DORMA combines security and aesthetic elegance with architecture
 Ennepetal/Germany. It long seemed to be the case that, to serve their purpose properly, security components such as key switches, emergency exit control terminals, access control readers and emergency pushbuttons needed to be large and even awkward in appearance. In terms of their shape and colour, they would often appear to be visual stumbling blocks and were in diametric contrast to the general effort to achieve a consistent and coordinated design concept. In the meantime, however, security devices have become part and parcel of project buildings, and people are already largely well enough aware of them so that conspicuousness at any price and the lack of design have become almost unacceptable in this day and age. This is particularly the case now, given that modern project design is characterised by extremely detailed concepts in relation to the materials and shapes applied.
The journey to this point has taken place in a series of smaller steps. Initially, security components in and around doors gradually became more attractive in their design and smaller in terms of their dimensions. Specific colours to indicate their function became a thing of the past, having been replaced, for example, by luminescent control elements and light-emitting diodes of various shades. The devices themselves were designed to blend more effectively into the general architectural ambience. Instead of green emergency exit control terminals, stainless steel casings or even flush-mounted designs became more popular, attracting the attention of the users by means of their lit operating controls and coloured luminescent displays rather than an obtrusively toned surface finish. However, the units concerned remained rather large in volume and still tended to stand out as excessively conspicuous within the overall scheme of things.
"System 55" – the solution that integrates visual attractiveness with hi tech
Once more the Security has taken this theme on board, particularly in an accompanying programme of presentations and discussions entitled "Security and Aesthetics in Architecture“. With the focus here on the generally laudable efforts being made in the security industry to create "attractively packaged“ devices, the forum provides an ideal backdrop for a design programme from the house of DORMA that combines all the usual functional elements of security systems within the "System 55" format originally developed in the field of general electrical installation.
The new DORMA solution is compact and installation-friendly. It allows an impressive, concentrated arrangement of all the usual security devices for maximum design effect. These now blend in with the general picture created by light switches and power outlets by assuming the same basic dimensions, shapes and colours. The result is an integrated overall appearance - yet the relevant devices remain readily identifiable thanks to their luminescent and light-emitting displays.
The range encompasses not only flush-mounted units for wall installation but also panels that can be fitted to profile systems and offer a large number of integrated installation positions, and 1.6 m high posts designed to accommodate a plethora of different operating and signalling elements.
This concept is not only impressive for its functional aspects but also, equally, for its visual appearance. This still attracts attention so that the installed security devices and their purpose remain obvious - but without being obtrusive.
Integrated multi-component solution
The system combines key switches, emergency pushbuttons, access control readers, PIN code keypads and biometric identification systems such as fingerprint readers within a single installation system. This can be individualised on the basis of trims and surrounds that are identical in design but can also be provided in a wide range of different materials.
The scale of material options extends from polished steel and abrasive-blasted, satin-finish stainless steel to aluminium, brass and even yew, glass or terracotta. While the dimensions and styling remain the same, individual material variants can thus be applied in order, for example, to incorporate a finish specific to the architectural design for the trims of the switch, control and indicator elements.
Impressive optics and optimised installation
So yet again DORMA has put itself in the position of being able to offer architects a wide range of combination possibilities for harmoniously aligning shape and material to the style of the overall design. The concept facilitates a compact and thus attractive arrangement that is conspicuous without being obtrusive. It also offers optimum ease of installation. In short, this is a thoroughly effective solution that provides a synthesis between security and aesthetic elegance without the usual contradictions. The system is highly congruent in that it can be used to incorporate - effectively and harmoniously - various switch and control systems such as those manufactured by Gira, Berker, Merten and Jung, while also providing for a high degree of variability in terms of system-compliant electrical installation programmes.
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DORMA presents an impressive range of security components designed for installation in compliance with the comprehensive System 55 format. This integrates advanced security devices to maximum visual and functional effect within a modern electrical installation framework, while ensuring that the devices installed attract the right kind of attention.
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Various trim alternatives from natural materials such as yew and terracotta to the high-tech appeal of stainless steel, aluminium or glass, open up extensive design possibilities.
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Free-standing device supports: 1.6 m high posts with an ergonomically efficient installation area at hand height plus the required alert and signalling effect achieved through integrated light-emitting and luminous components at the top.
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