the 21st Century


encouragement of territorial behaviors by legitimate users, and support for legitimate activity.


Natural Surveillance CPTED directs architects to design parking facilities so that


patrons and attendants have greater visibility, making it harder for criminals to hide or carry out unlawful activities. “Screened ground levels, rather than walls, and open upper


levels allownatural surveillance andmake itmore likely that calls for help will be heard,”Atlas says, although he warns that floor- to-ceiling screening on the ground level can enable criminals to climb to higher floors. When solid walls are necessary, screened portholes, win-


dows or alternative openings should be incorporated wherever possible. This fosters an open environment that allows observa- tion, he says. For new construction,


Atlas recommends round structural support elements rather


than rectangular,


because a round column allows for much greater vis- ibility around corners. In addition, he advises that ramps should be exterior loops, preserving unob- structed lines of sight. A stairwell can be a prime location for criminals to hide or


even assault users. To minimize the security risk, stairwells should be constructed of clear glazingmaterials to allow visibil- ity from the street. Elevators should incorporate similar ele- ments. For example, glass-walled elevators on the building exte- rior provide excellent natural visibility from the street and with- in the garage. Atlas also counsels designers to make stairwells and eleva-


tors centrally located and visible fromthe attendant’s position. In enclosed structures, where stairways and elevators are located in blind spots, CCTV cameras, panic alarms and door-position switches should be utilized. Proper landscaping also is importantwithinCPTEDbecause


it impacts visibility. In general, landscaping should be intermit- tent in size and texture. For example, rather than a solid hedge, a combination of low hedges and high canopy trees allows greater visibility. In addition, all vegetationmust be properlymaintained to enhance visibility and limit potential hiding places. For similar reasons, plants taller than 3 feet should not be placed within 15 feet of entrances.


Natural Access Control “Pedestrian access points in parking facilities often fail to


provide natural surveillance fromthe sidewalk through the garage door,”Atlas says. “At the ground level, it is important to define the perimeter and control access to deter unwanted pedestrians.” Controls can include fencing, level changes, ground floor


protection, and other architectural and environmental barriers that route people to designated entry points and discourage crim-


inals fromhiding outside and inside the parking facility. “Traffic engineers often include multiple access points in


parking structures to increase circulation patterns,”Atlas says. “The more entrances, however, the more difficult it is to control access and ensure security.Consequently,CPTEDguidelines rec- ommend onemeans of entry and exit for all vehicles.” If the volume of traffic requires more entrances,Atlas says


that each access point should have an attendant booth, access- gate arms, roll-down shutters for after-hours closure, CCTV and good lighting.


Encouragement of Legitimate Use An important aspect of CPTED is to encourage the legiti-


Vandalism, graffiti and general disrepair are clear signs to criminals and other undesired users that the site is fair game.


mate users of the space while discouraging criminal activity. This is done, Atlas says, by clearly displaying that the parking structure is the territory of the legitimate users, attract- ing patrons andmaking them feel safe, while at the same time deterring criminals. Facility management


and maintenance can have a positive effect.A clean, well- maintained space – with doors, gates and lights work- ing – makes legitimate users more comfortable while


sending a signal to criminals that the facility is being supervised. In addition, proper security, surveillance systems and light-


ing can make criminals perceive a parking facility as a place where they will be observed and where illicit or suspicious behavior will be challenged. “Vandalism, graffiti and general disrepair are clear signs to


criminals and other undesired users that the site is fair game,” Atlas says. “At the same time, itmakes legitimate users feel inse- cure and has a negative impact on their territorial behavior.” Graffiti in parking environments is a sign that gangs or van-


dals loiter there, and therefore should be removed as quickly as possible.As a preventive approach, wall surfaces can be coated with graffiti-resistant epoxy paint. “Efforts to prevent graffiti warn vandals that the parking


facility is the territory of its rightful owners,”Atlas says. In addition, embedding parking in amixed use development


– by adding retail storefronts such as fast food or car washes – supports legitimate activity, attracts legitimate users, and increas- es territoriality of those users, he says. “When a parking facility follows the CPTED recommenda-


tions in terms of design and operation,”Atlas concludes, “illicit activity will decrease, criminals will search for new ground, and a safe haven will be established for legitimate users.”


Pete Goldin is Technical Editor for Parking World, a sister publication of Parking Today. He can be reached at pete@parkingworld.com.


PT MARCH 2010 • PARKING TODAY • www.parkingtoday.com 19


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