Safety and security are fundamental to human health and well-being, as highlighted by Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, where they rank just above basic necessities like food and water.
Buildings play a crucial role in this sense of security, by protecting occupants from various threats, including crime, violence, and environmental hazards. The design and operation of buildings significantly influence not only physical safety, but also the sense of psychological security, both essential elements for overall well-being.
Why is this important for our health?
When people don’t feel safe, their bodies activate a “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
While this response is useful in emergencies, chronic stress caused by a persistent feeling of insecurity can have long-term detrimental effects on health. Prolonged exposure to these stress hormones can suppress the immune system, increase blood pressure, and raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
For example, 65.1% of people report experiencing anxiety and stress due to fear of crime, 27.4% experience sleep difficulties, and 10% suffer from depression. High stress levels can lead to autoimmune diseases, exacerbate inflammatory conditions, and contribute to mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How does it manifest in our daily lives?
Fear of crime also limits social interactions and physical activity, further degrading mental and physical health.
People who worry about crime are 1.5 times more likely to develop a common mental disorder and almost twice as likely to suffer from depression than those with lower levels of fear. Furthermore, this fear/stress can contribute to physical inactivity, leading to a higher body mass index (BMI) and an increased risk of obesity-related health problems.
Studies have shown that people who perceive their neighborhood as unsafe have a higher BMI and lower self-reported physical health.
Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of insecurity. Unsafe environments in schools or neighborhoods not only disrupt academic performance but also contribute to poor health outcomes.
Research has linked exposure to neighborhood violence with lower test scores in subjects like English and mathematics. Furthermore, children in unsafe neighborhoods are more likely to suffer from poorly controlled asthma, with higher rates of symptoms such as shortness of breath and nocturnal coughing.
What can we do?
To mitigate these negative effects, building design must prioritize safety measures such as locks, fences, secure entry systems, and surveillance cameras.
For example, after the introduction of enhanced security measures in Liverpool, UK, residents reported a significantly lower fear of domestic crime, which correlated with improved mental health.
Well-designed security features can reduce fear and promote a sense of well-being, highlighting the potential for aligning security strategies with public health goals.
This holistic approach can create environments that not only protect people but also improve their mental and physical health, making secure buildings the cornerstone of a healthy community.
@CAMPUS CONTERN is:
- We have a strictly controlled access system where tenants can only enter their building and office.
- Our indoor parking is only accessible to those who rent parking spaces.
- We have GDPR-compliant cameras in public or outdoor areas
- We have installed easy-to-use defibrillators in each building entrance
- We check our fire and emergency measures as needed
- Our emergency system is connected and closely monitored
Our Goal:
- To ensure our tenants benefit from a healthy and safe work environment. They spend a lot of time in our buildings, so it is our responsibility to do our best to reduce the causes of fatigue and absenteeism, and to promote concentration and performance.
- Protecting our tenants from chronic diseases and playing our part in the National Health Plan.
Source: “The 9 Foundations of a Healthy Building” Harvard School of Public Health – forhealth.org