Security and personal safety
Overview
Visibility
A difficult paradox exists of making visual deterrents evident enough to be effective but without being overly pronounced to the detriment of the built environment. Although it is often desirable to use CCTV as a visual deterrent against criminality and anti-social behaviour, the impact of security paraphernalia on the heritage and architecture must be understood and mitigated.
Natural surveillance can be achieved by designing spaces that afford no possible hiding spaces and that maintain clear, substantial sight lines. At the station exterior, retail provides active frontages.
Connection
A perceived connection to the outside world ensures that customers never feel isolated in the often confined station spaces. Bright, open spaces help to reduce the feeling of enclosure. Lighting is highly important with well lit areas affording no concealment of illicit activity and promoting a settled, non-threatening environment.
Help Points, particularly in deep-level stations offer a link to surface level but equally acts as a perceived connection that provides reassurances against isolation and vulnerability.
