by ellysharples
Modern buildings, from corporate headquarters and hybrid office spaces to high-end commercial developments and public venues, face a common challenge: managing high volumes of people efficiently while maintaining strong security. Traditional barriers like tripod turnstiles, full-height turnstiles, or basic swing gates often fall short in today’s fast-paced environments. They can create bottlenecks, feel restrictive, and compromise the welcoming aesthetic that contemporary architecture demands.
At Gunnebo Entrance Control, we see a clear shift: modern buildings increasingly choose speed gates because they deliver superior flow, enhanced security, elegant design, and better user experience without the compromises of older systems. Speed gates are automated pedestrian barriers that open rapidly after credential validation, combining speed, intelligence, and style. Unlike traditional barriers, they prioritise people flow while upholding robust protection.
The limitations of traditional barriers in modern buildings
Traditional access control solutions were designed for an earlier era of predictable, lower-volume traffic and more manual oversight.
- Tripod turnstiles Offer basic security with the rotating arms, however open up for risk of jump over or crawl under. Usually Tripod Turnstiles are used in areas with manual security personnel too.
- Full-height turnstiles provide strong security by preventing jumping or crawling, but their bulky, cage-like appearance is usually used for outdoor and high security areas.
- Basic swing gates or barriers are simpler and more affordable but often lack the intelligent detection needed to prevent tailgating or unauthorised passage in unsupervised high-traffic areas. They may require more manual intervention and offer lower throughput.
In contrast, speed gates address these pain points head-on. They provide faster passage ), intelligent tailgating detection technology, sleek aesthetics, and greater inclusivity, making them the preferred choice for architects, facility managers, and building owners who want entrances that enhance rather than hinder the building’s overall experience.
Key reasons modern buildings prefer speed gates
- Superior throughput and flow efficiency
Modern buildings experience variable, often intense peak traffic, morning arrivals, lunch rushes, or visitor influxes. Speed gates open and close quickly and quietly, allowing smooth, bidirectional passage without forcing users to pause or navigate awkward mechanisms. This dramatically reduces queues and congestion compared to traditional turnstiles.
- Enhanced security with intelligent detection
Speed gates incorporate advanced sensors for single-person detection, tailgating alarms, wrong-way detection, and crawl protection. They actively prevent fraud while maintaining high flow rates. Traditional barriers often rely on physical restriction alone, which can be circumvented or create false alarms and user frustration.
- Elegant, welcoming aesthetics
Contemporary architecture emphasises openness, natural light, and premium finishes. Speed gates feature transparent glass panels (flap or sliding), slim profiles, and customisable materials like stainless steel, powder-coated finishes, or Corian® lids. They blend seamlessly into modernreceptions rather than dominating them
- Better accessibility and inclusivity
Wider lane options (e.g., 600 mm or 900 mm), smooth motorised operation, and clear visual/audio guidance make speed gates far more accommodating for wheelchair users, parents with pushchairs, or people carrying items. Traditional tripod turnstiles frequently create barriers to inclusive access.
- Future-ready integration and user experience
Speed gates integrate effortlessly with modern credentials; RFID, mobile apps, biometrics, QR codes, and facial recognition. Intelligent features like in-lane badging and dynamic LED indicators guide users intuitively, reducing hesitation and creating a premium first impression.
- Lower long-term operational impact
While initial investment may be higher, speed gates require less supervision, reduce congestion-related complaints, and support better building utilisation through real-time data. They contribute to a positive workplace or visitor experience that aligns with modern expectations.
Gunnebo SpeedStile Range: Designed for modern buildings
Gunnebo’s SpeedStile family exemplifies why speed gates outperform traditional barriers. Each model balances high performance with elegant design.
SpeedStile FLs A slim, elegant solution with tempered glass swing gates and stainless-steel construction. The minimal footprint suits space-constrained modern lobbies. Features include single-person detection, stacking capability (multiple users tap and follow), crawl protection, and fraud-detection algorithms. Highly customisable, it delivers high reliability in high-traffic settings while maintaining a premium, discreet appearance.
SpeedStile FLs MAX The high-security evolution of the FLs, offering the same slim profile with enhanced robustness and fraud prevention. Perfect for main entrances in demanding environments that still require elegant, flow-optimised design. It provides maximum security without the visual bulk of traditional full-height solutions.
SpeedStile FP Glide Featuring smooth telescopic sliding full panels for wide lanes, the FP Glide represents the latest in speed gate technology. Advanced sensors distinguish climb attempts, while adjustable opening speeds adapt to user profiles. Its modern sliding action and customisable finishes deliver effortless passage and a sophisticated aesthetic that elevates any building entrance.
Real-world impact in modern buildings
Case studies from organisations like Microsoft demonstrate the difference: Gunnebo SpeedStiles enable quick, quiet, efficient movement even during busy periods, eliminating queues while integrating seamlessly with architectural glass barriers and alternative access for deliveries. Employees and visitors experience hassle-free entry that supports hybrid working and collaborative cultures.
Compared to traditional barriers, speed gates reduce perceived security friction, improve accessibility compliance, and contribute to better overall building performance metrics — from energy efficiency (thanks to occupancy data) to tenant/visitor satisfaction.
The future belongs to intelligent, elegant access
As buildings evolve to become more experiential, sustainable, and people-focused, entrance control must evolve too. Traditional barriers, while still suitable for specific low-traffic or maximum-security perimeter applications, increasingly feel outdated in public-facing, high-traffic modern environments.
Speed gates strike the ideal balance: they secure without intimidating, accelerate flow without compromising safety, and enhance design without adding visual clutter. For architects, developers, and facility managers aiming to create buildings that attract talent, impress visitors, and operate efficiently, Gunnebo SpeedStiles offer a proven, future-ready solution.
Security should never come at the expense of experience; and with modern speed gates, it doesn’t have to.
Ready to upgrade your building’s entrance? Explore the full SpeedStile range or contact Gunnebo Entrance Control to discover how these solutions can be tailored to your project.