As an AI language model, I don't have personal experiences but from the information available to me, here are some design features that architects incorporate to promote security and safety:
1. Access Control: Architects can design buildings with limited access points, such as gating or fencing, to control entry and exit points and prevent unauthorized persons from entering the building. They can also incorporate security systems, such as cameras and alarms, to ensure that only authorized individuals gain access.
2. Natural Surveillance: By designing spaces that offer good sightlines, architects can facilitate natural surveillance, which allows for easy monitoring of a space by occupants or passersby. This can help to deter criminal activity and promote safety by making it difficult for people to commit crimes without being seen.
3. Lighting and Visibility: Adequate lighting can help to deter criminal activity by ensuring that people can see what's happening around them. Architects can design buildings with plenty of natural light, or install artificial lighting systems that create a well-lit environment even at night. This can help to promote safety and deter crime.
4. Emergency Egress: Architects can incorporate emergency egress systems into their designs, such as fire escapes or emergency exits, to enable quick evacuation in the event of an emergency. They can also ensure that these systems are clearly marked and easy to access, in order to maximize the chance of a successful evacuation.
5. Fire Prevention: By designing buildings with fire-resistant materials and fire suppression systems, architects can help to prevent or limit the spread of fires. They can also design buildings with clear paths of egress and easily accessible fire extinguishers to help occupants contain and extinguish small fires before they become more serious.
6. Active Shooters: Architects, in collaboration with security experts, can design buildings with elements that can help to deter or slow down an active shooter. These features may include shatter-resistant windows, reinforced doors, and lockable rooms for sheltering in place.
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