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designagainstterrorism — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:06:42 +0000

The new Arsenal Emirates stadium features bollards in the sign of the
letters that make up the word ‘A R S E N A L’ that can contain an attack
from a 7-ton lorry traveling at 50 mph; and the signature Arsenal Cannons
also prevent a possible terrorist vehicle gaining access to the main
entrance. At Canary Wharf there are discreet aluminum planters outside some
of the more prominent buildings that utilize Chinese Cypress trees because
they are able to absorb the kinetic energy of a bomb blast, and also don’t
make the environment look paranoid but instead foster a feeling a well being.

Clearly there are a number of things that designers and architects can
do to help design out crime and terrorism, yet at the same time prevent
our world looking over fortified and ugly.

Designers, engineers and architects can:

* Help create architectural objects and communications for public space that
are sensitive and beautiful but do the job effectively

* Help design more resilient buildings so they do not collapse if a VBIED
should detonate nearby or inside the building.
* Help ensure glazing is protected to reduce casualties from flying glass.
* Help design measures to prevent vehicles getting too close to buildings.
The further away from the building the VBIED is the less is its explosive
effect on the building.
* Help prevent vehicles getting too close to large concentrations of people.

All of the areas listed above for DESIGN intervention can be achieved, with
the help of designers, architects and engineers, without brutalising the
environment and making it look like a fortress or prison.

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