Boon Edam has announced that American University (AU) in Washington, DC, has completed the installation of five of its Lifeline Speedlane Compact turnstiles and one Winglock Swing Gate as part of a renovation of the university’s main dining hall, the Terrace Dining Room (TDR).
According to the company, the entrance to the Terrace Dining Room had become a frequent source of crowding and delays.
Long lines routinely went up the stairs from the entryway during peak meal times, frustrating community members.
Manual point-of-sale card swipes slowed entry, resulting in higher-than-normal error rates and creating demand-based planning challenges.
As part of a comprehensive transformation, American University selected Boon Edam to deliver a secure, modern access solution that aligned with the dining hall’s upgraded design and high traffic demands.
Working with the university’s OneCard, auxiliary services technology and planning and project management teams, Chartwells Higher Education, and the Atrium Campus support team, Boon Edam says that it provided a solution that met the university’s vision for fast, intuitive and secure student entry.
Two Speedlane Compacts serve as dedicated entrances, three more manage exit flow and a Winglock Swing gate provides additional flexibility for deliveries and large group access.
The company says that this layout with the turnstiles enables smooth, consistent movement in and out of the facility, freeing staff from manual enforcement and allowing them to focus on service and hospitality.
The turnstile system has been fully integrated with the Atrium Campus meal plan system.
Students can now tap their AU OneCard to gain immediate access to the dining hall with real-time verification of meal plan status and account balances.
According to Boon Edam, its sleek, low-profile Speedlane design also complements the architectural aesthetic of the new space, while advanced security measures ensure only authorized users gain entry.
“This was a strategic effort to blend security, efficiency and design,” said Michael LoBasso, Associate Director of Auxiliaries Technology at American University.
“It was a true collaboration with Boon Edam, Chartwells, our campus partners, and Atrium Campus to create a dining experience that’s secure, smart and seamless.”