Boon Edam Turnstiles Power Intelligent Access at D.C.'s American University

The turnstile installation is part of a larger renovation of the university's dining hall, which was frequently overcrowded with students during peak meal rush hours.
Aug. 12, 2025
2 min read

Washington, D.C.'s American University recently announced the completed installation of five Lifeline Speedlane Compact turnstiles and one Winglock Swing Gate from Boon Edam in its Terrace Dining Room (TDR).

The turnstile installation is part of a larger renovation of the university's dining hall, which was frequently overcrowded with students during peak meal rush hours.

The Lifeline Speedlane Compact turnstile was suggested for the dining hall's peak traffic hours, offering bidirectional access and guiding LED lights. Two of these turnstiles serve as dedicated entrances, with the remaining three as handle exits. Boon Edam's Winglock Swing Gate was also chosen to allow access for large groups of students or food deliveries.

Another pain point was the usage of manual point-of-sale swipe cards that slowed access and complicated staff and demand planning while also being very prone to error. The new system, which integrates directly with the university's meal plan transaction system, allows for one-tap entry with American's standard-issue AU OneCard.

“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.”

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