Today's entrance systems are expected to do far more than provide a path into a building. They influence accessibility, safety, security, energy efficiency, and overall occupant experience.
For architects and specifiers, selecting the right automatic entrance system has become a critical design decision. The choices made during specification can affect how a building performs for decades, impacting everything from pedestrian flow and code compliance to operating costs and long-term maintenance.
As the built environment continues to evolve, here are five key considerations shaping the future of automatic entrance system design.
The Entrance Has Become a High-Performance Building System
Modern commercial entrances are no longer simply aesthetic features. They function as integrated building systems that help support:
- Accessibility objectives
- Occupant safety
- Security strategies
- Energy performance goals
- Efficient pedestrian movement
Whether designing a healthcare facility, transportation hub, educational campus, retail center, or office building, architects increasingly need entrance solutions that contribute to overall building performance.
This means evaluating entrance systems not only for appearance, but also for how they support operational requirements, occupant expectations, and long-term building objectives.
Accessibility Is Now About Experience, Not Just Compliance
ADA compliance remains a fundamental requirement, but today's best entrance designs go beyond minimum code obligations.
Building owners are increasingly seeking environments that provide seamless access for all users, including individuals with mobility devices, parents with strollers, delivery personnel, and aging populations.
When specifying automatic doors, architects should consider:
- Sensor placement and activation reliability
- Door opening widths
- Traffic patterns and peak-volume conditions
- Ease of use for diverse user groups
For healthcare facilities and other environments where uninterrupted access is essential, systems such as the Horton Profiler® Series Sliding and Telescoping Doors provide wide clear openings and dependable operation while supporting accessibility goals.
Thoughtful entrance design can transform compliance requirements into a positive occupant experience.
Design for Pedestrian Flow, Not Just Traffic Counts
One of the most overlooked aspects of entrance design is how effectively people move through a space.
An entrance that appears adequate on paper may create congestion during shift changes, visiting hours, peak retail traffic, or event surges.
When evaluating automatic entrance systems, architects should assess:
- Anticipated pedestrian volumes
- Simultaneous entry and exit demands
- Available vestibule space
- Building use throughout the day
Different applications often require different solutions:
Sliding Doors
Ideal for healthcare, retail, and high-traffic commercial environments where efficient throughput is essential.
Automatic Swing Doors
Ideal for retrofit projects, educational facilities, offices, and other applications where maintaining the existing entrance configuration is important. Horton 7100 Series low-energy swing door operators help improve accessibility with minimal building modifications
Revolving Doors
Effective for reducing air exchange while maintaining continuous pedestrian movement.
Telescoping Doors
Useful when designers need maximum clear openings in constrained wall conditions.
For projects requiring larger openings without sacrificing valuable wall space, the Horton Profiler® ICU Telescoping XM Door System offers an example of how specialized entrance solutions can improve both flow and functionality.
Safety & Security Requirements Continue to Expand
Architects increasingly face the challenge of balancing openness with protection.
Today's entrances may be expected to support:
- Fire and life safety requirements
- Controlled access systems
- Behavioral health considerations
- Threat mitigation strategies
- Emergency response planning
As security concerns grow across healthcare, educational, government, and public facilities, architects are specifying entrance systems that provide enhanced protection without compromising aesthetics or accessibility.
For high-security applications, Horton offers solutions such as the HD-Ballistic™ Level 3 Sliding Door System, designed to help meet demanding security requirements while maintaining automatic operation and accessibility.
Similarly, specialized healthcare environments may benefit from products like the Behavioral Health Sliding Door, developed specifically to address unique patient safety requirements.
The future of automatic door design requires architects to think beyond access control and toward a more comprehensive approach to risk management.
Sustainability Starts at the Building Entrance
As sustainability goals become increasingly important, entrance systems play an often-underestimated role in building efficiency.
Every door opening creates an opportunity for conditioned air to escape. Over time, that energy loss can significantly impact HVAC performance and operating costs.
Architects should consider:
- Air infiltration performance
- Vestibule strategies
- Opening and closing speeds
- Traffic-management capabilities
- Climate-specific design requirements
In projects seeking energy-efficient building operation, revolving doors and properly specified automatic sliding systems can help reduce unnecessary air exchange while maintaining user comfort.
When entrance systems are aligned with overall envelope design strategies, they contribute to both energy performance and occupant satisfaction.
Specify for Lifecycle Performance
Perhaps the most significant trend shaping architectural specifications is the growing focus on lifecycle value.
Owners increasingly evaluate building systems based on total cost of ownership rather than initial installation cost alone.
Questions architects should ask include:
- Will the system withstand the anticipated traffic volume?
- Is maintenance access straightforward?
- Can replacement parts be sourced long-term?
- Will the system support future modernization efforts?
Understanding lifecycle performance requires looking beyond initial purchase price. Horton Automatics' guide, “How to Calculate Total Ownership Costs When Specifying Door Entrance Systems” provides a practical framework for evaluating long-term operational costs, maintenance requirements, and overall value throughout the life of an entrance system.
For specialized applications, products such as Horton Automatic ICU Doors, Lead-Lined Sliding Doors, and FlexBarn™ Smoke-Rated Systems demonstrate how application-specific solutions can help owners achieve long-term performance objectives while reducing the likelihood of future modifications.
Designers who prioritize lifecycle performance can help owners reduce disruptions, avoid expensive retrofits, and preserve building functionality over time.
The Future of Entrance Design
As building performance expectations increase, automatic entrance systems are evolving from simple openings into critical building components.
Architects who prioritize accessibility, pedestrian flow, security, sustainability, and lifecycle performance will be better positioned to deliver entrances that support both design intent and operational success.
By viewing the entrance as a high-performance building system, specifiers can create solutions that provide lasting value long after construction is complete.
Ready to begin specifying your next entrance system? Visit Horton's iSpecifyIt - an interactive specification tool designed to help architects and specifiers simplify door selection, access technical documentation, and streamline the specification process.
Author: Krista Rivers, Marketing Manager, Door Services Corporation
