This project addressed the challenge of using building design to improve security in soft targets and crowded places without turning the location into a “hard target”, fortified with oppressive security measures. This research aims to enhance human safety while preserving open and welcoming environments by identifying cost-effective and humane design strategies inherent to the design of public places. The primary objective was to develop new protocols for the physical assessment and design of safer public spaces, such as schools or transportation hubs. The developed guidelines intended to help build designers and managers make smart decisions about design—using the layout of a space to allow or inhibit movement and designing for visibility by people and sensors— to make the space less vulnerable to threats without making them closed off or feel intimidating.
The project employed design research methods, which rely on heuristic (trial and error) processes to test variations and iterations of design solutions. This approach produces multiple iterations of real-world solutions specific to different venue types. It also used agent-based simulations, performance metrics, and collaborative exercises with subject-matter experts to evaluate and refine design guidelines. The project sought to apply its findings by generating evidence-based, user-friendly guidelines for venue designers and managers. These guidelines intended to be used to implement the Virtual Sentry Framework in various types of public space, ensuring the solutions are adaptable to different physical and cultural contexts while informing the development of security technologies and policies.
The project advanced current knowledge by integrating the Virtual Sentry Framework with venue-specific design strategies, emphasizing adaptability, evidence-based interventions, and ethical considerations. It improves upon existing security design recommendations by addressing gaps in evidence, foregrounding best practices, and tailoring solutions to the unique risks of different environments.
In 2024, the project has developed a methodology for analyzing past security events, focusing on built environment factors that influence outcomes, for example the layout and design of entry points, such as main entrances and exits or the placement of classrooms and hallways. These architectural elements are key to understanding how the built environment can either exacerbate or mitigate risks in security events.
The project worked closely with SENTRY’s School Security Case Study and engages with other SENTRY projects to align research efforts on crowd behavior, advanced detection technologies, and agent-based simulations to test and refine design strategies. These collaborations aided in validating design strategies, providing real-world contexts for testing, and ensuring that the findings are practical and adaptable. Partnerships with schools, police, and other stakeholders help define venue-specific challenges and goals, making the solutions more effective and relevant.
