Architects play a significant role in making school construction and renovations come to life, and with that, student safety is a top priority.
According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the largest network of architects and design professionals, architects can offer strategies designed to avert and restrict violence while preserving open learning environments that can positively influence student behavior and create more connected school communities.
If your school or district is considering new construction or renovations, here are some security and safety considerations from veteran architects.
Matt Janssen, Principal, Ankrom Moisan
“Crafting an environment that feels safe requires careful consideration throughout the design process. Beginning with the exterior, people feel comfortable being in well-lit and well-seen spaces around others. One must first start by strategically designing to eliminate hidden areas and establish clear sightlines both inside and outside. Enhancing visibility encourages oversight of public areas and ensures all eyes are on a designated space at any given time.
“To discourage criminal activity and improve overall visibility, common areas, corridors, walkways, and entrances must be well-lit. Implementing access control systems, such as key cards or electronic key fobs, restricts entry to authorized individuals, and security cameras in common areas function as a deterrent and provide evidence in case of incidents. Clear and visible signage communicating emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, assembly points, and emergency contact information, must be available to all residents.”
Erik Sueberkrop, Founding Principal, STUDIOS Architecture
“Avoid dangerous heights. Preventing situations where individuals could potentially fall or jump from significant heights and sustain injuries is critical, so schools should try to avoid environments where incidents like this might occur, including roof decks, balconies, stair openings, and similar locations. The primary concern revolves around safeguarding students through adequate fall protection measures, as well as addressing the risk of objects falling from windows.
“Though subtle in nature, various design elements can be incorporated to further foster a sense of safety, like a glazed facade and open-plan interior program which help create transparency.”
James LaPosta, Jr. Principal/Chief Architectural Officer, JCJ Architecture
“On the whole, school security begins outside of the school building. It’s crucial to create specific, safe pathways for anyone planning to visit the school. Schools should continue to engage with their local emergency responders as much as possible to understand their capabilities, concerns, communications protocols, and to ensure they know the layout of the site and school itself.
“On an internal design level, good sight lines and windows connecting learning spaces to common areas like corridors not only promote a sense of community but allow a type of passive supervision by adults that can alleviate day-to-day concerns and offer an early warning of any unusual activities.”
Source: Campus Safety Magazine