Essay

We all have similar urban spaces that we don’t like to hang around. Train stations, bus stations and just outside retail stores after hours. I’m sure when you have to pass through these places, you like to move quickly. And why is this? This is probably because it isn’t so safe.

So, what does this have to do with architectural design?

The After-Hours Building "Pulse"

The next time you are involved in a design for these types of places, you really should consider what goes on there after hours. You should design for what you would like to encourage during those off peak times. Your lighting, acoustics, material selection, window placements and site design all play a part.

As you design, don’t forget that your building occupant’s needs may be different at night compared to the day. Often, built environments need a pulse after hours and you, as the architect, play a role in making sure that whatever that “pulse” is yields an architecture that is pleasant and safe.

An Example: Classical Music Wards Off Crime

In many subway stations and bus stations there are often loiterers that disrupt the public, bring down the social climate of a place, vandalize the built structures or even engage in crime. In one project, decision-makers came up with a win-win solution that drove away delinquent behavior and improved passenger comfort and mood. This is what they did…

• Through a sound system authorities played classical music for all to hear.

It seems that Mozart does not go hand-in-hand with delinquent behavior and unwanted loitering activities. Additionally, hearing this type of music often helps passengers feel safe and even serves to put them in a good mood.

Tapping Into the Brain

In the article entitled Businesses Using Music to Deter Crime and Loitering, neurologists explain why certain types of music can have these effects. You see, for those that like classical music, dopamine is released in the brain and that creates a happier and more pleasurable mood – as if your body is being rewarded. On the other hand, for those that don’t like classical music, dopamine is inhibited and that dampens a person’s mood – causing them to get away from the music.

7 Questions to Help You Design Consciously

As you design, try asking yourself the following 7 questions. It is important to think of each question in terms of “off-peak hours”. The key is to think of answers that will help you design consciously for your building’s off-peak times.

1. What design ideas might give my building an appropriate “pulse” during off-peak times?

2. What occupant behaviors should my design foster to promote safety?

3. How can my building help the community, even while it is not in use?

4. Within my design, what human senses can I tap into during off-peak hours?

5. What community problems and social needs can my design help with?

6. Do I need to deter people or bring them closer during off-peak times?

7. What human activities, both intended and unintended, will my design invite?

For instance, buildings that completely shut down during the night often have to enforce security. Similarly, buildings that are completely open during the night often attract some unwanted people that engage in unwanted behaviors.

As an architect, you should find the right balance so your design is pleasant, safe and positively adds to its surrounding environment.

Image Credit: © Borya | Flickr