Concrete Borders - Terrorism and its Effects on Public Space

Terrorism turned into a recurring topic in the western civilization. Particularly the attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City contributed to that change. In a series of attacks with growing density the safety issue gets higher priority. After the assassination on Breitscheidplatz, Berlin in 2016, where a truck was driven into the crowd on a Christmas market, Europe is also affected. Since then Germany increased safety precautions especially for events. This happens through reinforced police presence but also with misappropriated elements that are used as collision protection and became a regular feature in safety concepts for most events. Media reports and the hysteria caused by them take a substantial role in the safety discussion.

Councils are prone to act rashly by placing huge numbers of mentioned elements in public space. These elements may create a feeling of safety, but at the same time they indicate threats. Their protection qualities are insufficient and they entail additional risk for the usage of public spaces. This master thesis examines the effects of terrorism on public space.

A theoretical analysis and expert talks took place. Recently used safety precautions and elements were investigated and assessed in a catalogue of measures with different criteria. Test designs get developed based on lacks the elements contain and resulting requirements. Additionally the empirical work provides input. The aim of the work is the integration of collision protection measures in public space in consideration of landscape architectural and designing aspects.