American University in Washington, D.C., has completed the installation of five Boon Edam 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.
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.
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,” says 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.”
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.
Subhead: 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.
