Since Sept. 11, 2001, security has been a high priority for thiscountry. The most visible component of this security has been themilitary dismantling terrorist strongholds in Afghanistan and aterror-supporting Iraqi dictator. Another component swimmingbeneath the surface is about to become visible. To accomplish it,the government didn't call spies; they called landscapearchitects.
In March 2001 the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC)formed the Interagency Security Task Force (ISTF) to address thesecurity problems faced in Washington, DC. After the attacks, thesolution to protect the nation's capital was to put concrete Jerseybarriers all over the place. This created an unsightly mess andruined Washington's urban fabric. The NCPC wanted to do somethingabout it.
The solution was to assemble several of the nation's majorlandscape architecture firms to design new streetscapes andperimeter buffers. The two-fold objective was to beautify thedowntown area while simultaneously increasing facilitysecurity.
The assembled designers worked within the General ServiceAdministration's urban design guidelines, which identify severalsecurity zones: building yard, sidewalk and curb lane. Thedesigners integrated these guidelines into their designelements.
The proposed solutions utilize ordinary urban elements thatserve dual purposes. Several buildings will gain new raisedplanters next to the buildings. Alongside the sidewalks will be newbollards, raised planters, street furniture, decorative fences andseat planters. These serve to separate the roadway from traffic andwould-be truck bombers and also provide places for new greenery.But it's what can't be seen that bolsters security.
All of the new elements will be hardened or reinforced so theydouble as building security elements. Simply put, if somebody triesto get a wheeled bomb near a building, he's going to find the ironfist in the velvet glove. There will be more steel in thoseelements than a pandering politician.
Similarly, the monuments will be protected by low reinforcedretaining walls called plinth walls. These low walls will be placedaround the monuments to prevent a kamikaze vehicle from assaultingauthentic Americana. Other elements include hardened bollards andrelocating entry facilities to better control access.
The first visible changes will be on Pennsylvania Avenueadjacent to White House. Designer Michael Van Valkenburgh's plan isset for a construction opening in January 2004. Van Valkenburgh'splan creates a pedestrian thoroughfare similar to the National Mallwith an allee of trees and crushed granite paving. Security will beprovided courtesy of reinforced bollards that can be loweredhydraulically at both sides and discretely situated guardhouses.
The plan put forth by the NCPC should serve as a model for majorcities all over the country. The move to enhance security whileupgrading America's urban environment is one people can get excitedabout. The proposed solutions create more secure public spaceswithout putting more men with big guns on street corners.
This model is applicable not only to major cities but alsocollege campuses. Schools such as Ball State could easily integratethese principles to protect their facilities in the event somebodyattempts something unexpected.
Like it or not, everyone has to deal with new security demandsin the Sept. 12 era. The NCPC's ideas are a good remedy. Bollardsand planters are a lot better to look at than a soldier with anassault rifle.
Write to Jeff at mannedarena@yahoo.com
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