Only one UK mainline station has ever been built specifically for a higher-education institution: University Station, Birmingham, inaugurated in 1978. In 2023 it was completely reimagined to meet the needs of 21st-century passengers and railway staff.
When a door is equipped with a high-quality door closer, building users feel safer. They know that fire doors shut tight and sensitive openings are protected against unauthorized entry. But sometimes, door closer technology can also create barriers to genuine access-for-all. The problem is greater still for users who — for many reasons — have restricted strength or mobility.
A properly shut door provides comfort and protection to whoever is using the space behind it. However, closing doors can have a wider impact on overall building performance. Fully closed doors affect both user security and a building’s energy consumption.
No one needs a reminder of the devastation caused by fire in a large building. One result of recent tragedies is that fire doors now receive the attention and regulation they deserve. Just as importantly, however, any fire door must be properly closed to be effective. This is where a building manager’s choice of door closer technology can make the difference.
When it comes to access for everyone, no matter their size, age, strength, dexterity or abilities, not every door closer is created equal. Installing the right one — for access through an entrance or interior door — can be the difference between making buildings accessible and simply swapping one barrier for another.
