Towards integrated security and resilience framework: a tool for decision-makers

Recent disasters such as Super Storm Sandy, the Haitian Earthquake and extensive floods across the United Kingdom have highlighted the fragility of cities to a range of hazards and threats thus emphasizing the increasing importance of resilience and disaster risk reduction (DRR) in relation to the management of the built environment. While this makes the role of planning, design and construction stakeholders crucial in implementing the principles of DRR, tensions exist regarding the extent to which DRR measures should be implemented during planning, design and construction process; in particular who should be responsible for the implementation of such measures. This paper presents a web-based Decision-Support System Portal (DSSP) developed during a four-year European Union-funded project which is examining the design and planning of safer urban spaces. Central to the project is an integrated security and resilience (ISR) design framework that engages local stakeholders (that can typically be otherwise disengaged in such matters) in identifying vulnerabilities and improving urban spaces with respect to 'security threats'. The DSSP signposts a broad range of users to relevant advice and guidance that will help them to make more informed decisions about how DRR can be integrated into urban design and planning. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B. V.