Post 9-11, post Iraqi invasion, post (we wish) the War on Terrorism, there is a great deal of interest in safety in the public domain, both in the political realm and among the general public. Individuals and society as a whole are increasingly concerned with protection and security for themselves and their material possessions. These newfound worries have repercussions for the layout, design, and management of public and semi-public places, imposing new demands on artists, designers, commissioners, and policy makers. "Open 6 examines the root causes of the public desire for safety. The authors consider theoretical and practical scenarios, proposals and visions from the realms of