An open door to a lively music venue

]  I N T E R V I E W   W I T H   K I M   H E R F O R T H   N I E L S E N   ( 3 X N ) [

Although there could hardly be a greater contrast than between the dignified Royal Danish Embassy in Berlin and the new music centre ‘Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ’ in Amsterdam, the two have one aspect in common. Behind a semi-transparent or transparent facade, there is a microcosm, a city within a city as it were, where people climb and descend staircases, where light slants in through unexpected openings, and where public and private spaces are sharply counterpointed.

Innovative revolving door concept

In the design of buildings, entrances have always played an important role. They are usually much more elaborate than roofs, walls and windows. The design of the entrance should create a powerful first impression while enhancing the identity of the building. However, not only the appearance of the entrance is important; it should also offer ease of access to visitors as any impediment to traffic flow at the entrance creates a poor impression.

A new dimension in security access

Security is playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives. The emerging threats in society have resulted in a growing demand for access control systems. Whether you are designing an entrance for a new hospital, airport or office building; more and more places require you to specify security doors and barriers that will only open for authorised persons.