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Where Security Meets Design
» » THE AESTHETIC AND
architectural design of a school building
can affect productivity, learning and
even security. Karen Trigg, business
development manager at Allegion UK,
discusses ways to overcome security
challenges caused by design.
When you walk into any building, its
aesthetic design will impact you almost
immediately. A physical design
can rouse inspiration just as
equally as it can make you feel
relaxed, safe or welcomed.
Although important, the
successful operation of a
building encompasses more
than just aesthetic design.
Factoring in security shouldn’t be
an afterthought. All the complexities
of design should influence all the
security decisions. And, whilst physical
environment is undoubtedly significant, all
other aspects of architectural design (such
as practicality) should be considered too.
As the Design Council aptly
summarises: “Good design is not just
about the aesthetic improvement of
our environment; it is as much about
improved quality of life, equality of
opportunity and economic growth.”
It’s no surprise, then, that when it comes
to schools, the building design needs to
provide a safe and secure environment
whilst encouraging creativity and academic
performance. It must also account for all
types of user groups and situations, so
that efficiency isn’t hindered, safety is
of high priority and flow of movement is
maximised in all areas.
HOW IMPORTANT IS
AESTHETIC DESIGN?
Pupils (and staff) spend a lot of their
time in classrooms. For the pupils,
the physical environment can have
a significant effect on their learning,
productivity, creativity and concentration.
A number of previous studies have
explored this, revealing that colour,
complexity and light are among some of
the environmental factors
with the biggest effect on
academic performance.
On a basic level, our physical
surroundings can impact the way we
feel and our motivation to contribute
to certain situations. Therefore,
in schools, if pupils feel safe and
comfortable, their motivation is
likely to increase, leading to greater
productivity.
Aesthetic design also gives you
the freedom to cater specific areas to
different pupils’ needs. In classrooms,
it can provide an effective visual aid for
learning. At the same time, there can
be areas which reinforce more calming
aspects for those with specific needs.
HOW TO FACTOR IN SECURITY
IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Alongside establishing the benefits
of aesthetic design, architectural
design and layout also play a big
part in maintaining a safe and secure
environment.
Our recent survey showed that 43.9%
of facility managers in the education
sector express concern with the design
or layout of their building, and the
security issues this potentially poses.
Two of the main causes for this concern
were narrow, bottleneck areas and the
speed of exit in an emergency.
So, if the layout or design of a school is
impeding on aspects like escape routes,
for example, it’s important to establish
weak points and improve communication
and training. It’s also important to take
small (yet effective) measures, such as
making sure all fire escape routes are
free from obstruction and all building
occupants know the procedure in the
event of an evacuation.
PROTECTING THE VULNERABLE /
ACCOUNTING FOR ALL USER GROUPS
Considering certain aspects of design
is essential to making sure everyone
- regardless of specific needs and
requirements - feels welcomed and can
access areas of a building safely and
efficiently.
For example, different areas serve
different purposes. Security products and
solutions should account for different users,
making sure they understand the product
and are able to use it safely and correctly.
A key way of ensuring optimal safety
and security for all occupants is a layered
approach. This means making sure
communication is an integral part of the
system as well as implementing products
and solutions which compliment, and
are compatible for, the building and its
specific requirements.
www.allegion.co.uk
Sources; www.designcouncil.org.uk/sites/default/files/asset/document/the-value-of-good-design.pdf, www.wired.co.uk/article/school-design-influences-learning,
www.promoteyourschool.co.uk/blog/impact-aesthetic-environment-attitude-learning
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | MAR/APR 2019
Sponsored by ERA - Total Security