Security by design : protection of public spaces from terrorist attacks

In recent years, public spaces - from shopping malls, open-air markets and churches to metro stations - have been the target of terrorist attacks in European cities. To prevent terrorists from harming EU citizens, the European Commission supports its Member States to step up their protection of public spaces. That is why the Commission has connected to networks that include, for example, the EU Forum on the Protection of Public Spaces. Through such channels, experts exchange best practice and develop important guidance materials, and EU funding is allocated to projects that enhance the security of public spaces. The 2017 action plan to support the protection of public spaces set out a list of measures to pave the way for effective EU-Member State cooperation in the protection of public spaces. The counter-terrorism agenda of the European Commission built upon this action plan. This agenda boosted experts' ability to anticipate new threats, prevent radicalisation, protect public spaces and enable a quick and more efficient response to attacks and attempted attacks. This is what this book is: delivering on the Commission's commitments on security by design. Created by a broad range of experts from the European Commission and academia, and security experts, this book - although not legally binding - promotes the concept of security by design and gives useful information on how to apply it when designing and building public spaces. It also addresses practical concerns when integrating security measures for project teams, security operators, urban planners and anyone involved in the design or redesign of public spaces. Security by design strives to make public spaces not only safer but also multifunctional, sustainable, beautiful and accessible for all people. In essence, the concept opposes the creation of unliveable urban fortresses. This book will be a useful guide for readers when deciding whether and to what extent they apply protective solutions in public spaces through design. This handbook supports the comprehensive characterisation of the crosscutting challenges in the protection of public spaces and facilitates their protective design, favouring the use of integrative approaches. It is the result of considerable efforts to seamlessly incorporate the protective aspect into practical multifunctional solutions.