How Entrance Systems Are Becoming the Hidden Infrastructure of Smart Buildings

"In Jacques Tati's Mon Oncle (1958), architecture itself becomes a character: sliding doors, an automatic fountain, gates that emit mechanical sounds, devices that both enchant and frustrate the inhabitants. The comedy arises precisely from the fact that these seemingly trivial systems silently shape everyday life. More than six decades later, the observation seems prophetic. In contemporary buildings, countless systems work autonomously and discreetly, going unnoticed when they function well."

"When we think about architectural performance, entrance doors rarely appear among the priorities. At first glance, they seem limited to opening and closing repeatedly throughout the day. But in the transition to sustainable and smart architecture, these systems have taken on new functions: they are now active nodes in digital networks. Equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, automatic doors can transmit real-time data on usage patterns, anticipate maintenance needs, and be monitored or adjusted remotely."

Automatic doors have transitioned from simple openings to active elements within building ecosystems, functioning as sensors and networked devices. Connectivity via IoT enables doors to transmit real-time usage data, predict maintenance needs, and be managed remotely, reducing downtime and maintenance costs while extending equipment lifespan. Integration with HVAC, lighting, and security allows doors to support occupant comfort, sustainability targets, and operational resilience. AI-driven solutions like ecoLOGIC adjust door speed and hold-open times based on pedestrian flow and environmental conditions, optimizing energy performance and user experience. Such systems form part of an invisible infrastructure underpinning smart, efficient buildings.

Read at ArchDaily