Essay

This article is the second article in a three part series. To read the first article in the series, please click on the link below:

• Previous Article: Designing Architecture for a Sense of Building Safety — Part 1

Safety Inside and Out

In my previous article entitled Designing Architecture for a Sense of Safety — Part 1, I explained why the “context” surrounding your building is so important. This led to my discussing “The Big Question” that cuts to the heart of what your building is truly promoting — fortress-like protection or a shelter that also provides a sense of safety which spreads into the surrounding community.

It is so important to provide your visitors with a sense of safety through your architectural designs. Of course, the way you go about doing this can take different forms, but there are some overriding principles that can help your building to foster these feelings of safety. This involves building an environment which promotes trust by building community. (1)

In an Ideal World

Many buildings today, depending on their surroundings and context, seek to have a presence which is unique, safe and extends out into the community.

Yet, in some places around the world, crime is rising to a point that is “forcing” designers to turn their built environments inward, to shut their occupants out from their surroundings. Yes, this is a form of protection, but does it really provide occupants with feelings of safety? And is this “gated-type” approach truly helping the overall problem? (1)

In an ideal world, buildings should foster both security and community. So, in a crime-ridden world, this becomes a major first step for architects to contribute to a solution.

How Can Building a Community Help?

The example talked about in the radio broadcast entitled Earthbeat: Safety in Cities and the Architecture of Fear, painted the picture of how the Borneo-Sporenburg Project in Amsterdam dealt with issues of safety.

The most powerful message from this radio discussion is the notion that sometimes it’s beneficial to design outward facing entrances. The beauty of this project’s design is that all of the homes’ doors face outward onto sidewalks which also face a larger green-scape. (1)

The result is that homeowners plant flowers to line the sidewalks and children play within the green-scape. Consequently, neighbors act as natural surveillance while streets gain much needed life full of purposeful interactions. (1)

A lot can be learned from such a project. In particular, the way your building communicates with its context is key. Your building can be designed to feel safe inside as well as outside. Strive to make the immediate surroundings lively, interactive and enjoyable. This sort of designing will build “trust amongst strangers”. (1)

Feelings of Fear

Too much security can actually cause feelings of fear. The author Anna Milton says it best when she states “The more security they have the more security they want.” (1)

In the next article you will lean more about how to reduce feelings of fear for your occupants when they’re interacting with your building design. It is a delicate balance to build safety while reducing fear. Hospitals, hotels and office buildings are only a few examples that bring home this point.

Read the rest of this article series:

• Previous Article: Designing Architecture for a Sense of Building Safety — Part 1

• Next Article: Buildings that Cause Occupants to Feel Fear — Part 3

Reference:

(1) Earthbeat – Safety in cities and the architecture of fear. RNW – Radio Netherlands Worldwide. On Air: September 17-19, 2009.

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