Natural surveillance
Secured by design, Commercial Developments, Version 2, 2015, published by Secured by Design, suggests that natural surveillance is: ‘An architectural design that limits the opportunity for crime by enhancing the chance that a potential offender might be or will be seen. The effectiveness of such measures relies on witnesses reacting to and or reporting what they have seen to others to enforce the law and the potential offender’s expectation of such a reaction.’
Security Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, published by the RIBA in 2023, states: ‘Natural surveillance can be achieved by designing the placement of physical features, activities and people in such a way that maximises visibility of the space and its users. Strategies include designing streets and public spaces to increase pedestrian and bicycle traffic, ensuring potential problem areas, such as pathways, bus stops and ATMs, are well lit, and positioning windows in new buildings to directly overlook pavements and carparks. This approach can also be adopted within internal spaces of buildings.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Guide to ISO 19650 for Architecture Firms (2026)
A user gives their low down.
A UK training and membership provider for mould remediation professionals.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
Independent NSI and BAFE study exploring how organisations are changing the way they buy fire safety services.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.