Analytical study on sense of safety in urban landscape spaces

Abstract

This paper examines the user behaviours relative to sense of safety in urban landscape spaces. Reconciliation of feelings, emotions and behaviours of user due to image of the space; it may be comfortable or uneasy. Urban become abandoned or uneasy caused by many design issues. It disruption user engagement and assist to create opportunistic crime spaces. Space contain several physical and psychological parameters which have been found on this study. Prospect and refuge theory, figure ground theory, concept of eyes on the street, broken window theory and sense of ‘enclosure’ theory strengthen the selection of parameters. Theoretical parameters are strengthened by visibility, boundary and enclosure and changing elements affect the sense of safety and fear. Beira Lake and Viharamahadevi Park have been selected as cases, because both have similar landscape characteristics. Surrounding path adjoining with roadscape and middle landscape mass add symbolistic similar characters. This study has used questionnaires, interviews, photo and video survey, behaviour mapping and observations to identify safety or fear generating factors considering a sample of participants in the multi ethnic neighbourhoods, visitors and regular visitors in the day time and night time. Compared to Beira lake; Viharamahadevi park gives safer feeling due to width to height ratio. The park has comparatively long width relative to surrounding heights. The Beira Lake is crowded with high rises and length comparatively less than Viharamahadevi Park. It makes uneasy feeling and control user behaviours.