Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Passive Security Concepts

  • 11/01/06

Building Layout


    • Avoid blind spots, corners, and cubby holes.

    • Locate administrative and teacher preparation offices within major circulation areas (i.e., corridors, cafeteria, bus drop-off, parking) to provide visual supervision.

    • Develop spatial relationships so there are natural transitions from one location to another.

    • Locate toilets in close proximity to classrooms.

    • Design toilets to balance the need for privacy with the ability to supervise.

    • Locate areas likely to have significant community use close to parking. Ensure these areas can be closed off from the rest of the building.

    • Provide for natural integration of students and staff.

    • Give offices external exits.

    • Widen stairwells in two-story buildings.

    • Create the ability to partition unused portions of building.

    • Include elevator(s) in two-story buildings.


Landscaping, Playing/Practice Fields, and Lighting


    • Use high trees and low bushes (less than three feet high) to deter hiding.

    • Use aesthetically pleasing fencing around the perimeter of the building.

    • Place a tree buffer along the perimeter of the property to avoid extensive fencing.

    • Use non-intrusive lighting in all areas (not correctional-type lighting).

    • Install emergency lighting/power in hallways, stairwells, and rooms.

    • Provide security lighting around building and parking lots with photocell timer that has on/off switch.

    • Separate athletic fields from informal gathering areas.

    • Locate athletic facilities away from building site to avoid vehicular and pedestrian conflicts.


Featured

  • Kimball International Releases Curated Design Support Program

    Commercial furnishings company Kimball International recently announced the launch of a new end-to-end design support program, DesignSuite. According to a news release, its goal is to guide architecture & design professionals and dealer partners through the process from vision to specification.

  • Minnesota Middle School Finishes $23.5M Addition and Modernization

    Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, Minn., recently announced the completion of a $23.5-million addition and remodel project, according to a news release. Saint Paul Public Schools partnered with ATS&R Planners, Architects & Engineers for its design and Kraus-Anderson for its construction.

  • LSU Breaks Ground on $200M Residential Project

    Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, La., recently broke ground on a new residential complex, according to university news. The South Quad residential project will consist of two buildings and add a total of 1,266 beds for freshmen students. The development comes with a price tag of $200 million, and it’s scheduled to open to students in fall 2027.

  • El Paso District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    The Canutillo Independent School District in El Paso, Texas, recently announced that construction has begun on a 119,000-square-foot elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with Pfluger Architects, Carl Daniel Architects, and LDCM Solutions on the new Davenport Elementary School, which has an expected completion date of 2027.