Preventing Violence through Architecture – Investigating Built Environment Risk Factors and Preventive Measures
Violence and harassment in the workplace pose a growing challenge, particularly in people-oriented service sectors. Employees in emergency rooms, psychiatric facilities, or municipal service centers are frequently confronted with aggressive behavior, threats, or physical assaults. In addition to organizational and personnel-related measures, architectural and technical strategies for violence prevention are therefore becoming increasingly important.
As part of a research project conducted by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), the Chair of Social and Healthcare Buildings and Design at the TUD Dresden University of Technology is investigating the influence of the built environment on the emergence, prevention, and de-escalation of violent and conflict situations.
The focus is on three areas of people-centered services:
- Central emergency rooms in hospitals
- Psychiatric facilities
- Municipal service centers with direct public access
The research is based on the recognition that the design of the built environment influences human behavior. Building on international concepts such as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), the research examines how spatial design can reduce the potential for aggression and have a de-escalating effect. The focus is not exclusively on traditional security measures, but also on wayfinding, clarity, stress reduction, and health-promoting spatial qualities.
The goal of the project is to systematically review the current state of scientific knowledge regarding structuraland technical risk factors and preventive measures, to expand this through on-site analyses and expert interviews, and to derive scientifically sound planning recommendations for new, renovated, and existing buildings.
The results are intended for both those involved in planning (including architects and hospital operations planners) and those involved in operations (including safety officers, occupational safety specialists, and medical, nursing, and other managers). The goal is to provide evidence-based planning principles that systematically integrate structural violence prevention into architectural and construction processes, thereby contributing to safe work environments.
Project duration: May 1 , 2026 – April 30, 2027
BAuA project website: https://www.baua.de/DE/Forschung/Forschungsprojekte/f2590
© SGB
Research Associate and PhD Student
NameDipl.-Ing. Anne-Sophie Schoß
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Chair of Social and Health Care Buildings and Design
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01069 Dresden