Designing for Safety and Community in Student Housing
Removable bollards allow emergency vehicle access; natural boulders create seating to foster community at Mesa College Commons in San Diego.
Maha Balachandran, Int’l ASLA
Senior Associate, Northern California Office
We’re thrilled to share that our Northern California Senior Associate, Mahalakshmi Balachandran, was recently published in Multi-Housing News with her article, “Safer Student Housing Through Smart Design.”
In the piece, Maha explores how thoughtful landscapes can do more than beautify a space, they can shape behavior, foster a sense of belonging, and enhance safety without feeling overbearing. She dives into principles like CPTED and tactical placemaking, and shares how intentional choices, like lighting, natural access control, and multifunctional green spaces, can transform student housing environments.
“Security by design isn’t just about adding cameras or bright lights—it’s about shaping environments that naturally discourage crime and encourage positive interaction.”
— Maha Balachandran
Catch Maha Live in May!
Maha will also be speaking at the upcoming Bisnow Northern California Student Housing and Higher Education Summit on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. She’ll join the panel “Enhancing the Student Experience: Building with the Next Generation in Mind” to discuss design trends, sustainability, wellness, and the broader impact of campus communities.
Use code JOINME for a discount: Register here
Hope to see you there!