Designing for Building Security

Two Reports Offer Ways to Balance Safety and Public Access

Issued as an immediate response to the attacks of Sept. 11, "Designing for Security in the Nation’s Capital" provides an overview of streetscape security techniques that are more aesthetically pleasing and less disruptive than the ubiquitous concrete partitions known as "jersey barriers." The report -- compiled by a coalition of federal agencies, professional planners, and civic groups -- outlines a "kit of parts" that can unobtrusively protect a building, as well as suggests traffic and transportation alternatives that aim to balance federal safety with citizens’ freedom. (This document is listed first on the NCPC's publications page.)

Published in October 2002, "The National Capital Urban Design and Security Plan" offers a more coherent strategy for deploying design and landscape architecture elements to secure a building’s perimeter. The report also includes streetscape, traffic, and parking ideas, as well as over a dozen site-specific case studies in and around the Washington, D.C., area. (This document is listed first on the NCPC's publications page.)