A major challenge that planners and designers face today is to develop effective perimeter security measures while making public spaces open, accessible and attractive. Security concerns have made the integration of building architecture and site design increasingly critical. With careful planning and integration of multiple design strategies, various site elements can enhance the pedestrian experience and provide perimeter security that is virtually transparent.
The primary goal of a security design approach is to minimize possible threats to the building occupants. A primary goal of a streetscape design approach is to reinforce or establish urban design and architectural character. By strategically combining both approaches, building perimeter security can be incorporated into a beautifully designed streetscape.
Attractive elements and landscape features can function as both amenities and as of components of physical building perimeter security. Utilizing elements typically found along a streetscape, such as benches, lampposts, bike racks, planters, hedges, and even trees, can foster a sense of openness and make security appear seamless.
Physical Protective Barriers
Physical protective barriers can help restrict, channel, or impede access around a site. A protective barrier can also create a strong psychological deterrent to anyone planning an unauthorized entry. A variety of site features and landscape architectural amenities can be used to provide levels of security. Changes in topography, integration of water features, trees & vegetation are natural barriers that can make areas difficult to transverse.
Manmade barriers typically found along a streetscape, such as benches, lampposts and trash receptacles. can also enhance perimeter security. Hardening these elements can be done by incorporating vehicle anti-ram barriers, such as reinforced bollards, into the design. With the large array of streetscape solutions available today, designers have a broad selection of tools at their disposal that can reflect the existing aesthetics of the location.
Tree Guards
In additional to the health and urban cooling benefits that trees provide, trees can be used as obstacles to block access of an approaching vehicle. Protecting younger trees and root areas from pedestrian traffic can be accomplished by incorporating attractive tree guards into the streetscape design. Tree guards also act as a deflective element, offering an additional barrier friction resistance.
Bollards
Curbside bollards can provide security against vehicular attacks. Bollards can be set along the curb, or lined along the property line, or in creative layouts in conjunction with other site elements. Available in a wide range of finishes and styles, bollards can be a cohesive element of streetscape design. Bollards can be mounted over pipe or filled with concrete for added security. Through careful design and placement, bollards can help guide pedestrian circulation, while meeting accessibility requirements and enhancing the strength and character of the streetscape.
John Rocco Sales proudly represents IRONSMITH for your bollard and tree guard product solution needs. See details >
Perimeter Fencing
One of the most common elements used to protect an area perimeter is fencing. Fencing provides a strong psychological deterrent while delaying unauthorized entry. In high security situations, anti-climb and anti-cut fence systems that allow for clear lines of vision are preferred.
Depending on the level of security required, a top guard can be added to perimeter fences and interior enclosures. Fencing can also be augmented with motion sensors and CCTV cameras making the barrier more effective and intruders easier to detect.
A building’s utilities area is an additional area that can be a targeted source of vulnerability. When protecting an above ground utility infrastructure, a louver style of fence that offers visual concealment is highly recommended.
For your perimeter security fence needs, John Rocco Sales represents Omega II Fence Systems. See details >
Window and Glass Protection
As the world is increasingly less safe to work and live, making buildings more secure is becoming a required necessity. This can be a challenge for protecting busy downtown buildings and storefronts which are often limited in available perimeter space for additional streetscape barriers. In terms of security, glass windows and storefront doors are a building’s weakest link. This is particularly true for existing buildings with tempered glass storefronts. When these older glazing systems were installed, they were not exposed to the threat levels we have today. These types of buildings are extremely vulnerable to forced entry and ballistic attacks.
Depending on the physical security needs and threat mitigation requirements, retrofit security glazing systems offer a wide range of protection that will not fracture or break under attack. Providing 24/7 invisible glass protection, retrofit security systems outperform laminated glass and traditional security window films. In addition to improving the energy efficiency of existing glass by over 50%, retrofit security glazing systems also provide other interior environment benefits, such as thermal comfort and acoustic performance.
For additional information about security glazing protection and glazing system solutions, please see our DefenseLite and Bulletshield product overview page.
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