Tag Archive for: Security

Mixed-Use Development Challenges

Mixed-use development combines two or more uses; residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial into an integrated structure or area. This can be a single building, a conglomeration of several buildings, or sometimes an entire neighborhood or development area. Blending together restaurants, boutiques, and apartments can bring a lot of life to a city corner while […]

Crime prevention through environmental design

As communities work on neighborhood revitalization, one strategy of note is to deter crime through design. When Schmidt Associates studies opportunities in a neighborhood, we use a variety of crime deterrence design strategies including; Natural Surveillance – adding first floor windows onto the street, lowering hedges and fences, providing proper lighting, all provide both the […]

How Do Security Vestibules Work in Schools

Security planning and implementation is critical to keep students and faculty safe in educational facilities. Security vestibules provide additional protection by adding a secured space. Vestibules are secured spaces with two of more sets of doors and an office sign-in area. Once a visitor has signed in and been identified as an authorized visitor, the […]

Eight Drivers and Economic Factors Affecting Changing Technology

Technology seems to be changing at lightning speed. But, what drives this constant evolution? Money – Manufacturers of devices and systems that we use will continue to develop applications to serve our needs. The need to generate revenues motivates this process. Mobility – We are a species that does not want to be restricted. We […]

Seven Technology Trends for 2014

As we enter into the new year, it’s a good time to look at a few trends that seem to be shaping our future. 1. Smartphone exclusivity – Some predictions suggest that 35% of corporate America will have eliminated the desk phone by the end of 2014 in favor of mobile devices for all communications. […]

5 Key Planning Issues for Security Planning Concepts for Educational Facilities

There are 5 key planning issues to consider for security planning for education facilities. 1.      Clear lines of sight One of the most important aspects of planning for a “secure” environment is to establish clear lines of sight. This starts at the entrance to the site. It is very important to have a clear view […]