CPTED For You

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CPTED FOR YOU A Brief Introduction With Strategies For Anyone & Everyone

Stephanie Quan

BFA, M.Arch


PREFACE

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A BRIEF LESSON ON CPTED

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STRATEGIES FOR THE URBANITE

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1 graphics & signage 2 sight lines 3 art as deterrence 4 empathy for the homeless 5 public seating & furniture 6 greenify 7 walkability 8 lighting 9 placemaking 10 community connectivity 11 windows 12 divide spaces 13 tactical urbanism 14 design leftover space 15 measuring safety & spatial quality CASE STUDY ANALYSES

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Calgary, Alberta, Canada Tokyo, Japan POSTFACE

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REFERENCES

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PREFACE WHY CPTED? Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is the process of designing security into the built environment to reduce the opportunity for, and fear of, crime and disorder (Atlas, 2013) to improve the quality of life. Unfortunately, it is often neglected by designers in the priority of function and cost. Beyond building code which mainly addresses serious health and safety issues but the laws are only limited to architectural features such as fire safety, egress design, and structural integrity while ignoring the considerations for crime or terrorism. Then when the design fails to support the users over time, the responsibility trickles down to the owners trying to better the project to fit the unaddressed needs. The strategies presented to implement CPTED in urban environments shouldn’t be a design afterthought, it should be one in the same as holistic designing is becoming the norm. Secondly, safety has also been compromised in the age of the automobile. Pedestrians have been pushed to the edges and yet urban design doesn’t fully consider each facade but rather just the one facing the street. The leftover spaces created by buildings and streets are therefore the final priority, decorated with some sprinkling of vegetation before the curb. There is so much potential in simple addition of seating, thoughtful greenery, and events to activate the site. The purpose of this report is to start to educate policy-makers, planners, practitioners, architects, professionals and students, but most importantly, enthusiastic citizens and communities that the spaces serve and therefore, are the ones suffering from the deteriorating experience. To have in the back of their minds, the principles of CPTED and how easy it can be to enhance the safety of the community just by paying more atention to detail. Awareness is a powerful tool, and along with the determination of one person or a group, change can be made. It is crucial to resist the rush for quick solutions as it may yield optimal results in the long run and to keep in mind that results may not be seen immediately either. But little by little, each act will make a difference in reclaiming safer space back to the user. Greenberg, Rohe and Williams (1982) argued that there are two categories that affect crime rate: the physical and the social. The physical characteristics include street pattern, the arrangement of buildings’ layout and the diversity of the land use, while the social characteristics relate to the occupants, using variables such as residential stability, racial and economic composition and neighborhood change. This report considers both aspects, large and small, from initial design of a space to designing after a space has been proven to have attracted crime or create a doubt in any users’ or passerby’s sense of safety.

STRATEGIES IN THIS BOOKS AIMS TO… inspire creative and effective responses to change failing built environments from any concerned citizen. Some urban and rural environments have lost their economic and/or social impetus; sites that have been neglected, forgotten, discounted, or peripheral, all of which can be revitalized across the world through surprising, energetic, and playful strategies. Common principles of success tend to be cross-disciplinary, socially engaged, environmentally aware, and inventive - all found within each city. This report is not meant to be all encompassing but rather enable the ability and hope that at the scale of the community, many current issues can be tackled and the quality of life for our families and neighbours can be improved with minimal to no government involvement. 3


CPTED A BRIEF LESSON

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THE CHALLENGE The city is always in constant flux and always growing. With an exponentially increasing population comprised of strangers, the dynamic urban life can become environments we deem as unsafe and uncomfortable. In cases like these, we often turn to communities associated with where we work or live for familiarity and a sense of place. Communities become the small town where one feels safe and we can further create positive communities by improving planning and design decisions in ways that balances public safety with the built environment. When it comes to both policing and planning cities, most people are familiar with the traditional methods of reducing criminal activity and the negative behavior such as surveillance cameras and security guards, but there are better ways. The benefits and opportunities to incorporate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) within our cities are plentiful. This report is intended to provide a basic understanding of CPTED as well as a sample of strategies for both design professionals and the general public to apply the theory and concepts to their community. SO WHAT IS CPTED? The National Crime Prevention Institute (1986) defines Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) as:

that present itself in poorly designed environments. Simply put, the CPTED approach is based on reducing those opportunities by manipulating the built environment in order to affect users’ behaviour that will reduce crime and the fear of crime (Cozens, 2007b). A study conducted by Parnaby (2007) revealed that today’s CPTED proponents claimed that modifying environmental design can reduce opportunities of criminal acts, mitigate fear of crime, and provide a better quality of life to improve human health. Hedayati (2009) conducted a similar survey in Penang, Malaysia and it was found that the CPTED approach has been quite helpful to negatively influence crime. This environmental design model relies on an integrated approach based on key principles to define and defend space, as opposed to the not so subtle fencing-off and barricading of space to prevent access of unauthorized persons (Grand Forks, 2017). CPTED is more than the sterile, unsightly, and unfriendly traditional security practices such as bars on windows, security guard booths, surveillance cameras, and barrier walls. This approach to security design recognizes the intended use of space and takes advantage of opportunities for natural access control, surveillance, and territorial enforcement through natural, mechanical, and procedural means (Sorensen, 2007) which will be discussed in further detail.

…a crime prevention philosophy based on the theory that the proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the fear of crime as well as an improvement in the quality of life.

…CPTED works by decreasing a criminal’s ability to commit crime and increasing the chances that legitimate citizens will see the crime. CPTED goes beyond traditional security methods by naturally integrating security measures into the community.

Generally, there are four approaches to crime prevention, namely: (a) the legal system or the enforcement of policed control systems; (b) social approaches; (c) approaches relating to the crime perpetrators; and, (d) approaches through environmental design. (Marzbali et al., 2012) Each one of these approaches has their own unique and different measurement methods in changing the behavioural patterns of an individual in committing crime. Between the four methods of crime prevention, the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) approach is perceived to have a stronger effect in influencing fear towards crime (Nasar & Fisher, 1993). This is due to the fact that the CPTED approach involves constant elements that may be modified through planning and design.

This theory is based on the argument that most crime events partially arise due to the opportunities

To highlight the difference between security implications and design implications in the context

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of CPTED, examples of each are (Atlas, 2013): Security Strategies: key control, employee status verification, control of after hours access, security manpower to sign in and supervise entry and exit (the things that come after the architects’ job is more or less complete). Design Strategies: sign in desk, design of access control system to allow staff to control entry and log in movement, placement of garbage dumpsters, location of service elevators and doors, alarm systems for offices and control room tie-in and deactivation Again, this has been proven through several studies which discovered that the physical environment can open up opportunities for crimes to be committed (Anastasia & John, 2007; Taylor & Harrel, 1996). According to Lamya Rostami Tabrizi and Ali Madanipour (2006), physical layout, housing typologies as well as neighbourhood outlook and appearance are the main criteria that become the focus for the occurrence of crime. This aspect is believed to have a correlation with certain physical configurations which may generate more comfortable surroundings in which people can communicate and act in a better and easier way (Bynum & Purri, 1984).

In the 21st century, it may feel like “crime is part of our way of living,” (Brantingham & Brantingham, 1993) but urban design professionals and the citizens have a duty to create change, even if it transpires in smaller, incremental steps. The fear of crime and has become a major disturbance for residents in urban areas (Nasar & Jones, 1997). This signifies a call to action, the need for a conglomerate of crime prevention strategies to be taken. WHY IS CPTED IMPORTANT?

“urban design… can be defined as the multidisciplinary activity of shaping and managing urban environments, interested in both the process of shaping and the space it helps shape. Combining technical, social, and expressive concerns, urban designers use both visual and verbal means of communication, and engage in all scales of the urban socio-spatial continuum. Urban design is part of the process of the production of space.” (Madanipour, 1997)

The public urban realm is where daily activities occur – traveling to work, shopping, eating out, talking, exercise (Ewing & Clemente, 2013). It’s our daily life in which we value a sense of belonging and a place of safety. Safety and security have always been major human needs throughout history (Cozens, 2007a, 2008). Maslow (1970) proposed that the hierarchy of the most basic human needs includes five levels where safety needs is at the second level after physiological needs. The 2009 British Crime Survey (BCS) report indicated that 10.7 million crimes were reported in 2008/2009 (Walker, Flatley, Kershaw & Moon, 2009). The findings show that our society needs to be “aware against crime and fear of crime providing human health and safer communities. Therefore, it is important to explore methods to prevent crime in order to diminish the adverse effects of criminalities on human wellbeing.” (Marzbali et al., 2011.) Additionally, the 2009 BCS also found that residents in urban areas are exposed to higher risk of being victims compared to residents in rural areas (Higgins & Millard, 2009).

It may be architects and planners that have the expertise in this aspect but it can be said that

It is important, though, to emphasize that CPTED does not provide universal solutions for every

THE ROLE OF URBAN PROFESSIONALS & THE CITIZEN Ali Madanipour, urban design theorist and scholar at the University of Newcastle in England, asserts that:

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the responsibility of shaping successful urban environments extend beyond these professions. Any citizen, neighbour, shop owner, etc. are encouraged to analyze, understand, interpret, and intervene in ways that may better their surrounding space to make an improved place for everyone. In fact, they may even better understand what needs to be changed because they have daily first-hand experience of the state of the streets. Subsequently, when crime does occur, they are the victims – the ones whom have the most at stake.


situation. Rather, CPTED focuses on planning, design and management strategies that need to be tailored to a community’s specific needs and situation. (Grandforks, 2017) From vandalism, industrial espionage, shoplifting, and employee theft to burglary, terrorism, rape, and assault, crimes endangers lives, threaten the built environment, and drive up the cost of business. (Atlas, 2013) Also according to Atlas (2013), it comes down to the systematic integration of design, technology, and operation for the protection of three critical assets:

1. People – arguably the most important asset which includes visitors, VIPs, employees, clients, and service providers.

2. Information – an increasingly important business asset that could contain vital information which includes computer records, blueprints, financial information, proprietary secrets, personnel records, and security plans.

3. Property – the more tangible and calculative possessions which includes cars in a parking lot, airplanes in a hanger, and office supplies in a closet.

Evidence suggested that integrating physical safety in a project from the start rather than modifying it at a later stage can decrease design costs in the longterm (Crowe, 2000; Neill, Rueda, & Savage, 2009). Therefore, architects, designers and planners should take security attributes into consideration in new developments at the planning and design stage. (Marzbali, Abdullah, Razak, Tilaki, 2011.) This could avoid future issues such as needing to have additional security personnel costs, expensive retrofitting, distort building design function, restrict visual and physical openness of a building with non-efficient use of space, as well as non-aesthetically pleasing alarm systems or blocked windows and doors. CPTED is a relevant step in the right direction towards solutions for owners and users alike. HISTORY OF CPTED The earliest foundations of crime prevention by means of design can be traced back as long ago as the 1960s and 1970s. It was initially grounded by

Jane Jacobs (1961), author of ‘The Death and Life of Great American cities’, whom claimed that diverse land use is a key factor in preventing crime. She suggests that neighbourhoods have many different functions such as residential, commercial, and leisure activities centers (Jacobs, 1961). Jacobs logic was that with diverse land use, there comes “a basic supply of activities and eyes,” (Jacobs, 1961) which refers to an increased continual flow of people enhancing natural surveillance as an effective factor in preventing crime. Jacobs ‘eyes on the streets’ theory uses tactics such as mass personal observation, orienting buildings toward the street, clearly distinguishing public and private domains, and placing outdoor spaces in proximity to intensively used areas (Atlas, 2013). Jumping forward, the notion of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) appeared in a 1971 book by criminologist and sociologist C. Ray Jeffery. He took an interdisciplinary approach to crime prevention, drawing from criminal law, sociology, psychology, administration of justice, criminology, penology, as well as newer fields at the time such as system analysis, decision theory, environmentalism, behaviourism, and several modes of crime control. To summarize, the key principles of the Jeffrey’s initial concept included natural surveillance, natural access control, and natural territorial reinforcement. Soon after, an inspired Oscar Newman further looked into the idea of territorial reinforcement and found that urban housing architecture was, in part, vulnerable to crime because of poor design and lack of territorial responsibility by residents (Newman, 1972). Research has shown that criminals do not move about randomly through their environment looking for a target (Repetto, 1974) but instead, use a spatial search process to try to find victims or targets that match their perceptual generalizations, then use environmental cues to determine a path to their target (Atlas, 2013). A study of council housing estates in Sheffield, UK found that there is a significant negative relationship between territorial functioning as a crime prevention strategy and victimization, indicating that high territoriality is associated with less crime experience (Abdullah, 1999). Newman’s defensible space patterns provided a basic system

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to reduce crime vulnerability, especially in the category of residential burglary. The US National Crime Prevention Institute (1986), defines crime prevention as: “The anticipation, recognition and appraisal of a crime risk and the initiation of some action to remove or reduce it”. Meanwhile, the National Institute of Justice (1997) interpreted the term place-specific crime prevention as referring to “coordinated programs of change specifically, physical design, security, and property management changes that are targeted to a particular place and its problems” which retained a location centered focus. In the place-based crime prevention methods, there are four classical theories: defensible space, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), situational crime prevention, and environmental criminology (Schneider & Kitchen, 2007). ringing back Jacobs ‘eyes on the street’ theory, Ben Hillier (1988) criticized defensible enclaves that prevent the natural movement of people by excluding all strangers, regardless of whether they are predatory or peaceable. He argued that the presence of people enhances the feeling of safety in public space and provides the primary means by which a space is naturally policed. The

Access Control Formal Organized Surveillance

Natural Surveillence Target Hardening

Activity Program Support

Territoriality

Defensible Space

Figure 1. Tim Crowe’s Key Concepts in CPTED Source: Atlas, 2013

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more natural presence of people is eliminated, the greater the opportunity for danger. Poyner and Webb (1991) noted that the spatial layout of an area plays a key role in preventing residential burglary. Consistently, the study conducted by Shu (2009) suggested that types of street use and the degrees of road accessibility play an effective role in distribution of crime. In 1991, criminologist Tim Crowe refined the ideas of Jeffery, Newman, and Jacobs to establish a system to categorize CPTED solutions. (Figure 1) Crowe also suggests that there are three basic classifications to crime prevention through environmental design measures (Atlas, 2013):

1. Mechanical methods – also referred to as target hardening, this approach emphasizes hardware and technology systems. It’s best not to solely rely on this measure but instead, use it in context with people and design strategies. Examples include gating, security screens, and similar physical barriers.

2. Organizational or human methods – focus on teaching individuals and vested groups steps they can take to protect themselves, or the space they occupy, at home or work. Examples include security patrols, designated or capable guardians, and other strategies using people as the basis of security with the ability to observe, report, and intervene.

3. Natural methods – designing space to ensure the overall environment works more effectively for the intended users, while at the same time deterring crime...; through good space planning and architecture to reduce user and use conflicts by planning compatible circulation patterns. Examples include strategic placement of entry and exit points, parking lots, a sense of territory, as well as other ways to reduce the ease of opportunity for crime.

There are two main approaches to crime prevention and the first is quite familiar to the general public. The ‘dispositional’ approach focuses on removing


or reducing an individual’s motivation to commit crimes, through education and moral guidance, sanctions, and penalties, and/or social economic development (Atlas, 2013). The second, codified by Ron Clarke (1997a), is the ‘situational’ approach whereby once an offender has made the initial decision to offend, certain techniques make the commission of that crime in that particular place more difficult. It focuses attention on the opportunity of crime. It is an ongoing debate which approach is most effective. In theory, reducing the motivation to offend is innately superior but it is difficult to gather data on this to compare to traditional methods of increasing the effort, risk, and penalty of offence. In 1998, Saville and Cleveland created SecondGeneration CPTED. It moves beyond the designaffects-crime debate to include social factors. It once again grasps Jane Jacobs’ original formulation that a sense of neighbourliness and community are at the core of safe streets (Colquhoun, 2004). It incorporates a wide range of social crime prevention strategies in a holistic way, but it does so in specific situations in local places. First-Generation CPTED aims to enhance territorial control and defensible space, but Second-Generation CPTED extends that concept by acknowledging that people are not likely to have strong territorial feelings unless they develop a sense of shared standards for positive behaviour and neighbourliness. They must actually care about the people and place where they work, play, and live, and they cannot limit that caring to just their shared public places. Prevention must expand into the private areas of community life if it is to become truly holistic. Only then can sustainable safety emerge from those shared standards of behaviour that bring people together for a common purpose (Shu, 2000). KEY PRINCIPLES OF FIRST-GENERATION CPTED SURVEILLANCE Natural surveillance involves the design and placement of physical features, activities and people to maximize visibility of the site to deter criminal activity by keeping intruders easily observable. Natural strategies features pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and streets, windows, front porches, low landscaping, raised entrances such as front porches

help promote casual observation, or ‘eyes-on-street’, which in turn increases a sense of defensible space that discourages undesirable activity. Mechanical strategies include appropriate night time lighting and CCTV, while organized methods include placement of police, security, and receptionists. ACCESS CONTROL Natural access control is directed at reducing the opportunity and accessibility for crime. It is to deny access to a crime target and create in offenders, a perception of risk and detection, delay, and response. Natural strategies features security zoning (dividing space into zones of differing security levels, such as unrestricted, controlled, restricted. Mechanical strategies include target hardening such as locks and key systems, door and window frame reinforcement material, and frame mounting to make it difficult to tamper with, penetrate, or remove. Organized methods include placement of security guard forces and gated security booths. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Natural territorial reinforcement understands that people naturally protect a territory that they feel is their own, and have a certain respect for the territory of others. If the physical boundaries that delineate public and private space are expanded, as through outdoor patios or building canopies that extend out into the public realm, then the sense of ownership (and protection) will also be extended to that space. This strategy works on the basis that if there is someone present who has responsibility for the space they will be more likely to observe criminal behavior and therefore reduce incidents of undesirable activity. The sense of proprietorship and territorial ownership can also alert potential offenders that they don’t belong there, are at risk of being seen and identified, and that their behaviour will not be tolerated or go unreported. Natural strategies feature fences, walls, and landscaping while mechanical methods include perimeter sensing systems, and organized methods include neighbourhood crime watches, guard stations, and concierges. 9


EXPANSION ON INITIAL KEY PRINCIPLES LEGIBILITY Legibility is part wayfinding (allowing people easily to know where they are and how to get to where they are going), and part connection (allowing people to move efficiently and safely between places they are most likely to frequent). Creating strong destinations within a city that are animated with activities which are connected by pedestrian-friendly environments that are logical (easy to read) as to where they lead and provide alternative ‘escape routes’ will result in people having greater confidence and being more observant of their surroundings. (Ekblom, 2011) OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Operations and Management is related to the sense of ‘pride of place’ and that regular maintenance and upkeep of an area demonstrates that someone cares and is watching. The “Broken Window Theory” (Wilson, 1982) stresses the importance of a hint of disorder (ie. the first broken window) in generating and sustaining more serious crime. Regular maintenance of the built environment and its physical elements such as lighting, paint, signage, and walkways signifies to the criminal element that someone cares and is responsible for upkeep, which in turn advertises that the owner will defend the property against crime and incivilities. While it is important to maintain a clean appearance, it is equally important to understand how the selection of materials and finishes will have an impact on operational regimes so that it can be sustained over time. For example, plant material should be selected for its size at maturity to avoid blocking of sight lines and exterior finishes should minimize potential for vandalism and graffiti ‘tagging’ (Grand Forks, 2017). LEGITIMATE ACTIVITY SUPPORT This involves the appropriate use of functional building spaces, such as recreational facilities and common areas. Activity supports attracts and fills the area with legitimate users which causes any deviant users to avoid. It is important that the opposite is also true. A crime prevention program is only effective if the residents engage in the defined, 10

designated, and designed legitimate activities that were intended by the architecture and functional space or building. (Ekblom, 2011) DISPLACEMENT Initially cited as one of the biggest criticisms of CPTED, it has since become a grey area with supporters on both sides of the equation. On one hand, simply moving crime from one place to another offers no real solution to neighbourhood problems. However, a positive example of displacement would be displacing teens out of a troubling area to a nearby recreation center where programs are established and “eyes on the street” is abundant. If displacement is controlled, it can be a CPTED practitioner’s best tool. Crime displacement can also work as a disruption to criminal activity until continual movement of territory weakens the sustainability of the criminal behaviour. (Ekblom, 2011) SECOND-GENERATION CPTED Second-Generation CPTED reduces crime by holistically dealing with the cultural, social, and emotional needs of people at the specific locales where crime is or may be most acute. The four new strategies are termed the four C’s: SOCIAL COHESION Social cohesion looks to enhance relationships between residents as well as aims to educate the citizens in an ongoing manner. There are two components: Social Glue – involves strategies that bring members of the community together to take responsibility for their street, block, organization, or town. Examples include social events planned by the neighbourhood to educate new methods to deal with crime risks using a problem-based learning (PBL) strategy. Positive Esteem – relates to the characteristics that individuals within the neighbourhood need for cohesion to occur, mainly conflict resolution and self-confidence skills. When community participants fail to feel that conflicts rarely get resolved, they may


retreat back to their homes in isolation, resulting in social alienation. If conflicts are resolved in a negative way, such as physical altercations, this may lead to violence. Emotional intelligence training can mitigate this problem by providing methods to enhance individual competencies in self-awareness and conflict resolution without violence. (Salovey and Mayer, 1990; Goleman, 1995).

and disorder incidents (Saville and Wong, 1994). On the other hand, examples of positive social stabilizers to balance and counter the negative such as too many abandoned homes besides keeping these crime generators below the critical threshold, are community gardens, street entertainment, and street vendors.

CONNECTIVITY Connectivity means the neighbourhood has positive relations and influence with external agencies, such as government funding sources. Although internal cohesiveness is an important factor, it is important for communities not to operate in isolation (Barton and Silverman, 1994). Strategies include establishing linked web communities, communication with media outlets to publish success or solicit public support, and fostering neighbourhood empowerment teams for participatory planning. COMMUNITY CULTURE Community Culture brings the local residents together in common purpose which brings about a sense of place and genuine care for each other and the want to exert territorial control in the first place (Adams and Goldbard, 2001). Strategies to boost community culture include presence and effectiveness of gender and minority equality programs, and prevalence of special places, festival, and events that extend the social and cultural diversity within a neighbourhood. THRESHOLD CAPACITY Threshold Capacity seizes on the concept of social ecology to balance land uses and social stabilizers. Stabilizers include safe congregation areas or events for younger people while minimizing destabilizing activities that tip an area into crime, such as illegal pawn shops and abandoned buildings. Another threshold concept is the ‘tipping point’ (Saville, 1996) which speaks about a movement towards community imbalance. It refers to the capacity of any given activity or space to properly support the intended use. For example, too many bars in a small area can generate an exorbitant number of bar related problems such as assaults, drunk driving,

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CPTED STRATEGIES

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GRAPHICS & SIGNAGE Traditionally, formal strategies for physical/visual surveillance include CCTV, security personnel, and/or signage depicting the use of these mechanisms because it was believed that having these devices easily visible to send a signal to the offender of the percieved risks of being caught. Improving on those ideas today, there are more aesthetically pleasing and positive ways to convey warnings and maintain a sense of safety. In both cases, prevention is key! Graphics are symbols that pictorially portray an image or convey a message. Signs are made to communicate a message – good or bad – using letters, words, or graphics/symbols. Signs can state ground rules or reinforce laws, disclose what is prohibited, what is encouraged as well as simply act as entrance signs, directional guides, instructional, or informational signs. As a territorial reinforcement strategy, it is desirable to have space and its functions clearly delineated and understandable at a glance. With the help of signs, areas such as the entrance can be more apparent and define a sense of arrival, as well as the vehicular path to the parking versus pedestrian routes. In the first generation of situational CPTED, signage and wayfinding is a way of removing excuses and putting the responsibility on the user as well as inducing shame and guilt as the main preventive measure (Clarke, 1997a). But it is important to keep in mind that merely putting up a sign does that relieve the owner of legal liability or completely guarantee compliance, it is rather a reduction method informing expectations and consequences. Although this has been effective in reducing crime and terror, there are ways to break the negative connotation of graphics and signage being strictly functional, bare, and generally being an intimidating sign resulting in heavy consequences if violated. With hopes that playful considerations beyond the necessary information will futher encourage legitimate behaviour and a uniqueness to our daily surroundings.

NO WORDS AT ALL For a sign to be clearly read by a person with 20/20 vision at 50 feet, the letters need to be 6 inches in height while graphics and symbols should be at least 15 inches in height (Atlas, 2013). So to make things simpler, art itself can be just as effective in communication as a typical sign.

Pavement Art in North London Source: Telegraph News

Specialized in 3D artwork, Joe Hill and Max Lowry drew this amazingly realistic optical illusion of a deep canyon was brought to life in Islington, North London. The pavement art was drawn in an attempt to slow down careless cyclists who ignore pedestrians.

Although this particular design and placement was commissioned by British Waterways, it’s an excellent example of achieving similar results with a more creative solution. Cyclists and motorists tend to ignore or not even see the mundane sign on the side of the path but this also adds a unique delight to our day and word is even spread throughout the community.

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PLAYFUL LANGUAGE

Alert Sign for Kids Playing Nearby Source: The Step2 Company, LLC

Warning Sign in Japan Source: jpninfo.com

Not just regulation reminders for warning signs for safety and legality, but to go beyond the requirements for extra safety by means of interesting and memorable ways to convey the same message. From reflective cutouts for the community to elongated paintings on the road and signage with graphics that even kids can understand from a young age and learn the proper rules and warning signs.

PROJECT EDUCATION

SW 12th Avenue Green Street Information Sign Source: ASLA Organization

Sign Indicating Entrance to Alleyway Art Project Source: Market Octavia Living Alleys Toolkit

Almost as important as revitalizations and other projects themselves are the communication of these projects to the community. In addition to informing and orienting, signs can reinforce a unique sense of identity and help draw people to an area or project. The green street initiative on SW 12th Avenue is an award winning project and it not only gives pride to the community its in, it lets other passerbys take notice and learn about the importance of the idea. Giving some information about the concept and displaying an entry sign invites the general public with a welcoming and friendly opportunity to see the significance of your hard work. 14


SIGHT LINES Just as sight lines are important for both the pedestrian and the vehicle at intersections, they are crucial for all users in any given environment at all times. Informal strategies include strategically considering the sight line throughout the day depending on the use of the space. For example, in an office building, the reception desk may be placed near a window to oversee incoming people and bypassing events, but also to oversee facility employees and existing resources. The more eyes the better; also aiding in placemaking, public people-watching is a form of natural surveillance and could be a free way in attracting attention from people walking by and spreading ideas through word of mouth. Some aspects to consider are having clearly defined and inviting entranceways, pedestrian paths for usage and patrol, and seating areas for prolonged stay. A technical component of sight lines as shown in the drawings on the left, are to keep any possible obstruction, vegetation or terrain below 32 inches and above 8 feet (Cumberlidge, C., & Musgrave, L., 2007) to allow for the best sight lines from the most people.

LET’S BE OPEN Diagrams Depicting Good and Bad Examples of Surveillance and Visibility Source: http://web01.redland.qld.gov.au/robo/rps/rps-v5-1/Part_11_-_Planning_ Scheme_Policies/11.16_-_Safer_by_Design.htm

Image of a House Practicing Good CPTED Source: St Pete Police Department

Kaimuki Community Park In Hawaii, USA Source: Yelp

There are numerous advantages to being open, both in terms of physical space and mentally. Sight line mentality applies to our place of work as well as our place of play and rest but that is actually where it is most neglected. We may have previously believed that higher fences and bushes will shield ourselves from any possible intruders and crime but in fact, that protects the criminals from being caught. The more chances of being seen, the safer you actually are. To improve the chances of safety, effective sight lines from neighbours who know you and therefore care more will be more willing to take action when suspicious activity occurs. Fencing choices that are CPTED approved would be lower and constantly maintained so that visibility is maximized. To see and to be seen for safety reasons requires a clear and logical layout and orientation of aspects we will later discuss such as windows at all levels of a building. The images shown on the left all show that a place is cared for and frequented, not just for maintenance but regular usage. All these components work together to deter criminal activity and terrorism for the community. 15


ART AS DETERRENCE In the past, most art is seen as vandalism and therefore it was commonly seen for buildings to be comprised of materiality such as finished concrete masonry block that is fired or glazed and aided with graffiti- and scratch-resistant spray paint. Still in use are exterior surfaces that are pretreated with graffiti- and vandalism-resistant sealers. In the perspective of CPTED, there are other ways to prevent unwanted vandalism and misuse. In fact, art itself can be seen as an opportunity that can be exploited to deter unwanted behaviour. Improv Playing on the Streets of Glasgow Source: UK Design Council Organization

A Water Fountain Feture in Garden Place, Hamilton Source: Auckland Design Manual

Community Alley Fence Revitalization Source: Green Alleys Organization

Public art enhances a pedestrian’s experience of space and adds interest, this is turn adds more foot traffic to a space and ensures safety in the number of eyes on the street. Both temporary and permanent art generates legitimate activity support. Some examples include sculpture, art installations, artistic pop ups, cared for paths/gardens, murals, water fountains (large and small), performance areas, sitting and reflective areas. Characteristics of a wall, ground, and any surface directly influences the potential for crime, so putting in the effort to show there are people who will protect the art will deter criminal thought and activity. Art fosters local community connectivity and can even be an outlet for the artistic regardelss of artistic ability. Art can sometimes acts as a transition between the public and the private, it attracts visitors and neighbours to use the inbetween space. Most importantly in the CPTED sense, good public art and location acts as a visible symbol that shows care for a place. That care displaces the broken windows theory and signifies that a place will be maintained due to greater investment from the people. Public art can tell a story of an area’s historic, cultural, social, and personal values which aids in bringing character and identity to a place. Placemaking is an equally important concept in territorial reinforcement. A visually interesting and uniquely defined space can actually increase the radius of territorial reinforcement and number of people who care as well.

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Public Art Cat Dumpsters Source: Crime Prevention HQ


EMPATHY FOR THE HOMELESS

The Dignity Village Program in Portland, Oregon, USA 13 Years Later Source: Tent City Urbanism

Metal Studs In Montreal and London That Deter the Homeless Source: The Guardian

Often called “non-legitimate users” , the homeless are often treated with less respect, more judgement, and have even been victim to hate crime. Homelessness is pervasive in every city and is not easy abolish. It takes a lot of time, effort, and funds; a problem bigger than one can solve with 1st or 2nd generation CPTED but we can help in small steps. For starters, perhaps we at least readjust the term to be more objective towards the situation rather a perception of personal judgement on another being without knowing the full story. An example of this would be addressing the problem instead of the person, such as using the term “nonlegitimate usage” or “unwanted usage” instead of suggesting that they are undesirable as a whole. Instead of alienation, we need to change the conversation around the homeless. The 1st generation of CPTED is generally less empathetic and look to simply divert, catch, or displace as “solutions”. In the case of displacement, forced relocation has been used by cities that sponsor major events such as the Olympics is a process known as social cleansing (Vale & Gray, 2013). The objective being the portrayal of their best front towards the global media and public by hiding the “bad”. Long-term solutions involve experts and advocates working in assitance programs that provide help in life aspects such as repairing bad credit histories, information in affordable housing, financial and personal management skills training, drug and alcohol counseling, and programs dealing with mental illness. The only problem is that the actual underlying problem isn’t be dealt with, only the immediate symptoms of homelessness. The 2nd generation of CPTED looks to more comprehensive and in-depth strategies such as creating social programs and getting residents, service providers and the homeless to work together and create livable environments. These methods develop more inclusive and sustainable strategies such as The Dignity Village project where local volunteers and the homeless voluntarily building a small village, constructed of recycled materials, tiny homes for each person, a garden for growing food, and some basic amenities such as toilets. While not a long-term solution to homelessness, the Dignity Village program offers a temporary, and humane, respite from sleeping on a sidewalk in the rain. It provides more sanitary and safer conditions for the homeless while they recuperate their life back to where they want it to be. As a positive step forward and towards a solution starting with a change in the narrative because there are people in the community who care, advocating against designs such as “anti-homeless studs”. These “pigeon spikes” have caused public uproar in London, whereby the mayor publicly responded with disgust, protestors have poured concrete over spikes, and petitions have been signed to rid of some more (The Guardian, 2014). Better action to take would be to first educate ourselves on the help our city can provide for them and relay the information to the homeless, maybe respectfully listen to their story, politely and appropriately let them know that they can’t stay if needed and they will respect that, as they don’t want to cause any trouble either.

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PUBLIC SEATING & FURNITURE A powerful catalyst in reinforcing the public realm especially in the urban fabric, public space not only refers to parks and free access, but in the wider sense, the public city can looked at in three key components (Palazzo, 2007): (1) Infrastructures - the physical components to move, to organize, or to deliver goods, supplies, commodities, and people: roads, rail networks, bridges, parking spaces, sidewalks, bike paths, sewer systems, water and electric supply, telephone lines, cables, and natural gas distribution. (2) Public facilities - hospitals, schools, theatres, sports amenities, libraries, places of worship, and cultural or entertainment centers. (3) Public spaces - the places where people interact with built elements: squares, gardens, parks, open spaces, pedestrian areas, streets, and paths.

Colourful Parkspace in Garden Place, Hamilton Source: Auckland Design Manual

Colourful Seating in Garden Place, Hamilton Source: Auckland Design Manual

John Sorrel, chairman of the English Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, stated that “everyone in the world uses public space: as soon as you leave your home and walk into the street, or square, or path outside, you are in a public space. In this sense, the public realm is one of the few services that every single person benefits from: whether rich or poor, young or old� (Gaventa, 2006). Some examples of good public furniture aside from seating include pedestrian lights, trees, planters, parking meters, street lighting, kiosks, flag poles, signage, and drinking fountains. People love to sit, people-watch, eat and socialize with others so providing seating is one of the most functional and qualitative improvements that can be made to any public space. It can also double as a barrier to separate zones such as pedestrian and vehicular traffic on shared streets. Locating seating in both sunny and shady areas lends an inviting choice for users to either sit in groups or in solitude on the edge of activities as a place of comfortable refuge and privacy. To be extra considerate, provide a variety of seating options to attract a range of users, such as higher seats with backs and armrests for older visitors, as well as low planter box seating for the younger visitors. Casual seating is so versatile and flexible, it can be placed in any environment or removed just as easily, as well as be of any height and orientation. They can add colour and vibrancy to a space creating a customizable personality for a place of any size. Thoughtful environmental planning of location, uses, and textures create attractive areas that encourage a physically and mentally healthier lifestyle. Safe civic spaces should be places of comfort, enjoyment, and respite from busy, usually sedentary, urban life.

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GREENIFY In reconnecting cities back to nature, strategies include not only visual greenery but also in terms of caring for the environment and exploiting opportunities for sustainability. Utilizating natural systems of rainwater collection, infiltrration, redistribution, and transpiration beyond city sewer systems such constructing rain gardens are a great community project that also brightens up the mundane streetscape. As a community works together on projects like these and the news spreads, the community will be that much prouder and the promotion will also lead to adoption of these practices in other communities.

Back Alley Makeover Project in the UK Source: Streets Ahead For Information Initiative

Community Vertical Garden Source: Green Alleys Project

Remembering that following CPTED, added vegetation should be placed as low ground cover and high canopies (Moore & Powers, 1993) for unobstructed sight lines, take note not to create hiding spots and ambush opportunities. Beyond crime deterrence, greenery also adds to neighbourhood character, provides shading, and improves air quality. We can simultaneously increase mental health, the value of communities (which we know helps with territorial reinforcement), and protect the environment. Another great idea is planting an entire pollinator pathway with the community. Not only are you relinquishing space to be useful again, but they act as a link for garden-friendly creatures to more through an urban neighbourhood which helps wildlife thrive. Typical grass medians are sterile like a desert, take away creature habitats, and are constantly damaged by pollution and pesticides. The more connected people are to the natural environment, the more they commit to keeping it healthy, so include the children in the project, they’ll probbaly learn a thing or two as well. All these community DIYs show that a space is cared for and creates an identity for an otherwise copy-paste community in which the residents can be proud of. Crime such as graffiti is prevented by creating surfaces that troublemakers wouldn’t have the heart to deface. Lastly, a quote to show how much the little green projects in the city matter:

A Pollinator Pathway in Seattle, Washington Source: Sarah Bergmann, 2012

“It is particularly ironic that the battle to save the world’s remaining healthy ecosystems will be won or lost not in the tropical forests or coral reefs that are threatened but on the streets of the most unnatural landscapes on the planet.” -Worldwatch Institute, 2007

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WALKABILITY Before the rise of the automobile, the streets were dominated by people. As illustrated in the first diagram on the left, the lighter area that surrounds the building all belonged to the pedestrian. Nowadays, we are pushed to the edges of the buildings and most of the space outside of buildings are given to the vehicle. Even without government action, we have the ability to return people back to the streets by bringing back more human scale experiences.

Diagram of a Pedestrian Pocket Source:

Diagram of a Pedestrian Pocket Source:

Diagram of a Pedestrian Pocket Source:

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Diagram of a Pedestrian Pocket Source:

By prioritizing the pedestrian and their needs, better mixed used buildings and community-based planning will arise. A more walkable city would cater to an overlooked but a significant portion of society: the population without a car. This includes the youth who are below driving age, the elderly, people with disabilities, and people who don’t have the means to own a vehicle. Therefore, the vibrancy in the quality of space can either attract or deter people from gathering. Creating pleasant places to be outdoors and to move between destinations improves the odds that more people will choose to walk. Investments in the public realm, thoughtfully sited and designed, bring many tangible and intangible returns. Recently, the International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health published a study in the UK stating that a more walkable city strongly decreases blood pressure, adding on that investing in “small retrofits for a more activity-friendly and walkable city, then there will be significant savings in future healthcare expenfitures such as preventive medicine and cures� (The Guardian, 2008). It can be easy to take for granted the profound impact our surroundings and the quality of those surroundings, has on our daily lives. The spaces around us shape our lives and everyone has a stake in this. From business owners who want to see their retail distracts become profitable, to health experts encouraging exercise, to a commuter who uses the sidewalk to reach the bus stop on their daily trip to work. The public realm can bcecome excellent places to live, work, and play. Each community in the city can become little towns where children can play outside safely and errands can be done together, possibly by foot to support the local business and get acquainted with our neighbours to strengthen community interaction and bond. For individuals and families alike, there are many benefits to taking a stroll and smelling the roses too.


LIGHTING According to CPTED, the goals of lighting are to (1) create a psychologcail deterrent to criminals and terrorists engaging in crimes of strealth and unwanted intrusion; and (2) enable and improve detection and capture of the potential intruder or criminals (Atlas, 2013.). Lighting can greatly impact our sense of safety as it is harder to be ambushed. Criminals tend to avoid misbehaving in bright environments in fear that they can be easily observed and identified. Another functional incentive for good lighting is for efficient wayfinding. The environment should use lighting to define areas and direct flow of traffic to mitigate any feeling of being lost or making the space feel uninviting. A couple of tips for evaluating and/or improving lighting in the community are to create even lighting to avoid deep shadows, take note of surrounding obstructions such as planters that create nooks for darkness, thoughtful aesthetic choice in light types, colours, direction, and uniformity to prevent glare and maximize visibility. The attention to these aspects of lighting aims to deny a place to hide; a space where you feel in control contributes to a feeling of safety.

COMMUNITY FUN Community Project: DIY Solar Lamps Source: Green Alleys Organization

String Lighting During Buckham Alley Festival in Flint, MI, USA Source: Market Octavia Living Alleys Toolkit

Creative lighting solutions can add character and positive energy to a space, it can also add more value to a community when done together. DIY Projects have become very prominent in today’s culture and for good reasons. A local businessman placed string lighting for a festival in Flint, Michigan for only USD$130 a month and he even planned to use them again for his wedding. This small project he took on created a “ceiling” for the alley which defined the space to offer a more pleasant human scaled experience. String lighting is a great temporary alternative as they are typically inexpensive, quick and easy to install and remove, and can be turned off when not needed to conserve energy. With simple reuse and/or upcycling of lighting fixtures, as in the case of the art installation in Athens where an innovative studio called Beforelight worked together with Imagine The City, a non-profit organization along with the citizens of Psirri and their donations of over 150 lamp fixtures and lamp shades to bring back liveliness that once inhabited this forgotten street. Not only were nearby residents happy to see that somebody cared, the street became the buzz of the town and more repairs were made on the facades along the street, therefore decreasing the chances of the broken window theory. These projects showcase that it’s possible to transform a dingy alleyway into a safe and intimate space for interaction as well as people watching for residents in upper stories of the adjacent buildings. As these projects attract attention and are placed in public spaces, remember to consider low level downlighting to minimize any disturbance that could be caused to other residents as it gets late.

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PLACEMAKING Placemaking is about making quality spaces where people want to spend time. A successfully conceived place often has qualities that are memorable, something unusual with a rich character that makes it stand out, a space with a distinctive identity. A beautiful view, large trees, or historic buildings can give voice to the local community and its culture. Place making springs from understanding the local conditions and recognizing the opportunities that these conditions and cultures offer so what better initiator than the people of the community itself to make this more commonplace. People want to live in places the cultivate connectedness – to the physical city itself as well as the people in it. It is the interchange of ideas and shared experience that brings vibrancy to urban areas, and it takes shared spaces to accomplish what cities do best. (Bain et al., 2012.) Don’t be afraid to be unique and iconic when making a space, small or large, become what you want. Catering to a certain niche could lead to the space becoming a destination spot you could never fathom. Events you couldn’t even imagine at first could transpire. For example, the first city permitted Art Park in Calgary is a revitalized brownfield turned pop up arts and culture hub. ContainR Park started with some sculpture work and commissioned graffiti which attracted skateboarders, but now it is home to shipping container pop up retails, an open air theatre, a courtyard made of repurposed rig mats, movable seating, a little library, permaculture gardens, bee keeping, and solar powered projects (Springboard Performance, 2017).

ContainR Park in Calgary, AB, Canada Source: Mike Byerley

Times Square Pedestrian Plaza Event in New York City, New York, USA Source: The New York Times

South of the border is one of the most renowned public spaces in the world: Times Square. A pedestrian friendly plaza that was once a dangerous roadway just under a decade ago. In 2009, Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, was in a rut when the permanent furniture was still months away from arriving. The decision to implement 200 lawn chairs was one of great success that lead to needing 200 more chairs, but not without a few controversial critiques concerning its tacky simplicity. Either case, it created a conversation about good public space. People generally travel at three to four feet per second. At that scale and pace, every detail matters. The quality of experience is affected by materials, surrounding noise and sound, aesthetics, and other diversions such as the feeling of ground material in every step, the colour of the street furniture, and the sound of water. As we (re)brand the spaces around us, remember that... “If you plan cities for cars and traffic, you get cars and traffic. If you plan for people and places, you get people and places.” -Fred Kent, People for Public Spaces

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Superkilen: An Urban Park in Norrebro, Copenhagen, Denmark Source: ArchDaily


COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY

Community Clean Up in Hoboken, New Jersey, USA Source: Hoboken New Jersey Government

Not only does community events encourage social cohesion and bonding, the community becomes a place that exudes pride and a sense of belonging. A cleaner and more cared for community deters criminal according to the broken window theory, which believes that by taking care of vandalism, graffiti, litter, and other obvious building code and/or life safety violations, it’ll prevent the above offences to reoccur, deter crime and terrorism, and instead encourage legitimate activities for both the young and the old. Participation in community happenings such as barbeques and potlucks are great in building resident relationships. For funding, many peole turn to community associations, but its the effort in working together on hands on, highvisibility service projects such as clean up days in the name of Earth Month that foster happy residents and healthy families. Speaking of healthy, green initiatives have been gaining momentum such as community gardens.

Community BBQ in Swan River, MB, Canada Source: Lesley Sembaluk

Community Rooftop Garden in Regent, Melbourne, Australia Source: PPS Organization

Community Art Installation in Psirri, Athens Source: Sue White

In fact, urban gardens have become a symbol of contemporary community activism and empowerment showcasing support for environmental justice, collective action, a connection back to nature, and equitable access to nutrition and health (PPS, 2016). Promoting physical and mental health, it can be a getaway from the stress of living in a fast-paced city. It can also be an opportunity to educate children and adults interested in culinary, sustainability, culture, or agriculture. There is evidence linking the increase in green space such as community gardens to improved safety in neighborhoods as it follows many CPTED principles. Two reports in the Journal of Environment and Behavior studied the impact nature has on mental fatigue which is often a precursor of aggression and violence, and the relationship between increased green space and reduced inner city crime rates in comparison to those who lived in more barren conditions (Sage Publications Inc). Although there will be challenges to overcome as a community such as organization, funding, and nurturing for a garden and adapting it to conditions such as increased wind and sun exposure on the rooftop but the rewards gained and relationships built will be highly satisfying.

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WINDOWS intention

Broken Windows Source: Susana Gonzalez Ruiz

Diagrams Depicting Good and Bad Examples of Windows Source: http://web01.redland.qld.gov.au

A Street in Prague Full of Pedestrians Source: www.prague.eu

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Cared for Windows With Plants Source: Iascl Windows

Learning from CPTED, the basis of the “Broken Windows Theory”, developed in 1982 by the criminologists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling is that broken windows left unrepaired is a signifier that no one cares or is charge and that this behaviour is not frowned upon. Since the next person isn’t the first one to damage pristine property, thinking that there probably won’t be any consequences, more windows will be broken soon after. These windows, in turn, will reinforce the message of neglect and lack of control and the degree of vandalism and crime will increase gradually to turn the place into a dangerous area for its inhabitants. Similar to graffiti in a washroom, a conclusion of this theory is that lowlevel anti-social behaviors can escalate and lead to more serious crimes and urban decay if they aren’t tackled at the source. As important as the street facing windows are to overlook public, semi-private and shared open space as a form of natural surveillance, you cannot neglect the treatment of the windows on the remaining facades that may seem as primary in safety. Not only in the maintenance of the windows and exterior walls but going beyond that by, for example, adding some plants to convey that the spot is frequented, respected, cared for. Windows provide natural surveillance in the amount correlated to the abundance of windows facing the area. The more windows there are on a facade, it conveys the idea that the public are welcome through the area and it is not a fully private space. It aids in wayfinding and even tighter spaces with windows can turn alleys to avoid into inviting shortcuts, therefore attributing use to a space rather than it becoming a hiding spot for illegitimate usage. If designing, selecting, renovating, or retrofitting your windows, there are a couple key technical tips to consider: (1) groupings of smaller windows function as a large window but possess increased security while still providing daylight and natural ventilation; (2) clerestory windows, these are placed high on a building wall to allow natural daylight, natural ventilation, increased occupant privacy, yet does not permit easy entry; and lastly, (3) though expensive upfront, properly framed glass will resist burglary, wind damage, and threats such as drive by shootings.


DIVIDE SPACES

Shopping Mall in Prague Source: Libre Shot

Dividing interior and exterior spaces into small, easily identifiable areas allow for easy visibility of unwanted behaviour or people as they will appear out of place and different from the assumed associated group of individuals or users (Atlas, 2013). People will feel safer as each divided space carries with it its territorial reinforcment and a smaller safe is easier to look after. There is proud ownership in each divison of space such as in a shopping mall, where each store carries out their own form of safety maintenance and deterrence of criminal behaviour. Malls carry out a mostly successful implementation of a division of labour which leads to more thorough surveillance throughout the entire space. Of course, there are more typical physical strategies implemented in a mall for perimeter definition than an open green field. Typical buffers and barriers in designs are walls, fences, trenches, and static barriers but there are also more aesthetically pleasing ways that signify edges such as ponds, waster basins, planters, sculptures, and street furniture. As for mixed used zones or open zones, there may be no physical barriers between each sport or game but users are broken down into groups and that makes it easier to spot unusual activity or guests.

Family Community Field Day Source: www.mrwejr.edublogs.org

Wadsworth Schoolyard Revitalization Project in Chicago, IL, USA Source: Space To Grow Organization

The basketball court at James Wadsworth Elementary School used to be unusable and unsafe due to deterioration of the playground equipment that was left unrepaired such as holes on the slides and broken glass on the ground. But now, after a $1.5 million transformation through the Space to Grow program, the schoolyard at Wadsworth is a safe place for everyone to play. Surfaces have been retrofitted with designs using materials to capture rainwater which reduce the chance of flooding such as permeable pavers. Before the transformation, the older kids were using the monkey bars as workout equipment and the younger kids had nowhere to spend their lunches, and possibly develop bad habits instead. Or invite intruders into thinking that they can camouflage and behave inappropriately.v 25


TACTICAL URBANISM Tactical Urbanism are tactics used to improve the urban environment; interventions that typically quick, lowcost, and temporary small scale projects to make a small part of the city anywhere in the world more lively and enjoyable. Pop ups for the community that activate the site and become destinations for people to gather. Theoretically, tactical urbanism can be placed in any space due to its small and adaptive nature. Yet, the best examples are consistently found in “compact cities featuring an undervalued/underutilized supply of walkable urban fabric which calls attention to the limited social, economic, and physical resiliency found in sprawling, auto-centric environments” (Lydon, 2015). Created for the urban streets, they are highly-visible, smaller and short-term interventions that can be extremely unique and “made to fit” in any selected space. Examples include street closures for the pedestrians, yarn-bombing, and, particularly successful, pavement-toparks. In 2005, a san francisco art and design studio called Rebar turned a parking space into a mini public park by “renting” the space with a fully paid parking meter. The idea of the project was to challenge assumptions about the way that a public space is used in the City, and to empower people to define how space is used. This small-scale guerilla action inspired people all over the world to create temporary spaces of their own in creative ways. It became an anunal, worldwide event in just 4 years after the original installation as PARK(ing) Day 2009 simultaneously generated 700 parks in 140 cities in 6 continents (Bain et al., 2012). Unfortunately, the reality of some other cities faced more difficulty. In Louisvile, Kentucky, a setup was shut down and moved indoors. Metro Louisville Public Works required approval from four different departments, a traffic plan, and a three-footer buffer with reflective cones for safety (Broken Sidewalk, 2009).

Temporary Yarn Bombing of a Tree in Santa Barbara, USA Source: Stephen Duneier

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Temporary Closure of a Street for Yoga Source: Bradley P. Johnson

Participatory Public Art in New Orleans, USA Source: The Civic Center

PARK(ing) Day in Houston, Texas, USA Source: The Rice Design Alliance


DESIGN LEFTOVER SPACE

Bouldering Wall Under Expressway in Burnley, Victoria, Australia Source: Brett Williams

Strategies and ideas overlap a bit here but this section is to put into perspective the larger picture of how particular spaces are repeatedly overlooked. Spaces that seemingly can’t be transformed into productive and vibrant spaces for the public. In “Local Code”, Nicholas de Monchaux studies and visualizes opportunities to revitalize dormant and forgotten fragments of the urban fabric, such as dead-end alleys, the vacant corner lot, and spaces leftover from elevated infrastructure (2016). By incorporating activities or making it a safe, alternative connection to possible destinations, the use of the space will ward off unwanted behaviour and people.

ELEVATED EXPRESSWAYS

A Street in Cartagena, Columbia, South America Source: Danaan Andrews

People enjoy spaces that are scaled appropriately for use by people, interpreting them as cozy, intimate, and safe. Flyovers create leftover, unused space underneath with poorly defined boundaries that make the area appear larger than it actually is, with the space ‘bleeding’ off into parking lots or other adjacent empty spaces. There have been several projects that have been successful around the world such as the Burnley Bouldering Wall in Australia, Burnside Skate Park in Oregon (USA), Underpass Park in Toronto, BaySixty6 in London, I-5 Colonnade Mountain Bike Park in Seattle, and so on, all of them creatively departing from traditional neglect.

RESIDENTIAL STREETS & ALLEYS

Snow Block: A Dead End Alley Revitalization in USA Source: Devin Koski

Alleys in earlier eras were intended for unslightly things, such as stabling of horses, coal delivery, trash and privies while prioritizing the grander frontage along the stree free from undesirable sights and smells. Now, we’re seeing the transition of garbage collecting, weekend car mechanics and children playing move to the front. Unused showpiece in the front and rear yards as living spaces that were once considered safer, leaving alleys to become a negative place. Neither back alleys nor front streets are merely just for vehicle circulation as shown in numerous revitalization projects such as the Snow Block in the USA where it actually brought the community cohesion and afforded the kids new experiences. It reminds us that in the end, every space in the city caters to the human. Also a good idea used is the naming of alleys to foster an identity such as artists alley in Mangum, Oklahoma, cat alley in Tokyo, pirate alley in New Orleans, Louisiana. Occupying these areas reduce the potential for hiding spaces and if well maintained, can increase eyes on the streets, literally.

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MEASURING SAFETY & QUALITY

Diagram Breaking Down the Components of CPTED Source: Lancaster Safety Organization

2x2 Matrix of the SWOT Analysis Method Source: Investopia

Up until only recently, the built environment was only measured through quantitative and objective means such as neighbourhood density and other numerical statistics on demographics. This leaves out the actual experience as a user of a space because these perceptual qualities of the urban environment were difficult to measure. This then moved onto the idea of measuring urban design qualities that exist between the physical features and the behaviours such as building height, block length, street/sidewalk widths, and so on (Ewing & Clemente, 2013). It was thought that this broke down the highly subjective qualities into quantifiable elements so that it can be rated and compared reliably. Some examples of intangible qualities of urban design that were deconstructed are imageability, visual enclosure, human scale, transparency, and complexity as they related to the built environment to social, psycological, and health outcomes. There is honestly no set framework of analysis to follow that would fit every situation. Some ideas to get us started could be a simplified SWOT analysis whereby an area is evaluated and sorted into strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Population studies used by urban planners and policy-makers that look at trends (changes and rates of change in number and location of people, as well as the consequences of change), characteristics (age and gender, composition, birth statistics, death statistics, ethnic composition, distribution, migration, and population pyramids), and projections (techniques include cohortsurvival model, geometric interpolation, and simulation models). (Palazzo & Steiner, 2011) Another great way to more specifically get an idea of a space is a four page questionnaire made by the Market Octavia for their Living Alleys Project made available for everyone. In all cases, some sample questions to keep in the back of our minds are:

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Examples of Residents’ Evaluation of the Condition of an Alley Source: Market Octavia Living Alleys Toolkit

How many people are walking? At what speed? How much space is given to/ prioritized for, the pedestrian? How safe do you feel in the walking environment? How many destinations are nearby? How comfortable is the street for pedestrians? How happy are you with the space as is? What do you think is missing in the space?


CPTED CASE STUDIES

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WHY CALGARY? This compilation is the essence of Calgary as an evaluation from my perspective – my hometown from my eyes, . Still a growing city, it can be seen that Calgary is slowly trying to transform into a more lively city. Due to this fact, there are pros and cons in every aspect of the city. There is meshing of the new and old strategies of what a good city should be throughout the decades. So how successful is this city becoming in terms of CPTED? It was actually especially difficult to analyze a city in which one has grown up in for over two decades. It is an environment that follows rules and consists of predictable behaviours that have become second nature to you. To look at spaces critically requires another subject for comparing and contrasting. Reverse culture shock aided in seeing Calgary with a changed set of eyes when I came back from halfway across the world, Tokyo.

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calgary, ab, canada RIVERWALK NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Sight Lines: Open area with no shelters allows for an abundance of natural surveillance. Trees could be pruned so that most sight lines could penetrate through but as they are strategically placed in groups, there should stil be enough unobstructed views. LEGIBILITY Placemaking: Running through the heart of Calgary, the Bow River defines the city as one of its most iconic features. Recently resurfaced as part of the downtown East Village Revitalization project that initiated in 2005, is now resulting in a rebranded identity that caters beautifully to the public – when it’s not winter that is. Otherwise joggers, cyclists, and families are frequently seen. Lighting: There are numerous pedestrian-scaled lamp posts lined along the entire stretch of the riverwalk, including seat lighting. A combination of down lighting for movement and up lighting for ambiance provides a safe, attractive and well lit space. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Division of Space: The lining of trees, fencing, and public furniture placement can be seen creating space depicted in each photo that has its own identity and function. Areas of rest and circulation are separated but still connected. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Empathy for the Homeless: No spikes used as deterrence. Clean, unsegmented seating is implemented. As a large and representative public space of Calgary, there are no signifiers of discrimination against the homeless. Empathy for the Homeless: No spikes used as deterrence. Clean, unsegmented seating is implemented. As a large and representative public space of Calgary, there are no signifiers of discrimination against the homeless. 31


calgary, ab, canada ART IN THE CITY NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Walkability: Making the urban and residential streets more interesting lends itself to being safe circulation space that people choose to walk by and slowly becomes a part of their community placemaking markers. Art as Deterrence: Most art seen in Calgary are murals as they are easier to commission, if at all, and is more of a community project that brings pride. Having art already on walls deters vandalism that could otherwise make kids and youth, and their parents or grandparents, feel unsafe and warrant unwanted illegal spray paint signage. LEGIBILITY Placemaking: Having used to live near Village Square Public Library and Recreation, the mural on the ramp leading up to the building has become a symbol of home for me. Many office buildings also include sculptural art on their block, at their entrance as a wayfinding technique as well. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Design Leftover Space: One of the more recent commissioned murals by a professional is the mosaic mural by Ron Moppett in East Village, along the concrete underpass infrastrcture that elevates the light rail transit system. It is a unique piece of art that uses almost a million tiny glass tiles and is sprayed to prevent vandalism to last long. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Community Connectivity: Bringing together the community doesn’t necessarily have to start and end with the physical distance of people, but it can also mean the cultural community that extends past the immediate neighbourhood. Aside from the murals and mural tours of the Calgary Chinese Community Service Association (CCCSA), there are also Utility Box Paintings by Gateway Youth city seen all over the city. 32


calgary, ab, canada EAST VILLAGE NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Sight Lines and Lighting: With clusters of thin and/or short trees, and near the Fort Calgary grounds, the East Village is a relatively open area. It allows for a lot of people to gather and shows barely any vertical density like the downtown core. This allows for minimal hiding spots and long sight lines for natural surveillance. With the help of lighting, the sight line is only hindered a small amount at night. LEGIBILITY Walkability: Being a revitalized space, under Mayor Nenshi, the East Village project has been quite successful. He and CMLC have implemented numerous thoughtful aspects such as a corridor through downtown and a very legible riverwalk, as well as flexible spaces. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Placemaking: East Village is becoming the talk of the town as it continually tries to be the trendy topic. It is located in a prime location and thus warrants many uses as businesses and people around the city congregate. Divide spaces: As previously mentioned, the numerous spaces can be seen as divided by function in the photos on the left. There is a community garden, a playground nearby, open space for functions and temporary events, there is concrete space away from the river, and paved space near the river as well. This allows for easier surveillance as anybody who doesn’t belong will stick out. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Greenify: Having so much vegetation that gives the appearance of being maintained, pruned and green, means that there are constantly visited and cared for. Tactical Urbanism: Similar to above, temporary events such as yoga and shipping container pop up retail parks draw attention and crowds of legitimate behvaiour. 33


calgary, ab, canada ALLEYS NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Placemaking: It’s difficult making alleys a space of place, and it can be seen that more than not, the alleys in Calgary are desolate places that don’t offer a sense of safety. Normally, alleyways are not a sense of place, but some are a part of someone’s everyday routine to get home, or work, or etc. So it becomes an identity of a transitory route, so it is recognized as a space of place, whether negatively or positively. Community Connectivity: Literally translated, an alleyway connects the community physically as it is a shared used space. If it were to become LEGIBILITY Art as Deterrence: To some extent, art such as on Stephen Ave (8th Ave) can elevate a space. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Design Leftover Space: The Container Box Bar, set up in a downtown alley by local restauranteur has proven to be quite successful in the summer. It is beneficial for both the business owner and for providing users an intimate and unique space just by taking some time to decorate the outdoors. Public Seating and Furniture: Adding seating changes the alleyways into a space of rest instead of a circulatory pathway and can reinforce territorial grounds by the people who set it up and/or use it. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

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Divide Spaces: By nature, alleyways are divided space and honestly, constrained and limited space. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to make the space safer. In fact, it should mean that these spaces are the first to be revitalized as they can be shortcuts and even if not, they are most often used for vehicles, which are objects that cater to the human. Smaller spaces can be easier to manage and maintain, at the scale of an average human, it would only take a few people who care to change an alleyway space. A great first project to take on.


calgary, ab, canada RESIDENTIAL NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Sight Lines: Sight Lines in most neighbourhoods are quite minimal. In the older neighbourhoods, bigger trees that hide the windows and most of the house from being seen as it is common to think that promotes privacy and safety, but quite the opposite is true according to CPTED. LEGIBILITY Graphics and Signage: Small simple signs with a couple words on them are as far as signage goes in the residential areas. It seems like every street is basically the same and for kids, that could mean difficulty finding their way home from school, or a friends house. This increases the need for apps such as Google Maps rather than creating place that counters the mundane. Walkability: The sidewalks of the residential neighbourhood are the main components of legible walkability for transit takers and dog-walkers. The neighbourhoods are very functional and don’t add much interest, there could be more iconic pieces of art or vegetation placed at the ends of blocks so that wayfinding during a stroll is easier. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Divide Spaces: Neighbourhoods are tightly packed and pathways are usually winding and restricted as lanes upon lanes of house-road-house. This is good for watching your kid place in areas and having a sense of community possibly with just the families who live on the same street as you. This allows for some minimal mutal surveillance. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Community Connectivity: Most people I know don’t develop strong ties with their neighbours, even in a condo setting. There are minimal community events unless you’re starting a family, in which the activities may seem more appealing. Each community has an association but the level of care and effort from each varies, leading to good and bad neighbourhoods unfortunately based on affluency. 35


calgary, ab, canada INFRASTRUCTURE NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Placemaking: Just by adding a touch of lights, playful, signage, art, or seating, these spaces could again become destinations or at the very least, a path that warrants numerous people to want to take home so that natural surveillance is naturally increased. Sight Lines: Infrastructure, especially underpasses, inherently have limites to their sight lines from most vantage points. This in turn, means that infrastructure also creates the most hiding spots for unwanted behaviour to occur. A solution is to populate these spaces with permanent eyes on the street, perhaps with hot dog stands and the like. Empathy for the Homeless: These spaces, because of these leftover reputation and sheltered hiding spots are spaces that the homeless may need to go to for shelter during the day. LEGIBILITY Lighting: Lighting is a practical and functional strategy in wayfinding that instantly adds to everyone’s sense of safety. Placing good lighting in usually overlooked spaces such as underpasses exponentially increases the safety as these are spaces that sometimes are crucial to the route one takes, but can be believed to be the most dangerous. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Divide Spaces: Unfortunately, the division of this space is actually leftover after the desirable space is taken. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Greenify: Adding vegetation to an area signifies a need to be maintained and frequented, either by business owners or the City of Calgary. Most of these spaces tend to be strictly functional, often times there will be a garbage can at most. The greyscape is not only the environment catering to the mundane day to day work grind but houses great potential in brightening someone’s day due to it’s constant occurrence and permanence in someone’s life. 36


calgary, ab, canada EVENTS & PROGRAMS NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Placemaking: Some events can become annual occurrences that people lok forward to and associate with the temporary space that holds it each year. Developing a reputation or brand for a space lets people know there is a niche of targeted audience that will frequent this place and may notice anything out of the ordinary. People may more likely keep a space maintained when they know it will be used in the near future. LEGIBILITY Graphics and Signage: As seen in the photos, there is little to no physical indication of event aside from the people at the event and maybe a sign at the door. The advertising of events is mainly limited to word of mouth and the internet, and sometimes we overestimate the ability of the internet as many don’t know how to use it still. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Divide Spaces: By dividing spaces and each having a space to be responsible for lets outsiders know that they are more likely going to be caught if they do anything illegal or unwanted. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Tactical Urbanism: Temporary programs and events are the backbone of cities like Calgary where the weather fluctuates so that most events can’t occur year round in spaces that could be otherwise epensive to rent or just won’t be popular and used during certain times of the year. Therefore, flexibility in program and the allowance of transitory events just as the city is in constant flux will allow for successful, adaptive events year round. Citizens also appreciate the ability to try something out temporarily, whether they are providing services or indulging in something new every month. Sometimes, like in the case of the Inglewood Children’s Reading Place, which started as little free library posted up around the city to a permanent space in the form of an entire house that caters to enabling children with books they can take home and an experience like no other. 37


WHY TOKYO? The second longest I’ve fully lived in a city was the three months in Tokyo for a semester abroad. Having grown up with the cultural values and habits of North America, living in Asia was a completely different experience. The density and unspoken rules were enough for a culture shock, let alone the language barrier. Built space and architecture followed a different set of priorities due to differences such as weather, population, transportation, and other needs or wants. Even with the unique circumstances and considerations of Tokyo, CPTED principles can still be applied and found. It opened my mind to other methods of achieving similar results, strategies that were commonplace to another country. It was tremendously valuable as a designer to see the application of what we learned to solve different problems. The months of immersion into Tokyo have definitely served as an ideal urbanscape in which to compare and contrast CPTED in the city.

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tokyo, japan SHIBUYA NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Placemaking: Renowned worldwide, the Shibuya district and more specifically, the Shibuya crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world; each crossing averages at more than one hundred people. Like Times Square, it is an iconic space where there are people in motion as well as people resting. This highly increases the natural surveillance in an already safe country. For certain events, these streets also close off to vehicular traffic as well. LEGIBILITY Sight Lines: Due to the intensity of the vertical density that is a feature of Tokyo, the streets for pedestrians are very delineated and enhanced by the streams of people. Though the sight lines are hindered by the sheer amount of people and buildings, what lacks in length is made up for by again, the sheer amount of people and buildings. Both adds up to a massive amount of eyes at every meter therefore the eyes on the street surveillance is maintained and there are less hiding spots as well. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Divide Space and Windows: Having so much retail and restaurants in the heart of Shibuya that face the street lends itself to an abundance of natural surveillance along with a division of responsibility between the valuable and limited space that belongs to each business owner. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Community Connectivity: Somewhat unusual, there is a city wide communal connectivity I sense in Tokyo that I don’t in Calgary even though the city operates garbage collection as well. There is a level of respect and care that is taken on by business owners, the city, and the employees that take care of garbage collection. One night of cans and stacks of garbage bags is neatly taken care of by the next morning and the streets are once again clean. It signifies a higher sense of care for shared spaces than seen in North America.

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tokyo, japan ART IN THE CITY NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Walkability: Also talked about in placemaking, creating circulation spaces that have intriguing facades and sculptural work that engages the pedestrian or adds wonderment to their daily commute is great for generating eyes on the street. Tokyo is a city known for its large population and successful transitoriented pedestrian lifestyles. LEGIBILITY Graphics and Signage: Slightly different from the typical signs that first come to mind, graphics alone are also a strategy for wayfinding and because they are usually unique, it can also enhance placemaking. Placemaking: Aside from art pieces that greenify a space, there are a number of temples and shrines that are dispersed all throughout the city, sometimes almost suddenly next to an office building. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Lighting: Tokyo, like many other renowned cities, have a nightlife like no other. The abundance of light that affords the nightlife makes space safe to hang out around on the streets when the sun goes down and because entire streets and districts participate in the competition of gaining customers, entire districts are lit up with people and lights. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Art as Deterrence: Facades, sculptures, greenery, cultural shrines and temples, they are all forms of thoughtfully curated artworks that deters illegitimate behaviour out of respect as well as the frequently upheld management due to strong territorial reinforcement values. Greenify: When possible, it seems that Tokyo incorporates nooks of greenery to elevate the otherwise sterile greyscape that is the very developed city of Tokyo. They recognize the benefits of nature being small getaways from the work grind. 40


tokyo, japan HARUMI NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Sight Lines: Plazas such as these are designed for peoplewatching while you eat your lunch outdoors, a light stroll on a work break, or for bringing children to these spaces. They are colourful and full of vibrancy and life as such a getaway from work should be. Divide Space: There are divisions of space cut by ciculation paths that can provide an alluring sense of privacy and intimacy or seating in the public. Choice is attractive to pedestrians and will likely draw more people to both walk around and sit. Walkability: Because of the various textures, sounds, and colours, walks through this area are never exactly the same and there is new interest to be found in the detail each time. A new set of eyes all throughout the day is great for natural suveillance. LEGIBILITY Graphics & Signage: About half the time, the signage is written in both japanese and english. More than just relaying the most important information such as location and direction, but these signs have playful graphics and fun facts such as the types of flowers and the historical story behind cultural items that make it interesting for tourists and children. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Sight Lines and Windows: Open space with no high trees as obstruction, and even with medium sizes trees, there are windows that are both high and low to cover sight lines from all direction. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Greenify: In Japan, when there is vegetation, there always seems to be someone who maintains it to keep it looking perfect, whether it be the city or hired help for large office buildings. Even when workers aren’t around to supply natural surveillance, it is very clear that someone can frequent the spot at any time and is a place that people care about. For example, the small plants are tended to and trees are braced by wooden structures. 41


tokyo, japan ALLEYS NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Walkability: Actually used as shortcuts and places for unexpected retail, alleyways are quite safe and walkable in Tokyo. Not extremely inviting, but knowing that there are eyes in the alleyways and a small stream of people walking through as well as being a country known for being safe, these spaces don’t go unused, therefore less hiding spots. Placemaking: Due to the density in Tokyo, in terms of both the population but along with it, the amount of storefronts and businesses, it is quite valuable to stand out. Creative decorating or other strategies that make a space memorable is worthwhile for communities of business owners. With this attitude, there is a reason to be in any neighbourhood in Tokyo and the attention of people warrants the gathering of increased natural surveillance. LEGIBILITY Graphics and Signage: Almost in tune with placemaking, there are many ways that graphics and signage go beyond basic wayfinding. Taking that extra step of consideration, creativity, and effort makes a space memorable and gives it an identity that is usually welcoming as it lets people know this is not a private space. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Design Leftover Space: Because spaces are tight but also very valuable in Tokyo, spaces are creatively designed and there aren’t many leftover spaces in the busiest districts of Tokyo, but instead exist as we leave the radius of the Tokyo core and enter the more suburban areas that, not surprisingly, resemble North America in its treatment of space usage. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Greenify: What would’ve been leftover space behind buildings where the utilities exist, could be treated with care such as in the photo on the left. Not only is light being let through the canopies of the trees, but having that space as circulation as well as a breathable space that is actually nice to walk through speaks again to the place being maintained and cared for. 42


tokyo, japan RESIDENTIAL NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Sight Lines and Windows: Similar to the Western hemisphere, there are less ideal windows placed on the side of buildings though in Tokyo, the walkway between buildings in much smaller, it brings in more light but could also be a hiding spot at night. Less windows and light mean a limit to sight lines which could attract unwanted behaviour. Walkability: The walkability through the residential areas are brightly lit in the day and are very safe for everyone, the elderlies and kids alike. They are also clean streets used by many residents. Again, culture plays a large role in CPTED as realized in the comparison between the two cities as at night these areas are more cramped but people still use it knowing it will be safe.. LEGIBILITY Graphics and Signage: Less signage for steet names and house numbers than Calgary but they have made the best for their situation. For example, we have very strict road laws and signs such as stop signs and the accompanying 3-way stops that are the same throughout the city. But Tokyo knows that small residential streets hinder sight line length, there is possibility of vegetation growth hiding signs, and lastly, signs take up space that is simply too valuable in Tokyo, therefore there signage is painted on the ground in large colourful print. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Divide Spaces: Much like Calgary, there is a sense of territory at the scale of your own home and the scale of the community as a whole. Division of space, focused care, and labour for maintenance and territorial reinforcement like this seems to be a worldwide tactic. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Greenify: Lush potted plants can be seen as a form of alley diy gardening that divides space to reinforce territorial boundaries, but it again symbolizes a stronger sense of care in management than a concrete barrier as a divider. 43


tokyo, japan INFRASTRUCTURE NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Placemaking: Because spaces around infrastructure that is put to use is usually designed around the infrastructure, these adaptive built environments are usually creative and different from most others. The bookstore in the underpass, the mcdonalds underneath the train line, all spaces that are unheard of in North America. These places generate their own brand of identity and uniqueness attracts locals and tourists. Walkability: Making the spaces that are often neglected into spaces that are welcoming and people are seen walking through means that a space is safe enough to use daily. As more people use it, the more natural surveillance is supplied and less hiding spots for illegal activity to occur. Windows: Out in the open, having retail beyond the ground floor signifies usage and surveillance over a broader area. LEGIBILITY Sight Lines: Seen in the photos are spaces that are largely rectaliear, meaning sight lines may be far but at each corner, there is surprisingly new sight lines. Sight lines are also hindered by the infrastructure of course, it is thick and opaque and therefore relies on the little business shop owners that work within these spaces. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Design Leftover Space: The infrastruture in Tokyo is not much different than North America, there are tall buildings and elevated highways One big difference is the way space under the highways are used. Instead of being undesirable places that are neglected, dirty, and dark, these spaces can become places of interest. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Divide Space: With so many small business owners that care about their space, in the larger picture, the area will be maintained to a level in which is inviting and safe for customers. 44


tokyo, japan EVENTS & PROGRAMS NATURAL SURVEILLANCE Placemkaing: With unique solutions in how to activate a space, many of these are gaining a reputation and over time, temporary closures for events can become a key part of the space’s overall identity. Public Seating and Furniture: By placing pedestrian scale objects such as signs, seating with umbrella for shading, and lighting that makes a space more intimate brings a sense of safety and makes the are more inviting, suggesting clear legitimate behaviour and action. Walkability: Walking through the neighbourhoods and seeing crowded events show safety in numbers and eyes as well as pride in our community or intrigue from passerbys. LEGIBILITY Sight Lines and Lighting: Sight Lines are very important as they can draw more attention and news of the activity is spread through word of mouth. Bright colours such as the shipping container food truck and string lighting at night attracts people but it also a strategy in wayfinding by use of prominent, recognizable, and memorable objects. TERRITORIAL REINFORCEMENT Tactical Urbanism: Hanging up string lighting for the festive seasons and a pop up retail box underneath an elevated highway exhibits numerous tactics within that cater to the site and users such as live music shows in shipping containers, vintage clothing booths, artisanal crafts, and Instagram-worthy food. OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT Design Leftover Space: Tokyo takes spaces that would normally be considered as leftover and undesirable space, and turns them into petite and momentary hubs. It is seen that in Tokyo, they use their limited and valuable space efficiently and therefore, is not uncommon to see these spaces populated with living spaces, restaurants, retail, bicycle storage, and parks. 45


POSTWORD CPTED principles can be implemented in all scales of the city, the community, and our individual lives. In any case, it’s the creative and personal approaches that bring vibrancy as well as safety. When we care about our shared environment together, great reults can come and exceed expectations. Safety doesn’t need to be only about warning signs and barriers, it can be engaging and beautiful if at least one person cares enough to make a difference that will ripple out into the world. It is unfortunate that professionals often forget about the beauty at a human scale and the user experience when designing for function and abiding bylaws. Sometimes it is up to the people who spend the most time in the space to enhance and customize the forgotten space. But this doesn’t mean that you need to devoid yourself of professional help, they have a different set of skills and knowledge, as does each and everyone in your community. Organize a get-together with your neighbours and the community or friends that frequent the space to discuss thoughts on the space and what they want in the area. When it comes to brainstorming, the more the merrier. From different experiences to variances in hobbies and how people want to spend their free time, you will surely earn a new perspective or at the very least, get to know each other better and that promotes safety in the community through more eyes and a value in connection to take action. Knowing that taking on any project requies not only time and effort, but also funding, it may be everyone neighbours, community associations, the city’s - best interest to be affiliated with each other. Depending on the comfort level of involvement and project size being initiated, coordinating some time to meet with each other and talk about the scope of work and goals could be very worthwhile. Networking and researching could surface funding such as community grants, sponsorships, and possibly alignment of ideas with establishments such as local business or the community association. Using imagination and the ideas presented here as starting points to jump off from. Spend time in the space you want to revitalize! You will begin to see what is wrong and what works in the space and slowly you will be able to envision the new space. It helps to know that Rome wasn’t built in a day and that the best ideas may take some time to come but will definitely be worth it. The satisfaction of being a part of a better community with people who care just like you can be just as rewarding as the end result and new space and pasttime creation. Most importantly...

how do you envision the space around you to be best utilized?

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