The Impact of Built Environment on Crime Prevention and Safety in Schools: An Environmental-Behaviour Design Guidelines Approach

Abstract

The crime and safety has become one of the most serious social and administrative concrn in schools. School by nature of their occupancy and use require higher standard of safety and secured built environment than another type of buildings. In present context due to increase of accidents and crime in school, as an architect it is the duty to give emphasis on safety and security in terms of planning, building design and detailing and should recognize safety and security as fourth element of architecture. The design of a school and its surrounding campus can play a significant role in preventing crime and facilitating school safety measures. There are many opportunities to enhance school safety and security through physical design features. Architectural features and structural enhancements and spatial definition can deter, detect, and delay potential violent offenders from entering school campuses and buildings. This paper introduces some key concepts that can reduce the risk of harm while also enhancing the ability of school building occupants to avoid or reduce injury and death. This paper also discusses how architectural design could be used to manipulate the environment to influence behaviour for crime prevention. Finally, the paper gives the design guidelines for safe and secure environments in schools against accidents and crime.