System and method for access control using differential air pressure

An access control system receives a trigger command for controlling a ventilation system; determines that the trigger command includes a lock trigger to hold an entrance door in a closed position; and induces a locking differential air pressure between opposite sides of the entrance door in response to the lock trigger, where the locking differential air pressure is sufficient to bias the entrance door to contact or to increase contact with a door frame in the closed position. The access control system may also determine that the trigger command includes an open assist trigger to ease an opening of the entrance door; and may induce an opening differential air pressure between the opposite sides of the entrance door in response to the open assist trigger, where the opening differential air pressure is sufficient to bias the entrance door to reduce contact with the door frame in the closed position.