In the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, a number of hastily arranged measures were taken to thwart further terrorist attacks. Understandably, there was little time to design architecturally harmonious airport security stations or protective concrete barriers to follow up those that were put into service in an ad hoc way. Now that terrorism has become a defining condition of our age, it is necessary for engineers, architects, and other professionals to rise to the occasion and design into buildings and public spaces defensive security features that are functionally and aesthetically integral, thereby reclaiming somewhat our quality of life.