(ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity Practice Exam

What architectural approach focuses on design features to minimize criminal activity?

1. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)

2. Defensive Architecture

3. Security by Design

4. Environmentally Sustainable Design

The correct answer is: Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)

The focus of the architectural approach known as Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) is on how the physical environment can be structured to reduce opportunities for crime. CPTED is rooted in the idea that urban and building designs can influence behavior and deter criminal activity. It emphasizes strategies like natural surveillance, natural access control, territorial reinforcement, and maintenance. By enhancing visibility, controlling access, fostering a sense of ownership among community members, and ensuring that spaces are well-maintained, CPTED aims to create environments that naturally discourage crime. This is achieved through thoughtful placement of structures and landscaping that promote safety and encouraging positive community interactions. In contrast, other approaches like Defensive Architecture focus specifically on defensive design elements, often resulting in less inviting spaces. Security by Design tends to prioritize security measures over environmental considerations, while Environmentally Sustainable Design encompasses a broader range of ecological concerns rather than specifically targeting crime prevention. Thus, while all these approaches incorporate some aspect of design, CPTED distinctly targets crime reduction through environmental strategies.