Boon Edam Inc., a global leader in physical security entrance products, is excited to share that American University in Washington, D.C., has completed the installation of five Lifeline Speedlane Compact turnstiles and one Winglock Swing Gate as part of a comprehensive renovation of its Terrace Dining Room (TDR), the university’s main dining hall serving thousands of students, faculty, and staff each day.
Streamlining Student Entry: Optimizing Dining Hall Flow with Intelligent Access
At a university where thousands of students move through campus each day, the entrance to the Terrace Dining Room had become a frequent source of crowding and delays. Long lines routinely snaked up the stairs from the entryway during peak meal times, frustrating community members. Manual point-of-sale card swipes slowed entry, resulted in higher-than-normal error rates, and created demand-based planning challenges.
With improved systems, staff can prioritize exceptional guest service rather than managing long lines. Seamless integration with the campus meal plan transaction system eases congestion, allowing for more meaningful guest interactions. Additionally, real-time data on guest traffic enables better staffing and demand forecasting, ensuring the right team is in place to elevate the overall experience.
The university needed a more intelligent, streamlined solution that could improve flow, enable better planning, and support a better dining experience for its students, faculty, staff, and guests.
Security Meets Functionality in a Reimagined Dining Experience
As part of a comprehensive transformation of the TDR, American University (AU) selected Boon Edam’s Lifeline Speedlane Compact turnstiles to deliver a secure, modern access solution that aligned with the dining hall’s upgraded design and high traffic demands.
From the earliest planning phases, access management and control was a top priority. Working closely 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 provided a solution that met the university’s vision for fast, intuitive, and secure student entry.
Students now tap their AU OneCard to gain immediate access with real-time verification of meal plan status and account balances. The system has been fully integrated with the Atrium Campus meal plan system, delivering a seamless user experience.
Boon Edam’s sleek, low-profile Speedlane design complements the architectural aesthetic of the new space, while advanced security measures ensure only authorized users gain entry. The system enables seamless movement, improving security and meal plan integrity without creating a restrictive feel.
“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.”
Achieved: Enhanced Efficiency for High-Traffic Zones
With thousands of students passing through the Terrace Dining Room during peak hours, American University needed a solution that could keep pace with real-world campus demand. Boon Edam’s Lifeline Speedlane Compact turnstiles delivered, combining bi-directional access control, intuitive LED guidance, and fast user identification to eliminate bottlenecks and maintain steady throughput during the day.
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. This layout 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 system has proven reliable under pressure, handling volume efficiently while supporting the university’s goals around student satisfaction and operational oversight.
A Commitment to Intelligent Access and Sustainable Design
The renovation of the Terrace Dining Room was more than a visual upgrade. It was an investment in the student experience, operational efficiency, and forward-thinking design. The new layout supports smoother traffic flow, more inclusive dining options, and a welcoming space where students can gather, recharge, and connect.
American University’s focus was on accessibility and modernization, and Boon Edam’s Speedlane Compact turnstiles contributed meaningfully to that vision. They helped to improve secure access with low energy consumption and a minimal operational footprint. The result is an access solution that fits seamlessly into a high-volume environment while aligning with long-term sustainability goals.
For more information about Boon Edam’s Speedlane Compact turnstiles, visit: https://www.boonedam.com/en-us/products/optical-turnstiles/speedlane-compact
About Royal Boon Edam
Royal Boon Edam is a privately held Dutch family-owned business that has continued to evolve over the company’s 150-year history to become a world leader in security and architectural entrance solutions. As we continue to pioneer new and innovative technologies and products, our company remains committed to making people feel welcome and secure through quality engineered solutions manufactured to the highest standards for performance, reliability and durability. Headquartered in the Netherlands, with a global footprint that spans the globe, Royal Boon Edam International is a premium manufacturer of secured entry solutions ranging from interlocking mantrap portals to optical turnstiles, full height turnstiles, security revolving doors, and more for the most demanding commercial and industrial applications. Our focus on delivering added value to our customers extends beyond traditional sales cycles to include world-class service and maintenance support services. Discover more about us by visiting https://www.boonedam.com/en-us/ and following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.
About Atrium Campus
Atrium Campus provides campus card management solutions reimagined for the mobile generation for the higher education, senior living, corporate and government markets. The Atrium cloud solution encompasses mobile credentials, closed loop payments, meal plans, declining balance, activities, physical access rights, identity management and more. For more visit atriumcampus.com.
Feature Image Courtesy of: Boon Edam
