Architects seek bigger role in war against terrorism

Built environment professionals want the government to initiate terror preparedness drills and engage them in making buildings safer in the face of terrorist attacks.

Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) secretary Mugure Njendu said access points should be strengthened to deter forced entry, with evacuation routes set out in a different part of the building with bend, bumps or chicanes erected along the entry point.

“New buildings must have a review to accommodate safety measures while existing ones need a security risk and threat assessment to understand areas of weakness and to install mitigation measures accordingly,” she said.

COUNTER-TERRORISM

Ms Njendu, an architect and urban planner, says installing counter-terrorism security measures into the design of built up spaces must become mandatory in order to enhance crime prevention.

The AAK secretary said proper design should be made for the ground floor reception area where door and locks should be strong enough to withstand forced entry as well as having a bulletproof facade in case of a firearm-related attack.

“For both existing and new buildings, it is important for building owners and tenants to address response planning in case of a terrorist attack. Counter-terrorism design would see developers invest in better blast resistance material, better building management facilities, better traffic management and hostile vehicle mitigation measures as well as robust oversight,” she said.

NEW DESIGNS

She said experts must incorporate new designs that ensure safety of occupants of all buildings.

Ms Njendu said blast resistance glazing and structural design that reduce risk of buildings collapsing should be the norm, with all buildings secured to ensure controls on entries are done from one location.

She said staircases must be free of broken furniture or old files so as to facilitate faster movement of people in case of an attack.

“Introduce structural measures that prevent access to, or proximity of, unscreened vehicles to the building or space and avoid facades with deep recesses in case of a blast that could bring them tumbling down,” she said.

Ms Njendu added: “At the very least, every facility should develop and implement an emergency plan for protecting employees, visitors, and anyone else in the facility. This part of the emergency plan includes building evacuation, sheltering from severe weather or complete lockdown when faced with an act of violence.”