Tuesday, July 05, 2005

The code to the door...


In Paris 99% of building doors are code protected. Some are effective only from 7 or 8 pm to 8 am and during week-ends and some 24 hours. This electronic device has progressively replaced the concierges (building supervisors) that were common before the seventies when labour costs were lower. Thus, if you come to Paris and visit friends don't forget to ask for their "code" as you probably need one to get into their building!
I am curious to know if this system is also developed in other cities? Just let me know.

9 comments:

  1. Seems to me that most apartment buildings in larger cities--Washington, New York, Seattle--have a security system like the one you have pictured. But I imagine even within a city it varies from neighborhood to neighborhood depending on the relative wealth of the people that live there. As an aside, love your blog.

    Elisabeth

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  2. -Most of the apartment buildings have access panels like this or something similar. Some just give keys to the tenants to get in the front door. Very few buildings have concierge service in Portland, Oregon. I know only of one.

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  3. Great photo Eric. Now I need to borrow your idea for a blog entry. Do you mind?

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  4. Thanx everybody for all your comments. I realize that these coded doors are pretty common averywhere in the world. Lucky Toronto people who still have concierges!

    Yes Michael you can borrow my picture for your blog!

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  5. In Finland most apartment houses are equipped with code panels, and in newer houses they also let you talk with e.g. a friend awaiting for you by typing his apartment number, then he can open the main door right from his apartment.

    In Helsinki city center, where many houses are pretty old and one has to enter the yard first, with its own gate, it's necessary to have a mobile phone in your pocket, as sometimes those yard gates have nothing but a lock which requires a key, so your friend will have to leave his apartment and come to open the gate manually.

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  6. in sao paulo and rio, most buildings have concierges 24-7. because it's both cheap and unsafe...

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  7. Very cool design! Useful information. Go on! » » »

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