Secure and Resilient, 24/7
Challenges in planning police and military buildings
Secure and Resilient, 24/7
Challenges in planning police and military buildings
Andreas Rieser
They are symbols of protection and trust in society and must operate around the clock and meet the highest security standards: Designing police and military buildings is multifaceted and complex – a task that requires an integrated approach.
Buildings for the executive branch of government belong to the category of public safety structures. However, the requirements for military and police buildings differ significantly. Military facilities prioritize confidentiality, access control, and camouflage, whereas police buildings must integrate various specialized areas – from interrogation rooms and detention cells to armories, workshops, sports facilities, and residential accommodation.
Executive buildings are part of our critical infrastructure and play a vital role in protecting society. Their design must not only ensure functional versatility and the highest security standards, but also guarantee uninterrupted functionality, even in crisis situations.
Andreas Rieser
Engineer, Managing Director in Nuremberg
The combination of function, security, and identity
The planning of such facilities requires precise compliance with all legal regulations and specific guidelines in order to meet the highest standards for construction, security, and data protection. Close collaboration between architecture, engineering, and specialized experts is therefore essential. Integrated design provides the optimal foundation for addressing functional, aesthetic, and security-related aspects while ensuring long-term operational efficiency.
A well-designed police building is a functional workplace, but it should also serve as a symbol of public safety and order. Architecture can reinforce the authority and identity of the police – through the design of entrance areas, the choice of materials, or distinctive elements such as flags or other emblems.
Andreas Rieser
Engineer, Managing Director in Nuremberg
Maximum security for protection, reliability, and resilience
The security concept for a military facility primarily includes a guarded perimeter fence that prevents unauthorized access to the barracks, as well as highly security-sensitive areas such as armories. In police buildings, spaces with different security levels must be clearly separated. Strict access controls, including biometric scanners, surveillance cameras, and personnel monitoring, prevent unauthorized entry. In emergencies, safe or panic rooms are essential for the protection of building occupants against any threats. Planning consistently differentiates between public, internal, and highly sensitive areas.
Workspaces for police officers must also be designed to offer protection against potential dangers. Bulletproof interrogation rooms and offices, along with well-planned escape routes, are critical. Cutting-edge security technology – cameras, motion detectors, and alarm systems – is just as indispensable as communication systems that ensure constant connectivity, even during emergencies. IT infrastructure and data centers require special protective measures to guarantee the confidentiality of police information. A resilient construction approach ensures protection and operational capability, even during crises and natural disasters.
ESG factors as a key to sustainable executive buildings
Today, sustainability and energy efficiency also affect the planning of security buildings. Strict requirements and continuous operation present challenges for ecological construction. However, intelligent building control, renewable energy sources, and efficient systems help to reduce costs, CO₂ emissions, and resource consumption.
Beyond technical resilience, police buildings must also meet the psychological and physical needs of officers. Bespoke ergonomic workplaces for uniformed personnel and soundproofed and flexible spaces create a productive, secure, and confidential environment. Quiet areas and relaxation rooms are essential in order to counteract workplace stress and support a sustainable work culture.
Outlook for the future: designing for tomorrow’s challenges
Advances in digitalization, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and smart building technologies are significantly impacting the requirements for security structures. The enhanced networking of building technologies and improvements in IT infrastructure are necessary if we are to sustainably meet the growing demands for data protection and cyber resilience. At the same time, these developments enable the design of more efficient and secure buildings focused on long-term sustainability. Future security buildings will leverage intelligent technologies to optimize energy efficiency, enhance security, and promote sustainability. Modular and flexible designs will allow adaptation to changing needs and facilitate the use of renewable energy sources. Integrated design with BIM ensures that new buildings are pre-equipped for future upgrades, enabling preparedness for technological advancements and the development of long-term resilient structures.
Resilient and multifunctional buildings that can adapt to future threats and societal changes are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, security architecture should foster trust and promote inclusion as a bridge to the community.
Andreas Rieser
Engineer, Managing Director in Nuremberg
