Blavantik School of Government

Designing and Installing a Non-Invasive Security System

The new Blavantik School of Government’s mission is to inspire and promote better government across the world. Estimated to cost £55 million, it is located right in the heart of Oxford. With high-profile dignitaries and leading academics visiting from all over the world, plus a growing staff and student cohort of over 200 people, its security has to be outstanding.

The brief was to design and install a multi-layered intruder, CCTV and access control system to protect the public and high profile visitors at this impressive, purpose-built university facility.

The design of this stunning building employs glass interior walls, courtyards and skylights to flood the space with natural light to promote discussion and interaction. The building boasts many flexible teaching spaces, two horseshoe-shaped lecture theatres and a forum for exhibitions and debate.

With security a paramount concern, the building has ten ‘zones’ spread over various levels and needed a system that would allow secure entry, intruder detection and a closed-circuit television monitoring network for each zone.

For maximum future-proofing of the system, it needed to be built on an open protocol and have an integrated building management system.

The University needed;

• Easy visitor flow without loss of security
• Multi-layered security, appropriate to zone
• Tamper-proof, with on & off-site monitoring
• Systems to merge aesthetically into building
• Future-proof system (20 years)
• Adherence to stringent University standards
• Building regulations, Data Protection Act & Private Securities Industry Act compliance

The Solution

As with all public buildings installing the right fire and security system is paramount. Chris Lewis Fire & Security designed and installed an easy-to-use, non-invasive system that guarantees the safety of its occupants, and allows for the comings and goings of permitted visitors, staff and students.

Moreover, with world-famous visitors frequenting the building, it was designed with high levels of security in mind, including:

• Safe routes
• Security landscaping
• Anti-terrorism measures

From the Client

“CLFS were a real asset to the Blavatnik project. They worked hard as part of a large construction team that delivered a fantastic project for the University of Oxford. We are already working with them again and look forward to another success.”

Mike Morris, Laing O’Rourke, Project Director

The Result?

• World-class, high-profile speakers are secure and safe. 
• High security, but with easy people-flow
• Tamper-proof, robust long-term solution.
• Project completed with minimum disruption to staff, students, and visitors.
• Worked closely with the University and the building contractors to install a fully comprehensive security package.
• All works were completed on time, ready for the building’s official opening by HRH Duke of Cambridge.