Security is about more than high walls and alarm systems
Architects worry about the fortress mentality of security contractors, developers regard security as another overhead and security planners feel that architects and developers do not take security seriously at the design stage of a project, says Renford Brand, of the Independent Security Consultancy.
He says architects and professional security consultants need to work together from the design stage of a project to ensure a cost-effective solution.
"Making a building secure after completion is an expensive proposition," says Brand.
The Independent Security Consultancy has adopted the international concept CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Architectural Design). The system is used to great effect by professionals overseas who know that good security is more than high walls, electric fences, alarms and CCTV, and that the effective use of the environment results in less crime and an improvement in the quality of life.
"CPTED will contribute to the architectural aim of green and sustainable design," says Brand.
"Security systems can be designed to blend with architecture and landscaping, and concealed equipment increases aesthetics and enhances detection. Building and landscaping architecture can be planned to deceive and direct an intruder in the desired direction."
Brand says fencing is generally the most expensive part of the security budget for residential estates and money is often wasted on fencing which is easily breached. The security consultant needs to specify the most appropriate, cost-effective fencing and co-ordinate planning with other perimeter detection systems.
Brand says the challenge for architects and security professionals is to create security that is attractive, unobtrusive and effective.
"The architect is key in creating crime-resistant projects through an environmental design approach. It is unfortunate that architects, developers and construction management companies often entrust installers or security suppliers with these tasks in a futile effort to save money.
"The problem here is that the contractor's expertise will be in manufacturing, installing and selling security products, not in providing professional objective advice on holistic security planning."
Brand says it is important to start security planning with a vulnerability assessment. This will identify the threats, areas in need of protection, most likely modus operandi and pre-determined risks, ensuring that money is not wasted on less important areas.
"A closer working relationship between developers, architects and a professional security consultant will greatly contribute to the prevention of crime, reduction in overall costs and complement the project's aesthetics."
Weekend Property supplement (Saturday Argus)
Posted at 08:04AM Feb 07, 2010 by Editor in Residential |