The Barbican Centre

The Barbican is a performing arts centre located within the multi-faceted Barbican Estate. The centre consists of concert, theatre, cinema, and art space, as well as housing a library, three restaurants, a conservatory and of course offices. In 2018  Ansador were awarded the contract to provide the Barbican Centre with a security solution that would modernise the Access Control and structured cabling of the building, whilst keeping all original fixtures and fittings of the historical building maintained. The building is known for its Brutalist architecture, so it was important that we seamlessly integrated enterprise technology with the original design of the building. The original systems had been in place for 25 years and the management were keen to upgrade the systems without impacting the aesthetics of the building.

Ansador designed an Access Control system that consisted of a bespoke locking system using as much of the existing infrastructure as possible. This involved a new electronic locking system, keeping the original framework and handles of all doors, but installing innovative technology with minimal aesthetic disturbance. Being a public building, the locking system had to be specified to comply with increased fire and evacuation standards.

Ansador also provided the client with a bespoke converged network solution, with structured cabling being run throughout the mixed-use building.

The work was carried out in a live environment with the Ansador team working day and night to ensure works did not impact the client’s operations, and liaising with the relevant parties to ensure all health and safety aspects were adhered to.

Ansador’s service and support for this iconic London building continues. Company Managing Director Alex Davey heads the firm’s involvement at the Barbican, whilst Francis Davey, Alex’s father and Ansador Chairman, has been involved with the Barbican since 1989. Francis’s father George Davey was also involved with the Barbican construction in 1967. This is testament to Ansador’s long standing client relationships.

Recent Projects

Client:

The City of London Corporation

Service Provided:

Security Solutions; Access Control and Structured Cabling

Location:

London

Date Commenced:

April 2018