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Fighting Crime: An Architectural Approach

NCJ Number
135651
Journal
Journal of Housing Volume: 47 Issue: 4 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: 207-213
Author(s)
R Tell
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Associated Financial Corporation (AFC) in conjunction with the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Prince George's County (Maryland), and the management and residents of the Glenarden apartment complex designed a rehabilitation effort based on the idea of using architecture to deter crime, particularly drug-related offenses.
Abstract
The rehabilitation program cost $31,000 per unit including architectural and development fees, construction interest, financing points and fees, taxes and insurance, legal fees, tenant relocation, and contingency costs. The architectural design was intended to help residents and management regain control of the housing development environment. The plan involved creating five separate villages with gated entry points, thus blocking easy access into and out of the complex, and creating a sense of neighborhood responsibility. Each entrance was equipped with a gate house and designed to allow security monitoring. A perimeter fence surrounded the property with limited points of entry. Existing interior building throughways were blocked and spaces under stairways eliminated. The program also incorporated aesthetic and living environment improvements including playgrounds, new landscaping, outdoor seating areas, and a communal social hall. Each apartment unit was completely renovated. The apartment management worked with local police to assure the success of the new security-driven elements of the architectural design by creating an identification system for cars and residents. The efforts of this team of residents, management, and law enforcement has virtually stopped drug trafficking at the apartment complex.