How Interior Design Can Help Stop School Shootings?

The National Rifle Association (NRA) has proposed several measures to make schools safer, including limiting entry to a single point, building a prison-style fence, banning greenery outside schools, and making do without windows. However, with federal legislation likely out of reach, there are other ways to make schools safer.

Architects are designing schools to minimize risk and increase student connection in the wake of ongoing school shootings. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is seeking help from school leaders and policymakers to prevent gun violence in schools. The school’s designers curved hallways to shorten a shooter’s line of sight and added numerous wing walls to give students “shadow zones”.

To help prevent school shootings, K-12 schools may examine the security of their classrooms and doors. Viewing security as an integrated part of the overall architectural design process is crucial. A Clemson researcher in developmental and educational psychology who also trains future teachers is working to determine possible better ways to protect students, faculty, and staff.

In conclusion, the NRA suggests limiting entry to a single point, building a prison-style fence, banning greenery outside schools, and making do without windows. With federal legislation likely out of reach, there are other ways to make schools safer, such as putting oneself in a shooter’s shoes and implementing lockdown procedures, encouraging surveillance among citizens, metal detectors, increased police presences, and data-mining. By focusing on these strategies, schools can create safe and engaging learning environments that prevent school shootings.