The built environment is subject to a wide and complex range of security-related threats and hazards. This is the result of an increasingly volatile global security landscape generated by the proliferation of terrorism, separatism, civil disorder and organised crime, an increasingly technologically-advanced approach to cybercrime, and the prevalence of attacks on crowded places aimed at creating mass casualties.
This complex security landscape has led to a growing interest in the subject of resilience. While there are differing interpretations of what this actually means, we describe it as an entity’s ability to adapt and evolve to changing environments whilst minimising the probability and/or impact of all hazards and risk events – a concept that has clear utility in the planning, implementation and operation of the built environment and critical infrastructure.
The nature of the threats and hazards that a specific building or development may face is driven by its location, its function, the profile of its users and what that building is perceived to represent. Therefore, every building – and the approach that must be taken to security during its design, construction and operation – is unique, and the success of built infrastructure in facilitating its designed function relies on it being resilient to these security challenges.
Control Risks has conducted this survey with a view to better understanding the perception and approach taken to security and resilience by those who deal with real estate and critical infrastructure. We surveyed more than 100 architects, developers, investors, end-users and engineers. We have asked who is responsible for security design, when and how security is considered during design and construction, and how important security is considered to be. The findings from the survey are discussed and analysed in this report and provide a comprehensive view on the extent to which the incorporation of security and resilience measures into building design is seen as a crucial part of the overall process for the development of the built environment.