NEWS ARTICLE: Move to design out crime

(Building Design,27 July 2007,.www.bdonline.co.uk)

Cabe chair John Sorrell and director of Conran & Partners Sebastian Conran are to head a taskforce to highlight the importance of good design in fighting crime. The group, launched by the Home Office last week, is operating under the working name of the Design & Technology Alliance and will consider architecture as part of its remit.

Conran told BD that a scale rating a building’s “security factor” or crime rating, possibly included in homebuyers’ packs, was one approached being considered.

He proposed a greater exchange of ideas on the subject within architectural education. “The general aim is to improve quality of life for all, which is the mantra of all good designers,” he added.

Alan McInnes, general manager of Association of Chief Police Officers Crime Prevention Initiatives, said the police supported the scheme and hoped to participate.

For more information please contact: Maria Frederikse, Conran & Partners: cp@conranandpartners.com

July 2007