Undergirding the perceptible dimensions of a liveable city—a bustling economy, dazzling skyline, state-of-the-art infrastructure and amenities—is its ability to provide its people the confidence that their personal safety is ensured and safeguarded. Yet, at times, balancing security and urban design needs presents unique, though not insurmountable, challenges. This Urban Systems Study charts the critical role that security planning and urban design have together played in Singapore’s transformation from being a crime-ridden city some 50 years ago to one of the safest places in the world today.
Planning for a Secure City charts the critical role that security planning and urban design have together played in Singapore’s transformation from being the crime-ridden city that it was some 50 years ago to one of the safest places in the world today. It discusses the country’s use of innovative ideas and technology, its pragmatic approach to security enforcement and urban planning, and its willingness to challenge traditional norms of security provision where necessary. It also examines how neither liveability nor security was compromised in Singapore’s plans to better prepare itself for emerging security and societal threats. This Urban Systems Study additionally highlights how the co-opting or active involvement of the public in various security-related initiatives, and the resulting trust built between the government and people, have complemented and enhanced the efforts of Singapore’s security and planning agencies in creating a secure city.