The new Blavatnik School of Government’s mission is to inspire and promote better government across the world. Estimated to cost £55 million, it is located right in the heart of Oxford. With high-profile dignitaries and leading academics visiting from all over the world, plus a growing staff and student cohort of over 200 people, its security has to be outstanding.
The design of this stunning building employs glass interior walls, courtyards and skylights to flood the space with natural light to promote discussion and interaction. The building boasts many flexible teaching spaces, two horseshoe-shaped lecture theatres and a forum for exhibitions and debate.
With access to both the public and high profile visitors, security was a paramount concern. The building has ten ‘zones’ spread over various levels. The University needed a multi-layered system that would allow secure entry, intruder detection and a closed-circuit television monitoring network for each zone.
For maximum future-proofing of the system, it needed to be built on an open protocol and have an integrated building management system.
The University had a list of stipulations for their security apparatus:
As with all public buildings installing the right fire and security system is paramount. Chris Lewis Fire & Security designed and installed an easy-to-use, non-invasive system that guarantees the safety of its occupants, and allows for the comings and goings of permitted visitors, staff and students.
Moreover, with world-famous visitors frequenting the building, it was designed with high levels of security in mind, including:
Salto Access Control System
Interlinked Intruder Alarm System divided into ten individually programmable zones
Internal HD IP Dome cameras
External vandal-resistant IP day/night dome cameras