21st Century Security and CPTED, 2nd Edition

39

5

Interface between

Architects and Engineers

W. Douglas Fitzgerald and Randall I. Atlas

To design safe infrastructure, it is crucial to understand the relationship between architects and

engineers and how the security designer needs to interface with them.

Most of the time, architects and engineers develop construction documents and coordinate their

efforts without a security designer as part of their team. This is not uncommon, as we nd that the

electrical engineer, and not an electronics specialist, generally designs re alarms and building

automation systems. However, with the onset of advanced technologies and the associated com-

plexities, re safety and security systems have become disciplines unto themselves. The design

profession used to be of the mind set that security was much like the telephone company, in that you

construct the building and then request that the security contractor come and install their equip-

ment. Today’s facilities require far more planning and design. Architecture is a complex and cre-

ative discipline that requires specic skills, years of education, and a long track record of project

experience to master. Architects, engineers, and security professionals must all communicate with

each other and coordinate their specic requirements, but they do not need to do each other’s jobs.

Clearly, we must appreciate what each one has to offer to the design process.

INVOLVING OTHERS IN DESIGN

The architectural process has a lot to offer the security designer, but rst the architect needs to

fully understand the process and phases of integrating security into built environment. The security

consultant can get confused with architectural references to phases, percentages, schematic design,

design development, and construction documents and specications. If we place ourselves in the

position of being head of the security department, then picture the discussions within the client’s

organization taking place around the water cooler with the chief nancial ofcer asking if the secu-

rity department should be involved in the planning of the new building or renovation. Much to your

surprise, you are invited to attend next week’s architectural presentation design meeting. At this

meeting, the architect has plastered the walls with schematic design drawings/programming docu-

ments and color renderings of their newest creation. As you look over the plans for spaces or fea-

tures identied as security, you are beginning to get that sinking feeling. The entrance lobby looks

CONTENTS

Involving Others in Design ..............................................................................................................39

Integrated Design .............................................................................................................................40

Designing the Command Center ...................................................................................................... 41

Designing the Safe Lobby ................................................................................................................46

Designing Loading Docks ................................................................................................................50

Well-Thought-Out Security System .................................................................................................56

Summary .......................................................................................................................................... 56

References ........................................................................................................................................57