AIA and Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Report Highlights Rising Demand for Building Security
Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, Inc. (OBE), a leading North American manufacturer, fabricator, and distributor of architectural hardware, glass, and glazing systems, has announced the release of Safety & Security in Design, a research report developed in strategic partnership with The American Institute of Architects (AIA). The study examines how architects and design professionals across the United States incorporate safety and security into building planning, material selection, and project development.
The findings highlight a significant shift in the construction and architecture industries, with security increasingly becoming a fundamental part of building design rather than an additional measure introduced after construction or in response to specific threats. Architects are adopting integrated strategies that combine controlled access, surveillance, visibility, and high-performance building materials to improve occupant protection while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Security Demand Expected to Increase Across Multiple Sectors
The research identifies education, data centers, and healthcare facilities as major areas where security considerations are expected to grow over the next three years. According to the report, 78.7% of architects anticipate increased security requirements in K-12 school design. Data centers follow at 69.2%, while 64.2% expect security considerations to increase in healthcare facilities.
These projections reflect growing attention to occupant safety, asset protection, operational continuity, and the ability of buildings to respond to evolving security risks. As a result, architects and building owners are increasingly considering protective features during the earliest stages of project planning.
Schools, in particular, face the challenge of creating secure environments that remain welcoming and accessible for students, staff, and visitors. Healthcare facilities must balance protection with patient comfort and efficient movement, while data centers require measures that safeguard critical infrastructure and sensitive equipment.
The report suggests that security requirements are becoming more closely connected to the overall performance of buildings, influencing decisions about entrances, glazing systems, circulation, and access management.
Layered Security Becomes a Preferred Design Strategy
Rather than relying exclusively on reinforced barriers or heavily secured building elements, architects are increasingly implementing multiple layers of protection. The study found that controlled access points influence security design decisions across all sectors, with 78.0% of architects identifying them as a key consideration. The figure rises to 95.3% for K-12 educational facilities.
Surveillance systems are also an important component, cited by 60.0% of respondents, while 55.0% incorporate visibility strategies into their security planning. Together, these measures demonstrate how design teams are combining physical protection with improved awareness and monitoring.
Security glazing is becoming an important part of this approach. High-performance glass systems can help delay forced entry while preserving natural daylight, clear sightlines, and visual connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. These characteristics are particularly important in educational, commercial, and healthcare environments, where excessive barriers can affect the building’s usability and atmosphere.
By coordinating glazing, hardware, access controls, and surveillance, architects can develop security solutions that address specific risks without compromising the intended purpose of a building.
Cost and Product Evaluation Remain Key Challenges
Despite increasing demand, architects continue to face practical challenges when specifying security products. The report identifies product cost as a major obstacle, with 62.7% of respondents highlighting it as a concern. Budget limitations can make it difficult for building owners, school districts, and developers to introduce comprehensive protective systems across entire properties.
Evaluating product performance is another significant issue. Approximately 36.5% of architects report difficulties comparing performance differences between security products. Without clear and independently verified testing information, design teams may find it challenging to determine whether a product meets the requirements of a particular project.
Evolving building codes, testing standards, and technical specifications further complicate the selection process. These challenges increase the importance of early collaboration among architects, manufacturers, contractors, and facility owners.
Targeted security applications can help address these concerns by focusing protective measures on vulnerable entrances, high-traffic areas, and locations with specific risk profiles. Verified testing data and clearly defined performance requirements can also help project teams make informed decisions while managing costs.
Supporting Safer and More Resilient Buildings
Mark Adamson, CEO of Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope, emphasized the importance of balancing security with the architectural qualities that make buildings comfortable and functional.
He noted that buildings must protect occupants against physical threats while maintaining welcoming environments, natural daylight, and practical functionality. As design teams navigate building codes, budget constraints, and complex testing requirements, manufacturers can support projects through transparent performance information, early technical collaboration, and reliable system design.
OBE provides integrated glass, glazing, architectural metal, and hardware solutions designed to work together across a range of building applications. Coordinating these components can help architects meet demanding safety requirements while preserving architectural intent and energy-efficiency objectives.
The company also supports design teams working with forced-entry testing standards, including ASTM F3561, which addresses the evaluation of forced-entry resistance for fenestration systems. Understanding applicable testing requirements and selecting suitable assemblies are important steps in developing effective building security strategies.
Collaboration to Shape the Future of Building Design
The Safety & Security in Design report underscores the growing responsibility shared by architects, manufacturers, facility owners, and other construction professionals in creating safer buildings. As security expectations continue to rise, successful projects will increasingly depend on integrating protective measures into the design process from the beginning.
Through its partnership with AIA, Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope aims to help the architectural community better understand emerging priorities and make informed decisions about security products and systems.
The findings indicate that future building design will require a balanced approach that combines effective protection, cost management, regulatory compliance, and occupant well-being. By prioritizing layered security and collaboration, the construction industry can develop more resilient environments without sacrificing the openness, accessibility, and visual quality that modern buildings demand.
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