This article originally appeared in the July/August 2019 School Business Affairs magazine and is reposted with permission of the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO). The text herein does not necessarily represent the views or policies of ASBO International, and use of this imprint does not imply any endorsement or recognition by ASBO International and its officers or affiliates.
Architects who design facilities with safety and security in mind base them in large part on the concept of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED)–a concept developed by architect Oscar Newan in the 1960s, when many urban areas were experiencing social unrest and buildings were beginning to deteriorate.
The guiding principle of CPTED is that the design of buildings and open spaces can influence human behavior. Specifically, proper design can promote safety and encourage orderly conduct.