when fast action is required.
The Role of Materials and Mechanisms
The choice of materials in an entrance is not simply about appearance. Fire-rated glass, reinforced framing, and secure locking systems all have roles to play in emergency performance. These materials can resist heat, delay the spread of fire, and provide protection during forced entry attempts. At the same time, the mechanisms controlling doors are just as important. Panic bars, fail-safe locks, and backup power supplies for automated systems ensure entrances function as intended, even in challenging conditions.
When entrances are designed without these considerations, they can quickly become weak points. A door that jams under stress, glass that shatters under heat, or systems that shut down during a power cut can all create unnecessary risks. By prioritising robust materials and reliable mechanisms, entrances support both everyday convenience and emergency preparedness.
Layout and Emergency Flow
How entrances fit within the wider building layout also shapes safety during emergencies. Entrances positioned too narrowly, or designed with complex navigation, can cause congestion during fire drills or real evacuations. Wide, clearly marked, and logically placed entrances guide occupants towards safety without confusion or delay. The connection between entrances and emergency routes is therefore vital, and should be reviewed regularly to reflect changes in building use or occupancy levels.
Regular testing, drills, and inspections highlight whether entrances are performing as intended. A door that functions perfectly in daily operation may behave very differently under stress conditions. Ensuring entrances are tested in alignment with safety procedures gives building managers confidence that they will not hinder evacuation or lockdown responses when it matters most.
Entrances are more than architectural features, they are part of a building’s safety infrastructure. Their design, materials, and functionality play a direct role in protecting lives during emergencies. By making careful choices and investing in proper maintenance, building owners and managers can ensure entrances are not a hidden weakness but a dependable asset in critical situations.
At Open Entrances we work with businesses to create entrance systems that are not only impressive and efficient but also resilient in times of need. From selecting the right materials to ensuring mechanisms are tested and maintained, we help you design entrances that protect people as well as property.
