A structure is built to be functional and efficient in meeting the needs of the user and at the same time, it must also protect the user from safety hazards and criminal acts. Strength is the primary requirement in the building envelope and this strength must be provided to a realistic and consistent level over all the walls, roofs and floor bearing in mind the type of neighbourhood (its proneness to crime), target value, threat level and means of access. The factors that raise concern for security relate to:

•  Walls
•  Entrances and Exits
•  Doors
•  Building materials
•  Glazing
•  Windows
•  Roofs

Where a fairly high degree of security is required, the external line of the building must be as straight and unobstructed as possible. There should be no recessed or hidden entrances, projections and no hand-holds for climbing. Rainwater and drainage pipes are common climbing routes; they should be located inside the building. Failing that, they should be wrapped with barbed wires & the space between pipe & wall should be blocked with concrete so that it is not possible to grip the pipe. In absence of a grip, it is not possible to climb the wall.