Constructing well designed places, buildings and communities that reduce crime and harm, and promote sustainable, strong, cohesive, vibrant and participatory communities is an objective shared by everyone who cares about our communities
Changing lives for the better and promoting strong, safe communities is a desire and aspiration for those who work in fields of planning and building control – and indeed the majority of those working to configure the built environment.
Often this can seem like a challenge, with many different voices and competing demands. However, by working in partnership, we can make that positive difference. We can change lives for the better and help people to be safe and secure in their homes.
This can be achieved by many sectors working in close partnership, not isolation, utilising the skills and experience of industry professionals along with the adoption of effective security standards and supported by legislation.
Historically – and indeed still to some today – the notion of crime prevention and “designing out” crime is complex and unnecessary. It has not been uncommon among those working within the built environment to perceive the subject as an inconvenience and an obstacle which can delay the planning process and add expense.
Yet crime prevention can be easily incorporated into the initial design and planning of developments when considered from the outset. As well as being visually less intrusive, it can also increase the wellbeing and sustainability of a community.
Poor quality housing layout and design, most prevalent in the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s, has often had a real and devastating impact on the people that live within them. Many developments have been blighted by years of criminal behaviour, which has been aided/supported by poor design.
With the new government looking at “Getting Britain Building Again”, and with plans to reform the planning regulations to unlock the economic potential of the country and build 1.5m homes over the next parliament, we must also ensure this housing is safe and secure. It should not be allowed to place an additional burden on either the criminal justice system through poor design or on local authorities through the use of substandard products that need regularly replacing.
This Designing Buildings with Security in Mind ebook looks at the birth of Part Q/Approved Document Q and lessons learned nine years after implementation; the pivotal role that planning plays in crime prevention and shaping the built environment for a better future; and qualifications, eLearning and RIBA-approved CPD training sessions relevant to those working in the built environment.
Constructing well designed places, buildings and communities that reduce crime and harm, and promote sustainable, strong, cohesive, vibrant and participatory communities is an objective shared by everyone who cares about our communities. Every family deserves a secure, decent home.
