Against All Vulnerabilities: Inside America’s Security Strategies
By Barbara A. Nadel, FAIA
Former White House Counterterrorism Advisor Richard A. Clarke discusses
the war on terror and homeland security – and the impact on architecture
and urban design
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BUILDING SECURITY AND URBAN DESIGN
Share your thoughts on balancing security, openness, and design. How can
we create safe, vibrant, livable communities?
Balancing security and openness can be achieved through creative
planning and design. Buildings and facilities can be attractive, open,
and secure. That doesn't mean we won't be inconvenienced.
We can no longer drive up to the Capitol or the White House in
Washington D.C. But, almost any citizen can walk up to the front steps
of the Capitol. Several years ago, many thought that, if we closed
Pennsylvania Avenue in front of the White House, we'd deny citizens and
tourists access. Initially, it was ugly, with concrete Jersey barriers
and paved with macadam. Now, there are attractively designed
guardhouses, planters serving as barriers, and paving stones. Overall,
the current landscape design is more attractive than when we had an open
street for cars and trucks. In this case, we didn't deny access; people
can still get close to the White House and it's a more attractive
streetscape.
People want safe cities. There are many ways to increase security in
urban areas. Baltimore's mayor installed closed-circuit television
(CCTV) in certain neighborhoods and crime dropped. Nearby neighborhoods
soon requested similar surveillance to reduce crime.
We want to enjoy large public spaces. Plainclothes and uniformed police,
horseback patrols, and visible cameras are common techniques. People
feel safer and petty crime drops. For vibrant outdoor public areas,
overt security is likely to ensure that people will enjoy the space.
This doesn't have to be heavy handed.
cont'd....
http://www.buildings.com/newsletters/security/2007/May2007.asp